2025 SESSION

ENROLLED

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 527

Commending the Fredericksburg Nationals.

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 27, 2025

WHEREAS, the Fredericksburg Nationals, fondly known as the “FredNats,” are a beloved Single-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, competing in the Carolina League and bringing pride and excitement to Fredericksburg and the surrounding communities; and

WHEREAS, the FredNats' rich history began in 1984 when the team moved from Alexandria, where it was known as the Alexandria Dukes, to Woodbridge, becoming the Prince William Pirates; and

WHEREAS, in June 2018, FredNats owner Art Silber, who has guided the team since circa 1990, signed a letter of intent to bring the franchise to Fredericksburg; then, in November of that year, the Fredericksburg City Council unanimously approved the construction of what is now Virginia Credit Union Stadium, the home of the Fredericksburg Nationals; and

WHEREAS, the FredNats have been a source of community pride, entertainment, and economic vitality, especially following their second-half league championship in 2022, which set the stage for greater successes; and

WHEREAS, during the 2024 season, the FredNats slugged their way into the playoffs, securing a thrilling first-round victory over the Carolina Mudcats in two games by a score of 5–2 and 6–4, igniting excitement among FredNats Nation; and

WHEREAS, advancing to the finals against the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, the FredNats demonstrated resilience and determination, clinching the first game on September 15 in Kannapolis before facing weather delays that forced a doubleheader at home on September 18; and

WHEREAS, after a narrow defeat in the first game of the doubleheader, the FredNats, led by the 2024 Carolina League Pitcher of the Year, Travis Sykora, delivered an exhilarating performance in Game 3, securing a 3–0 victory and their first Carolina League Championship as the Fredericksburg Nationals; and

WHEREAS, the FredNats' triumph marks the fifth league championship in the franchise's storied history, with previous titles won in 1989, 2008, 2010, and 2014; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, That the Fredericksburg Nationals hereby be commended for their remarkable 2024 Carolina League Championship and for their enduring contributions to the community and the sport of baseball; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Fredericksburg Nationals as an expression of the House of Delegates' admiration for the team's outstanding achievement and the pride they bring to the Commonwealth.