Virginia Little League State Tournament Opens in Front Royal

Front Royal welcomed young baseball players and their families from across the Commonwealth as the 2026 Virginia Little League 8-, 9- and 10-year-old State Tournament opened at David L. Wise Field inside Bing Crosby Stadium.

The opening ceremony brought together 16 teams, tournament officials, elected leaders, first responders, volunteers, and local baseball supporters before the start of five days of competition. The evening celebrated not only the players who earned a place in the tournament, but also Front Royal’s long connection to Little League baseball.

An honor guard representing Warren County Fire and Rescue, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and the Front Royal Police Department participated in the ceremony. Tournament umpires were also introduced before those in attendance were asked to stand for an opening prayer.

The prayer thanked the parents, coaches, and volunteers who helped bring the tournament to Front Royal and asked for the players to remain safe while competing.

“Help them play their very best that they can play,” the prayer said. “Let them play with respect, with integrity and great sportsmanship.”

Christy Elliott then performed the national anthem.

Tournament Director Michael “Cub” Moore welcomed the visiting teams and thanked the Town of Front Royal, Warren County Parks and Recreation, and the many volunteers who worked to prepare the fields and organize the tournament.

Moore said hosting a state tournament had been a goal for many years.

“I’ve been asking him for 10 years, ‘Please give Front Royal a state tournament,’” Moore said while recognizing Virginia District 3 Administrator Mike Thompson. “And you can see what happened today with what the community did.”

Moore also recognized Front Royal Little League board members, tournament staff, local officials, and community supporters.

“To every board member, coach, parent, volunteer, and community member who gave their time, thank you,” Moore said. “Your dedication is what makes events like this happen.”

His message to the players was simple: play hard, respect the game, and enjoy the opportunity.

“You earned the opportunity to be here, so make the most of it,” he said.

Virginia District 3 Assistant Administrator Sue McDonald welcomed the teams on behalf of the district and reminded them of the values at the heart of Little League.

“Have fun and enjoy the game, the tournament, and always remember to trust in God, love your country, respect its laws, play fair, strive to win,” McDonald said. “Win or lose, always do your best.”

Warren County Board of Supervisors Chair Cheryl Cullers welcomed families to Front Royal and Warren County while sharing some of the community’s Little League history.

She noted that Front Royal was one of four leagues that competed in Virginia’s first state tournament in 1951. She also recalled the 1953 Front Royal team that advanced to the Little League World Series, finished third, and is recognized in the Little League World Series Hall of Fame.

Cullers also congratulated Front Royal’s 2025 12U Virginia state championship team, praising the players, parents, and coaches for their skill and sportsmanship.

Visitors were encouraged to learn more about the area’s baseball history at the Warren Heritage Society’s “Play Ball!” exhibit on Chester Street. The exhibit explores the players, teams, and memories connected to Little League baseball in Warren County.

Del. Delores Oates, who represents Virginia’s 31st House District, welcomed the teams to her hometown and presented portions of a House of Delegates commending resolution honoring Front Royal’s 2025 12U All-Stars.

The resolution praised the team for showing “dedication, teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship” during its championship season.

Ryan Rutherford of The River 95.3 reminded the young players that the outcome of one tournament does not define their future.

He reflected on Front Royal players who competed in an earlier 10U state tournament, learned from a loss, and later became part of the 12U state championship team.

“Even if this tournament does not go how you want to, because for 15 teams it’s not going to go how you want to, this can be the beginning of a really fun future for you guys,” Rutherford said. “Let this be the start of that legacy.”

Front Royal Mayor Lori Cockrell spoke from her experience as an elementary school teacher and the mother of two children who grew up playing baseball and softball.

She recalled the excitement of tryouts, late practices, opening day, tournament travel, and the sadness that came when an All-Star season ended. She also remembered the work behind those moments, from washing stained baseball pants to searching for missing belts, gloves, and hats.

Cockrell said the experience creates lasting memories not only for the children but also for their parents and siblings.

“The cliché of ‘these are the best days of your life’ is not just a cliché,” she said. “It’s so true, not just for the players, but for the parents and family too.”

She thanked the coaches, team parents, umpires, grounds crews, concession workers, announcers, pitch counters, and others who volunteered their time. Cockrell gave special recognition to Moore, saying he had worked for months to create the best possible tournament experience for players and families.

Rusty Nicholson, a former Front Royal Little League president and former District 3 administrator, then led the players in the Little League Pledge. Parents and volunteers joined in a separate pledge promising to support players and coaches, respect umpires, and praise effort regardless of a game’s outcome.

The ceremony ended with a first pitch that became one of the evening’s most memorable moments.

Bennett’s Creek Little League was selected in a drawing to participate in the ceremonial first pitch, with player Logan Simpson chosen to take the mound. But the biggest surprise came moments later when Logan’s father, Senior Chief Richard Simpson of the U.S. Navy, walked onto the field after returning home from an 11-month deployment aboard the USS Fort Lauderdale.

Seeing his father for the first time, Logan sprinted into his arms as the crowd erupted in applause. The emotional reunion brought tears to many in the stands as family, teammates, and spectators watched the embrace.

Chief Richard Simpson had traveled directly to Front Royal after arriving back at Norfolk Naval Station earlier that day so he could see his son compete in the state tournament. When he is home, he volunteers as an assistant coach with Bennett’s Creek Little League, where players know him as “Coach Rich.”

The touching reunion provided a memorable conclusion to the opening ceremonies before the tournament officially got underway.