Swing for the Future - Fredericksburg, VA

Rendering of the proposed Fredericksburg complex

To help address the growing needs of the Fredericksburg area’s youth, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is building the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation Youth Sports and Development Complex.   This facility, which has received outstanding support from the local community, will become the cornerstone for much of the Foundation’s work in the region. 

This unique multi-purpose facility is designed to use baseball and softball themed programs to address a variety of youth development needs that include character development, health and physical education, culture, and history.

The goal is to create three ball fields in partnership with the City of Fredericksburg.  Campaigning began when local philanthropist Doris Buffet heard about the project and offered a challenge to match $1,000,000.  Thanks to the motivation of Ms. Buffett’s challenge, the Foundation is well on its way to securing the necessary funds to begin this exciting project.

Honorary Campaign Chair
Ron Rosner

Vice Chair
Cheri Thurston

Youth Development Park Components:

Strategically located in the City of Fredericksburg and easily accessible to both Spotsylvania and Stafford Counties.

The facility will include stations throughout that support the 12 life lessons of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation’s Healthy Choices, Healthy Children character development curriculum.

The complex will be designed to host a variety of youth sports and physical education programs.

Each field within the complex will have a sign placed at its backstop which tells the history and significance of the field as well as unique stories of each. Historical signs will be placed throughout the complex which recognize great players, influential owners, historical dates, etc. that had a major impact on baseball. 

The facility will also be the home of a small Negro League Exhibit. 

To make a donation,