Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) paid a visit to the home of the Fredericksburg Nationals minor league baseball team to announce a bill that would offer financial assistance to minor league baseball teams in Virginia that came under hardship during the coronavirus pandemic.
The bill, known as the Minor League Baseball Relief Act, would provide grants from a pot of $550 million of unused money originally set aside for pandemic relief. The act would follow in the footsteps of the Shuttered Venues grant program which offered funding to businesses such as restaurants and music venues which had closed their doors due to crowd restrictions to prevent the spread of the pandemic.
The pandemic affected sporting venues such as FredNats ballpark, which led to the cancelation of the 2020 season, which been the FredNat’s first season since moving to Fredericksburg. The team took the field for the first time in May, but according to Fred Nats Owner Art Silber, the canceled season resulted in lost revenue that would have been generated by the team’s presence.
Silber discussed the positives of how the bill would affect the Fred Nats:
“We’ve gone through a difficult financial period without having revenues for a full season like other businesses that have benefited from similar legislation. It would provide some additional revenue that would allow us to invest more in the ballpark, do some hiring, and some other things that would help us to fully realize our business.”
Warner also touted the importance of Minor League Baseball not just as a drive of economic growth but as a source of entertainment for local baseball fans.
“For many working families, catching a weekend Minor League Baseball game at stadiums across the Commonwealth is an affordable and fun family outing.”
Working alongside Warner on the bill is fellow Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine as well as Sen. Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Sen. Richard Blumethal (D-Conn.).
In addition to the FredNats, eight other Virginia-based teams from the Minor League and the Appalachian League would be eligible for relief which could amount up to $10 million for the team. The Minor League teams include the Richmond Flying Squirrels, the Norfolk Tides, the Lynchburg Hillcats, and the Salem Red Sox.
The eligible Appalachian League teams include the Danville Otterbots, the Pulaski River Turtles, the Bluefield Ridge Runners, and the Bristol State Liners.
The FredNats, formerly the Potomac Nationals, moved from Woodbridge to their new home in Fredericksburg in 2018. The $35 million stadia, located next to the Fredericksburg Expo Center on Carl D. Silver Parkway, was constructed under a public-private partnership between the team and the city.
Recent Stories
A Prince William County Supervisor is calling for a review of how the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park contribute to the operation of the Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, citing concerns about equity as the office expands its public service offerings and technology footprint.
You’ve heard it before: Location, Location, Location. But according to seasoned Realtor Mark Worrilow, that old real estate rule just doesn’t cover it anymore.
The Fredericksburg Area Council of Garden Clubs and the City of Fredericksburg celebrated the 37th Annual Arbor Day on Thursday, April 10, 2025, with a special tribute to local environmental champions Anne and Carl Little, along with the organization Tree Fredericksburg.
The Manassas City School Board meeting on Tuesday, April 8, opened with a series of uplifting spotlights showcasing the accomplishments of students and staff across the school division. From regional…
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”
Get More from your Fitness with IM=X® Pilates & Fitness King Farm!
Help us Celebrate our 5 Year Anniversary by joining our OPEN HOUSE
When: April 27th 11:45AM
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
