ROCKINGHAM — A half century has passed since the state championship-winning baseball team at Richmond Senior High School celebrated the school’s first 4A title.
Those players who dusted up the diamond in the spring of 1974, along with legendary coach George Whitfield, will be celebrated once again this weekend.
Eric Brown, the Raiders’ current head coach, has made it clear in his first season with the team that respecting tradition and building upon the legacy of the program is something he is passionate about.
A 2002 graduate and former player at Richmond, Brown announced last month that the Raider baseball program will be holding its inaugural Alumni Day.
Featuring a junior varsity and varsity double-header against non-conference Mooresville High School, the Saturday special will also recognize the 1974 Raiders.
“For us to be what we want to be and be successful in future, the big thing is acknowledging the tradition and all that has come before us that’s given us a standard to work up to,” Brown said.
“Bringing these (alumni) guys back and getting them involved is great for our program,” he added. “As an alumni myself, I want them to feel like a part of our program and be a part of what we’re building.”
The junior varsity team will begin play at 11 a.m. At the same time in the fieldhouse parking lot, an alumni tailgate will get underway. Hamburgers and hotdogs will be grilled and allow players from the past 52 years to “reminisce about the old days and catch up.”
Brown said as of Monday afternoon 75 former players have filled out an information sheet, which ensures free entry into Saturday’s games. He said he hopes many of those players will attend.
Ahead of the varsity game, players of the 1974 championship team will be called onto the field and recognized. Whitfield is expected to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
“There are short and long term benefits to this,” Brown said. “Right now we can get these alumni around the program so the guys wearing the uniform now can meet them and learn the history and how much this program means to people.
“In the moment it can be hard to realize that and what it means to be a Raider. It can give our players a chance to see how hungry people are to get back to that again.
“The long term benefits will hopefully see our alumni help with some of the needs of the program,” Brown closed. “Whether it’s their business or personal help, any time, effort and money will help.”
The Alumni Day tailgate will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, followed by first pitch between Richmond (9-5) against Mooresville (2-14) at 2 p.m.
