On a chilly day at Frederick County National Little League, with snow flurries swirling around the field, a young Darrell Thompson stood on the mound, locked in and focused. That day, he pitched the only perfect game of his life—an achievement that would be etched into his memory forever. It wasn’t just about the win; it was about the love of the game, the lessons learned, and the community that shaped him.

Darrell’s baseball journey started at the age of five, playing T-ball in Frederick County, where his passion for the sport took root. Field 4 became his proving ground—where he hit his first home run and where he learned what it meant to be a competitor. As he grew, he played at Sherando High School, post-21 Legion ball, and Shenandoah University, before making his way into professional baseball. His career took him across the country, from New Mexico to Illinois, eventually leading him to the Milwaukee Brewers organization and a spot on Team USA, where he proudly represented his country in the Tokyo Dome. Now, he’s taking his talents to Mexico, where he will compete in the 2025 season with the Campeche Piratas in the Mexican Professional League.

But no matter where the game took him, Frederick County National Little League remained his foundation. The lessons learned there—how to handle wins and losses, how to work hard, and how to respect the game—helped him thrive beyond baseball. Mentors like Dickey McDonald instilled confidence in him at a young age, showing him the importance of discipline, teamwork, and taking pride in his craft.

Now, Darrell sees the next generation of young athletes coming through the league and knows how vital it is to invest in their future. That’s why the Pitch In for the Future campaign matters. He believes that while travel baseball is growing, Little League should remain a place where kids can simply play for the love of the game—where they can dream big, just as he once did.

“If you knew your dreams were going to come true, how big would you dream?” Darrell asks young players today.

The campaign will help provide a trusted facility where players can develop their skills safely, surrounded by knowledgeable coaches who are all working together toward a common goal. It will ensure that future generations have a place to learn, grow, and fall in love with baseball—just like he did.

Now, it’s our turn to step up to the plate. Let’s build something great for the next generation. Let’s pitch in for the future.

Learn more about the Pitch In for the Future Capital Campaign.