The Backyard Batting Cage

Fred Crabtree

By Communications Division
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
March 14, 2012

Little League International mourns the passing of former Little League volunteer Fred Crabtree, Sr. He was 96.

Mr. Crabtree of Vienna, Va., was instrumental in bringing Little League to Virginia, and was one of several individuals who hosted the Little League Baseball World Series Champion during an annual trip to Washington D.C. The team trip was highlighted by a parade down Maple Avenue in Vienna, and a visit to the White House.

For more than 60 years, beginning in1947, Mr. Crabtree, a native of Dunn, N.C., volunteered as a coach, manager, and umpire and league administrator in Vienna Little League.

Mr. Crabtree was the first President of Vienna Little League and served in various positions and roles over the years.  From 1962, until his passing, he was a member of the Virginia District 4 administrative staff, serving as an Assistant District Administrator, and for a brief time, as District Administrator.

His involvement with the Fairfax County (Va.) Park Authority from 1969-to-1992 lead to the acquisition of numerous properties within Fairfax County that were later used by chartered Little Leagues. As a testament to all of his endeavors, and his love and dedication to children, he became the first living recipient to have a county park re-dedicated in his honor.

Mr. Crabtree, who is also credited with chartering the first Little League Challenger Division and Softball program in Virginia, and many other youth-based programs, was preceded in death by his wife, Ann Ruth Crabtree. He is survived by his daughter, Joyce Cockrille and son, Frederick "Rick" Crabtree, Jr. He is also survived by his two sisters, Gaynell and Joan, six grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.

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