ROCKINGHAM — Players and coaches from the past and present filled Richmond Senior High School’s baseball complex Saturday.
While the Raiders hosted Caldwell Academy for a non-conference game, the baseball program held its second Alumni Game event.
Head coach Eric Brown, a 2002 graduate and former Raider baseball player himself, said he was excited to see more than 30 former players and coaches in attendance.
Part of the pregame festivities was a tailgate for the alumni, who were allowed free admittance to the game.
Prior to first pitch, players and coaches of the 2000 Richmond baseball team were welcomed onto the field. That team finished the season 19-8 and was the 4A Western Regional champion and state runner-up.
Ronnie Yarbrough, the Raiders’ head coach during that run 25 years ago, threw out a ceremonial first pitch to current catcher Jabari Douglas. More than half of the team was present at the alumni game.
The Raiders went on to mercy-rule the Eagles 10-0 in five innings, their fourth straight win.
Following the win, the Raiders invited the Rockingham Rockies travel baseball team onto the field to help patch up the mound and home plate area. The two programs also posed for a photo.
The Raiders (11-6) host non-conference Triton High School (8-8) Wednesday at 6 p.m.
Sports editor’s note: All photos taken by Camden Nolan for The Richmond Observer.
