One of Vienna’s greatest retired to the dugout for the last time: Frederick Crabtree Sr., known to all simply as "Freddie," passed away on March 11. In leaving us he left as he lived, with baseball. Freddie worked tirelessly to promote baseball in not just Northern Virginia but everywhere. Many of the parks and fields in this area are a direct result of his efforts. The Vienna Little League park includes a field dedicated to him as well as an entire park in Reston. But he never asked for that recognition. He only asked that kids be given a chance to play baseball.

I first met Freddie when I moved to the area in 1997, he was already past when many people have retired to an easier daily schedule. Not Freddie, he was a fixture at Vienna Little League still actively coaching, participating on the board of directors and being an ambassador for baseball, specifically Little League. He was always quick with a smile and support.

Freddie loved to tell stories about building baseball fields around

the world during his service years. Sadly, you don’t hear much these days about our service men and women longing to play our "national pastime." But because of Freddie’s efforts many were able to enjoy a part of home while serving our country. Returning stateside he applied those same efforts to focus on building support for Little League baseball. Thousands of players have benefited and will continue to benefit from his efforts.

Freddie also introduced me and others to the Little League Challenger Division. This is a division of Little League that extends the sport to players with physical challenges. The inclusion of the Challenger Division at Vienna Little League helped everyone learn perspective and deeper respect for the joy of the game of baseball. I will forever be grateful for the lessons I learned and shared with my sons and their teammates through the Challenger Division.

I was not able to personally attend services but I understand they were closed fittingly with John Fogerty’s "Centerfield." I’m sure Freddie is already saying "put me in coach, I’m ready to play."

I will forever pause and reflect on his accomplishments as I step on a baseball field. Play ball!