SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. - For most Army Reserve Soldiers, a drill weekend means putting on the uniform and training for the nation's defense. But on April 11, 2026, one local Soldier traded his military uniform for a Little League board of directors polo to lead his community on the baseball diamond.
Staff Sgt. Fred Brown, an Army Reserve mass communication public affairs specialist, serves as the president of the Spotsylvania County Little League. This spring, he kicked off the organization's Opening Day ceremony, welcoming more than 700 registered athletes and their families for a new season of baseball and softball.
Brown’s dedication to selfless service began long before he took the helm of his local sports league. He spent seven years on active duty, which included a tour in Germany where he first discovered a passion for youth coaching, as well as a deployment to Afghanistan.
After transitioning to the Army Reserve, he continued his mission of telling the Army’s story worldwide. His career has taken him across the globe, most recently completing a deployment to Syria and Iraq in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Despite a demanding military career, baseball remained a constant passion.
Brown grew up watching the game and played from the coach pitch level until he was 16, with his uncle serving as his very first head coach. When his own son turned 6, Brown signed him up, hoping to share that same lifelong love for the sport. Initially, he planned to simply sit on the sidelines and enjoy quality time with his children.
However, when the league sent out an urgent email looking for volunteer coaches, his family stepped in. Knowing his tendency to step up and lead, his wife gently nudged him and was already drafting his response to volunteer before he could even decide.
That family encouragement pushed him back onto the field. Brown quickly realized that teaching 6- and 7-year olds the basics of baseball was a perfect opportunity to apply the core values he learned in the Army. He translated military concepts like resilience, teamwork and leadership into lessons young athletes could understand.
Coaching eventually evolved into an executive role. He joined the board as the information officer and ultimately became president, leveraging the communication and logistical skills honed during his military deployments. Along the way, he also became a fierce advocate for the league's softball program, working to increase community awareness and ensure all athletes have an equal opportunity to thrive.
"Baseball is my passion, but Little League is a part of who I am," Brown said. "I enjoy seeing young athletes learn the games of baseball and softball while beginning their journey to becoming better citizens. We are teaching these athletes much more than just a sport. We are teaching them how to solve problems, practice good sportsmanship and rely on teamwork. It is a true honor to be a part of that."
Brown's dedication to those athletes culminated in the massive April 11 Opening Day event. Because of the magnitude of the ceremony, Brown was granted an excusal from his Army Reserve battle assembly to facilitate the day's operations. The event drew major support from local and state leaders, bringing greater awareness to the league's goal of getting every child on the field while proving to families that their civic leaders actively support their children's futures.
Among the attendees were Spotsylvania County school board members, the superintendent, county supervisors, Virginia state Sen. Tara Durant and Virginia Del. Phillip Scott. The festivities reached a high point when Scott threw out the ceremonial first pitch to officially start the season. Both state lawmakers recognized the profound impact of community volunteerism.
"Days like today bring back a lot of great memories," Durant noted during the festivities. "My husband and I spent years coaching and volunteering in youth sports, meeting great families, building friendships, and watching so many kids grow up, some now with families of their own! Wishing all the players, coaches, and families a fun and successful season, play ball!"
Delegate Scott echoed that appreciation, adding, "Congratulations to Spotsylvania County Little League on a great opening day, thank you for letting me be a part of it!"
For Brown, the connection between his military duties and his community involvement all comes down to selfless service. The leadership skills, knowledge and Army values ingrained in him over his career directly shaped how he approaches his community position today. Knowing how to build consensus, manage logistics and lead with integrity are all traits he learned in uniform, and they are essential when guiding an organization of
700 athletes.
"Serving means more than just wearing a military uniform," Brown said. "The leadership skills and values the Army instilled in me directly shaped how I run this league today. Being in the Army Reserve does not limit what you can do at home; it expands your ability to lead. It is the true definition of being 'Twice the Citizen,' and I am incredibly proud to serve my country and my community."