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.
Rep. Eugene Vindman, a Virginia Democrat and former whistleblower, criticized President Donald Trump’s second term, calling its first 45 days an “abomination” during an MSNBC appearance. In response, the White House issued a scathing statement, dismissing Vindman’s remarks as “moronic” and accusing him of having “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” (The Center Square)
VA Facility Opens with Questions about Staffing
A new 470,000-square-foot Veterans Administration medical facility in Spotsylvania County, designed to serve over 40,000 veterans, opened with significant staffing shortages. Due to a federal hiring freeze enacted by President Trump’s executive order in January, between 70% and 80% of positions—excluding doctors and nurses—remain unfilled, raising concerns about the quality of care available to veterans in the region. (FXBG Advance)
Iconic Paperboy Statue ‘Lance’ Returns to Downtown Fredericksburg
The bronze statue “Lance,” symbolizing the historic role of newsboys and once stationed outside The Free Lance–Star newspaper’s downtown office, has been relocated back to its original area near The Publisher Hotel. After the newspaper’s move in 2016, Lance remained at the Central Park location until Mary Washington Healthcare facilitated its return, underscoring the community’s dedication to preserving local history.(Fredericksburg Free Press)
Stafford County Deputy Assists Mama Pig in Unusual Predicament
A Stafford County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a call about a pig in distress and found a pregnant sow stuck in a muddy ditch. The deputy collaborated with local animal control to safely rescue the pig, showcasing the department’s commitment to all community members, human and animal alike. (InsideNoVa)
Maria Martin’s journey from catering her sister's wedding to opening Juan More Taco in Fredericksburg began with a small food truck in 2016.  Juan More Taco visited community events and local businesses, serving Latin American food with a twist - the dishes incorporate Honduran flavors.
Martin said the community support of their food truck was a driving factor in opening a restaurant. “We couldn’t keep up with the demand on our tiny little food trailer,” she said. They moved into 826 Caroline Street in March 2019. A second restaurant opened in Richmond in January 2024.
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In mid-February, Peter Mealy headed to the Walker Grant Middle School PTA meeting in Fredericksburg to speak about his latest venture teaching guitar to students after school at Walker Grant and hopefully enlarging the program in one form or another.
Mealy is a well-known musician around Fredericksburg, and if he can use the guitar in a positive fashion then so can students who learn it in middle or high school. “Then they have a skill for life,” he said, stressing that it’s not going to cost the school system a huge chunk of money for something that might deliver a huge chunk of benefits for the students.Â
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The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) hosted the 2025 Fredericksburg Regional Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 1, at James Monroe High School.
The competition, sponsored by Access Eye, Fredericksburg Host Lions Club, and the Kiwanis Club of Fredericksburg, featured 14 division winners from across the region.
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In an op-ed published by The FXBG Advance, Mayor Kerry Devine warned that rejecting the TOD could push Fredericksburg to the back of Dominion’s “rapidly expanding project list,” potentially delaying or preventing the city from securing the necessary power for a proposed data center campus.
Seeking clarification, Potomac Local News asked Dominion whether the City Council’s decision would have affected Fredericksburg’s place in the company’s project queue.
“Requests for transmission infrastructure to serve large new customers, like data centers, are evaluated in the order they are received,” responded Aaron Ruby, Dominion’s Director of Virginia & Offshore Wind Media. “I believe that’s what was meant by the project queue.”
Ruby did not elaborate on whether any specific localities had been deprioritized in the past, nor did he provide examples of projects being moved to the back of the line.
Background: City Council Approves Technology Overlay District
On February 25, 2025, Fredericksburg’s City Council unanimously approved the TOD, paving the way for the city’s first data center campus. The project, led by The Silver Companies in partnership with STACK Infrastructure, is expected to include between eight and twelve data centers in Celebrate Virginia South.
Fredericksburg joins nearby Stafford, Spotsylvania, and Caroline counties, with multiple data centers operating within their jurisdictions. Proponents say the TOD positions the city to compete for a lucrative data center industry share.
Supporters: Economic Benefits and Strategic Planning
Supporters of the measure argue that the TOD is an essential step in attracting data center investment, which could generate significant tax revenue for Fredericksburg.
“This could bring up to $60 million annually, funding for schools, infrastructure, and helping to keep property taxes stable,” said Councilman Will Mackintosh.
Others believe the overlay district allows the city to set clear guidelines for data center development, ensuring new projects align with Fredericksburg’s long-term vision.
Opponents: Environmental, Transparency, and Health Concerns
Critics warn that the data centers’ immense energy demands could conflict with Fredericksburg’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2035. Environmental activist Alexanna Hengy pointed out that the proposed data center campus could double the city’s energy consumption.
“There are serious concerns about what this will do to our climate goals,” Hengy said.
Some residents also expressed frustration over the speed of the approval process. Former City Council member Matt Kelly criticized what he saw as a lack of transparency, arguing that the city had not provided sufficient details on energy and water agreements before making a final decision.
Additionally, there are concerns about the proposed data centers’ proximity to residential areas. Hengy noted that some facilities would be built within 120 feet of apartment buildings and a nursing home, raising fears about noise pollution and potential health risks for nearby residents.
With the TOD approved, developers must now work with Dominion Energy to assess the site’s power infrastructure. Ruby stated that Dominion will only begin evaluating the project’s energy needs once a data center officially moves forward with development.
“It’s too early to say how much infrastructure would be needed or what the timeframe would be, since that all depends on the size and scope of the development,” Ruby explained.
Mary Washington Healthcare (MWHC) has appointed Dr. Christopher Newman, MD, MBA, as its new President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Dr. Newman, who has been with MWHC since 2019 as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Medical Officer, takes over following the departure of Dr. Michael McDermott, who served as CEO since 2015.
McDermott announced his resignation in December 2024 to become the President and CEO of Montage Health, a healthcare system based in Monterey, California. McDermott expanded services during his tenure at MWHC, strengthened the system’s financial position, and advanced its reputation as a leading healthcare provider in the region, according to a press release.
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Historic Celebrations Are Coming to Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is preparing for two major milestones—the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026 and the 300th anniversary of Fredericksburg in 2028. On this episode of the Potomac Local News Podcast, we sit down with Sam McKelvey, Executive Director of the Fredericksburg Area Museum, to discuss the planning process, the importance of engaging the entire community, and what residents and visitors can expect.
What’s in Store for These Celebrations?
Signature Events & Community Engagement – Learn how the region is planning multi-year commemorations.
Fredericksburg’s Unique Role in American History – From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War, Fredericksburg played a crucial role in shaping the nation.
New Museum Exhibits & Preservation Efforts – Discover updates at the Fredericksburg Area Museum, including the newly discovered 19th-century bateau found in the Rappahannock River.
Visit the Fredericksburg Area Museum
Website: famva.org
Open Hours: 10 AM – 5 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
Admission: Free to the public
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What are you most looking forward to as Fredericksburg prepares for its 300th anniversary? Share your thoughts in the comments.
A taste of New York City mixed with a little Prohibition inspiration: Galvin's Deli will open soon at 216 William Street.
Owners Paul and Emma Stoddard are combining family history with culinary experience to offer a new Fredericksburg dining experience. Paul was a co-owner of Sunken Well Tavern for almost 20 years until he recently sold his stake in 2024. Emma grew up in New York City, raised on Jewish deli foods and worked in restaurants and bakeries. In the early 1900s, her great-grandfather owned Martin Galvin's Cafe in New Jersey. Emma said, "We married those ideas together to bring Galvin’s to life again."
Galvin's focuses on homemade foods, including "from-scratch" proteins like pastrami, corned beef brisket, and roasted turkey, as well as hand-made bagels and baked goods. Paul said part of what makes Galvin's unique is making their own, in-house meats instead of buying mass-produced products. The deli will be a grab-and-go sandwich shop with hot soups available daily. The deli counter offers classic deli foods like potato salad, smoked salmon, pimento cheese, deli salads, and latkes.
