Fredericksburg Frogs

The Fredericksburg Frogs, an African-American amateur baseball team, emerged in 1919 and became one of Virginia’s most competitive Black teams, playing until the 1940s. Known for their skill and dedication, the Frogs competed against teams from Richmond, Washington, D.C., and even Pittsburgh, occasionally defeating semi-professional squads like the Homestead Grays. Despite being unpaid, they played for the love of the game, drawing large, integrated crowds at fields like Gouldman Park. Managed by Charles C. Bland, the team boasted standout players such as Kelsie Deane, Charley “Hickory” Lewis, and Dr. Jimmy Shields, a former Negro League pitcher. Their influence extended beyond the field, fostering community pride and paving the way for Black athletes in baseball.