A Day of Heritage and Home Runs: The Newburgh Gorhams Return to the Diamond

The crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd hosted the annual Newburgh Gorhams tribute game this summer. Hosted by the Hudson Valley Renegades, the event was more than just a baseball game; it was a vibrant celebration of Newburgh’s rich history, athletic legacy, and the incredible talent of our current scholars. Black history is American history—celebrated and recognized all year long. 

Honoring the Legacy: Who Were the Newburgh Gorhams?

To understand the significance of the event, one must look back to the mid-20th century. The Newburgh Gorhams were a premier semi-professional Black baseball team that called Newburgh, specifically "Benkard Heights," home during the era of the Negro Leagues. 

In a time when professional sports were largely segregated, the Gorhams provided a platform for elite athletes to showcase their skills. They weren't just a team; they were a source of immense community pride, representing resilience and excellence in the face of systemic barriers. By donning the Gorhams jerseys once again, the Newburgh community ensures that this vital chapter of American sports history is never forgotten. 

Ceremonial Start: Leadership and Voice

The pre-game festivities set a powerful tone for the day. Torrance Harvey, serving in his dual roles as the ceremonial Mayor of the City of Newburgh and a dedicated teacher at NFA P-TECH, took to the mound to throw out the first pitch. His participation highlighted the strong bond between city leadership, education, and community tradition.

The stadium then fell silent for a breathtaking performance by NFA scholar Makhi Patterson. With incredible poise and vocal range, Makhi performed both "The Star-Spangled Banner" and "Lift Every Voice and Sing"—the Black National Anthem.

"Lift Every Voice and Sing" (The Black National Anthem)
Written as a poem by James Weldon Johnson and set to music by his brother J. Rosamond Johnson, these lyrics serve as a poignant reminder of the journey toward freedom:

Lift every voice and sing,
Till earth and heaven ring,
Ring with the harmonies of Liberty;
Let our rejoicing rise
High as the listening skies,
Let it resound loud as the rolling sea.
Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us,
Facing the rising sun of our new day begun,
Let us march on till victory is won.

The Heartbeat of the Game: The NECSD Drumline

Throughout the evening, the energy stayed electric thanks to the NECSD Drumline, under the expert direction of Mr. Dion Placencia. Performing several times during the game, the drumline kept the fans on their feet with rhythmic precision and high-energy choreography.

The inclusion of the drumline is a nod to a deep cultural history. In African American history, the drum has always been more than an instrument—it was a primary tool for communication and a symbol of community unity. From the traditional rhythms of West Africa to the legendary "Showstyle" marching bands of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), the drumline represents a legacy of discipline, soul, and shared heartbeat.

A Win for the Community

The Newburgh Gorhams game continues to be a highlight of the summer, bridging the gap between our storied past and our bright future. Seeing our scholars like Makhi Patterson and the Drumline members share the spotlight with city leaders reminds us that Newburgh's greatest strength is its people.

PHOTOS | A Day of Heritage and Home Runs: The Newburgh Gorhams Return to the Diamond