Fredericksburg is getting ready to paint the town red, white, and blue to honor its hometown heroes—the Fredericksburg Nationals—after their 2024 Carolina League Championship victory.

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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.

Press Release:

 The FredNats will continue to play 66 regular season home games in 2025. Following the 2024 Carolina League championship season, the Fredericksburg Nationals announce 2025 home game times with several changes from previous seasons. Here’s a summary of what’s to come in 2025 at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Changes from 2024 are in bold:

The team opens the home schedule on Tuesday, April 8 against the Salem Red Sox after playing the first three games of the year on the road.

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday games will now start at 6:35 p.m. with a few exceptions noted below.

The FredNats have three Education Day games scheduled for 2025, all on Wednesdays once again (April 23, May 7 and September 3). These games will now start at 11:05 a.m. instead of 12:05 p.m.

During home stands where there is an Education Day game on Wednesday, the Tuesday game the night before will start at 6:05 p.m.

Friday and Saturday games will remain at 7:05 p.m.

Sunday games in April, May, June and September will continue to be played at 1:35 p.m.

Sunday games in July and August will now start at 6:05 p.m.

The FredNats will announce the 2025 promotions and giveaway schedule at a later date.

Two Fredericksburg Nationals staff members, Eric Taylor and Chris Krick, received top honors in the Carolina League following the team’s 2024 championship season. Taylor, the FredNats’ Head Groundskeeper, was named Carolina League Groundskeeper of the Year, while Home Clubhouse Manager Krick earned the title of Home Clubhouse Manager of the Year. The awards, chosen through surveys of league managers, players, and executives, recognize their dedication to maintaining an exceptional playing and clubhouse environment.

FredNats General Manager Robbie Perry praised their contributions, noting that their hard work set the foundation for a historic season. This marks the first time since 2020 that two individuals from the same Carolina League team have won these awards.

Taylor, a five-time Groundskeeper of the Year awardee, has previously been recognized in the Southern League with the Jackson Generals and Tennessee Smokies. Meanwhile, Krick recently accepted a position with the Washington Nationals, where he will manage Minor League clubhouse operations in Florida.

The Fredericksburg Nationals (FredNats) had a successful 2024 season, highlighted by winning their first Carolina League Championship since moving to Fredericksburg in 2020. This was the franchise’s first title since 2014. They claimed the title with a decisive 3-0 victory over the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, led by standout performances from pitcher Travis Sykora and first baseman Brandon Pimentel.  The team showed resilience after a rain delay forced a doubleheader on the final day. Despite a loss in the first game, the FredNats bounced back to secure the championship in the second.

While the Fredericksburg Nationals have clinched the Carolina League Championship, fans must wait until spring 2025 for the official celebration. The city and the team have announced plans to honor the champions before next year’s season opener. This decision aligns with the players’ schedules, as they typically leave town shortly after the season concludes.

“The players leave right after the season. It was a joint decision between the FredNats and the city to hold the celebration next spring,” explained Sonja Cantu, spokeswoman for Fredericksburg City Government.

In a recent Facebook post, the City of Fredericksburg expressed its pride: “We are very proud of our hometown team and look forward to celebrating our team champions with our entire community!” Details of the event will be announced in early 2025.

This delay will allow all involved parties to plan a celebration that truly honors the team’s first championship win since moving to Fredericksburg and their first since 2014. The Fredericksburg Nationals secured the title after a masterful 3-0 victory over the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, highlighted by standout performances from key players, including pitcher Travis Sykora.

The Fredericksburg Nationals have claimed their first Carolina League Championship since moving to Fredericksburg, defeating the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers in a thrilling series finale on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. This marks the franchise’s first championship since 2014.

The FredNats rebounded from a loss in the second game of the series, played as part of a doubleheader due to a rainout, to clinch the title with a 3-0 victory in game three. In game two, the Nationals’ offense was stifled, as they managed just one hit in a 3-0 loss to Kannapolis, forcing a winner-takes-all third game.

In the decisive game three, the Nationals entrusted their hopes to Travis Sykora, who had recently been named Carolina League Pitcher of the Year. Sykora did not disappoint, delivering a dominant performance by pitching five scoreless innings, striking out nine batters, and allowing only one hit. The young star retired eight consecutive Cannonballers at one point and faced the minimum number of batters throughout his outing.

Fredericksburg’s offense struck early in the second inning, with Caleb Lomavita singling before Brandon Pimentel launched a two-run homer over the wall on the first pitch he saw. This blast gave the FredNats a 2-0 lead they would never relinquish.

Kannapolis had an opportunity to close the gap in the third inning when Jeral Perez led off with a hit. Still, he was thrown out at second by outfielder Cristhian Vaquero while attempting to stretch it into a double. Sykora then settled into a rhythm, easily neutralizing the Cannonballers’ offense.

Robert Cranz relieved Sykora in the sixth inning and encountered trouble, issuing two walks with two outs, but he induced a pop-up from George Wolkow to end the threat. The Nationals added an insurance run in the bottom of the inning, with Jorgelys Mota scoring on a Nate Ochoa ground ball that took a favorable bounce off second base.

In the seventh and final inning, closer Anthony Arguelles, who led the league in saves during the regular season, sealed the win by retiring Kannapolis in order. Arguelles’ save, his third of the postseason, secured the 3-0 victory and the championship for Fredericksburg.

Sykora (1-0) won with his masterful performance, while Kannapolis pitcher Mason Moore (0-1) took the loss. The victory marks a historic moment for the Fredericksburg Nationals, bringing the Carolina League title to the city for the first time and ending a decade-long championship drought for the franchise.

This triumph is a monumental achievement for the Nationals, who moved to Fredericksburg in 2020, cementing their place in the city’s sports history.

Tonight’s Game 2 of the Carolina League Championship Series between the Fredericksburg Nationals (FredNats) and the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers has been postponed due to inclement weather. The two teams will now look to play a potential doubleheader today, with the first game scheduled for 5:05 p.m. Both games are set to last seven innings each, but if the FredNats win the first game, they will be crowned Carolina League champions, making the second game unnecessary.

Fans who had tickets for Tuesday night’s postponed matchup will have the option to exchange their tickets for an equal or lesser value ticket for tomorrow’s doubleheader. Gates are expected to open at 4 o’clock this afternoon.

The FredNats are currently just one win away from securing the North Divisional Championship in the best-of-three series. They took a 6-4 victory on the road in Game 1, returning to Fredericksburg with hopes of clinching the title. Alex Clemmey is set to start for Fredericksburg, with Travis Sthele ready to provide support from the bullpen. On the mound for Kannapolis is right-hander Tanner McDougal.

The Fredericksburg Nationals (FredNats) are one win away from claiming the North Divisional Championship as they take on the Kannapolis Cannonballers (North Carolina) in Game 2 of the best-of-three series tonight, Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. The first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.

After securing a 6-4 win on the road in Game 1, the FredNats return home to try and finish the series with a victory. Starting pitcher Alex Clemmey takes the mound for Fredericksburg, making his second playoff start. Clemmey had an early solid outing in his first playoff start but struggled in the 4th inning. Travis Sthele is expected to back him up from the bullpen while Kannapolis sends righty Tanner McDougal to the mound.

In Game 1, the FredNats led wire-to-wire, jumping ahead with key RBI hits from Caleb Lomavita and Nate Ochoa and a clutch two-run single from Seaver King in the 5th. Despite a strong comeback effort from the Cannonballers, Fredericksburg held on, aided by a stellar outfield assist from Cristhian Vaquero and solid relief pitching from Robert Cranz and Anthony Arguelles.

If Kannapolis wins tonight, Game 3 will be held tomorrow at Virginia Credit Union Stadium. Otherwise, Fredericksburg will claim the championship on home turf.

Virginia Credit Union (VACU) and the Fredericksburg Nationals have donated $11,710 to address hunger and food insecurity in the Central Rappahannock River area through their Strikeout Hunger campaign. Over the past three years, their combined efforts have contributed $32,710, providing 65,420 meals to those in need.

Press Release:

Virginia Credit Union (VACU) and the Fredericksburg Nationals have donated $11,710 to combat hunger and food insecurity in the Central Rappahannock River area. Through a partnership with the FredNats, the Fredericksburg-based minor league baseball team, VACU makes a $5 donation to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank for every strikeout recorded by the Nationals’ pitchers during the course of the season. The FredNats matched VACU’s $5,855 donation.

“We’re grateful for the good work of the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank in helping alleviate hunger in our community,” said Virginia Credit Union President/CEO Chris Shockley. “We know the food bank continues to see a surge in the demand for assistance, and VACU is proud to lend a helping hand.”

In its third year, the Strikeout Hunger campaign is one of many VACU initiatives to aid the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, which serves the city of Fredericksburg and the counties of Caroline, King George, Orange, Spotsylvania and Stafford. Members and employees of VACU also support area food banks through food drives, volunteer work days, and other fundraisers.

VACU and the FredNats have contributed $32,710 during the past three years to the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank, which equates to 65,420 meals for our neighbors in need.

“Teamwork and partnership are essential to the work we do,” said Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank President/CEO Dan Maher. “Virginia Credit Union and the FredNats show great teamwork and great community awareness in committing $5 toward hunger relief for every strikeout by FredNats pitchers. We are honored to partner with them to make their community spirit tangible to those who rely on our services.”

About the Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank
The Fredericksburg Regional Food Bank helps to provide nutritious food to more than 46,000 people through a network of 235 community partners operating more than 330 food assistance programs. Learn more at fredfood.org.

About the FredNats
The Fredericksburg Nationals are a Minor League Baseball team and a Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals. They play home games at Virginia Credit Union Stadium, located in Fredericksburg. Learn more at milb.com/fredericksburg.

About Virginia Credit Union
A financial cooperative serving almost 500,000 members, Virginia Credit Union and its Member One Division offer a variety of affordable banking services, loans, mortgages, and free financial education resources, with a focus on helping people be more confident with their finances. Virginia Credit Union and its Member One Division are equal housing opportunity lenders and are federally insured by the NCUA.