New FredNats Uniforms Pay Tribute to Historic African American Team

The Fredericksburg Nationals (FredNats), in collaboration with the Fredericksburg Area Museum, Germanna Community College, and Dovetail Cultural Resource Group/Mead & Hunt, have unveiled a new alternate uniform identity for select games in the 2025 season.

For select home games, the FredNats will take the field as the Fredericksburg Frogs, a tribute to an all-African American team that played in downtown Fredericksburg from 1919 through at least the late 1930s, according to a press release. Known in the press as “the world’s hoppinest team,” the Frogs were a source of pride and entertainment for the local community, the team adds.

The Fredericksburg Nationals did not respond to a request for an interview for this story.

A Historic Tribute Through Design

According to the press release, the newly designed uniforms reflect a mix of historical homage and modern aesthetics. The jerseys feature a white base with green pinstripes, complemented by “Fredericksburg” in a bright mustard-yellow script across the chest. A circular logo on the left sleeve showcases a crowned frog within a diamond emblem, while the caps feature a marching frog logo sporting the FredNats’ “F” on its crown. The hat design incorporates a white front panel, yellow back, and green bill.

Despite the Frogs’ strong presence in Fredericksburg’s baseball scene for over two decades, little recorded history remains beyond scattered newspaper mentions and oral recollections. With no known photographs of the original team, the FredNats and their community partners undertook an extensive historical research project upon the team’s arrival in 2020 to reconstruct the Frogs’ legacy.

The Naming Controversy

When the minor league team, called the Potomac Nationals, moved from Woodbridge to Fredericksburg in 2019, it held a naming competition to drum up support and buzz. The team didn’t veer far from its old name, choosing to be called the “Fredericksburg Nationals” AKA “FredNats.” At the time, it sparked outcry from the public participating in the naming competition. Because the internet never forgets, here are some comments posted to the team’s Facebook page after the announcement:

• “Ugh, so disappointed in the name. We had an opportunity to make it fun and exciting we play the ‘Pelicans, Mudcats, Woodpeckers.’ We could have been Cannons, Generals, Foxhounds.”
• “Seriously?! You hype a new name for months and then don’t change the name at all?!!!!”
• “I’m fine with it being the Nationals but why go thru the all naming contest and all the hype unnecessarily? I still think The Gridlocks would have been perfect. Some big ass ugly orange cone as a mascot…”
• “Seriously.. in this age of amazing marketing potential. The F-Nats? … minor league indeed! I just recently got to visit Huntsville, AL – they named a minor league baseball team the Trash Pandas! Crazy right? No! Genius! They can’t keep merchandise in stores – sells out too fast! Truly brilliant. Anyway. Have fun, F-Nats!  We’ll miss you in Woodbridge!”

However, a championship team has a way of silencing critics. The FredNats clinched the 2024 Carolina League Championship, securing their second league title in franchise history. The team defeated the Down East Wood Ducks in a thrilling championship series, proving their dominance in Minor League Baseball. Fueled by standout performances from top prospects and strong team chemistry, the FredNats’ victory reinforced their identity in the city and solidified their place in Fredericksburg’s sports culture.

Unveiling at Virginia Credit Union Stadium

The new identity was revealed last month at Virginia Credit Union Stadium during a special event featuring a panel moderated by Dr. Gaila Sims, Curator of African American History and Vice President of Programs and Interpretation at the Fredericksburg Area Museum.

Historian Dr. Kerri Barile Tambs, of Dovetail/Mead & Hunt, presented extensive research detailing the history of African American baseball in Fredericksburg. The panel also included esteemed community members who shared personal stories and insights on the sport’s cultural significance in the region over the past century.

2025 Fredericksburg Frogs Game Schedule

The FredNats will take on their alternate identity as the Frogs on the following dates:

• Friday, May 9
• Friday, June 6
• Friday, July 18
• Friday, August 15
• Friday, September 5

The FredNats will begin their 2025 season on the road at Carolina on Friday, April 4, before returning for their home opener at Virginia Credit Union Stadium on Tuesday, April 8 at 6:35 p.m.