Philip Carpenter’s journey in baseball started the way so many great stories do—on a dusty T-ball field, gripping a bat too big for his hands but dreaming of something even bigger. From his earliest days playing for FCNLL, to coaching, umpiring, and now serving as a teacher and athletic director, Philip’s story is one of growth, community, and lifelong impact.
“I started playing when I was five and stuck with it all the way through senior league,” he recalls. “Even after I aged out, I came back to umpire and eventually coach. Baseball wasn’t just a game—it was where I learned how to lead, communicate, and support others.”
For Philip, the league wasn’t just about wins and losses; it was about the people. Coaches like Andy McDonald shaped him, teaching lessons that extended far beyond the diamond. Volunteers like Sue McDonald dedicated themselves to ensuring every kid had a chance to play, no matter what. These experiences instilled in Philip the values that would later define his career in education and his deep commitment to giving back.
One of his fondest memories? The 9- and 10-year-old All-Stars tournament, a thrilling comeback victory against Front Royal. “We were the underdogs,” he says, “but we pulled off a win. My dad and some of my friends’ dads were our coaches. It wasn’t just a game—it was a moment we shared as families.”
Those moments, he believes, are what make FCNLL so special. It’s more than a baseball league; it’s a place where lifelong friendships are forged, where kids learn resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
That’s why he supports Pitch In for the Future—a campaign to ensure the next generation has even better opportunities. “The better our facilities, the more kids we can involve. And when you invest in a place like this, you’re investing in the heart of a community.”
Looking back, Philip is grateful for every inning, every lesson, and every night spent at the field with his family. “My father recently passed, and so many of our best memories were here—my mom, grandfather, my aunt, my grandmother. It was like a family reunion every night.”
Now, he wants to ensure today’s players have the same experiences—and even more. An indoor practice facility, improved family-friendly spaces, and continued investment in the league would mean everything to the kids who dream of making their own memories.
"What would you dare to dream if you knew you couldn’t fail?"
FCNLL gave Philip and so many others the foundation to build their futures. Now, it’s time to step up to the plate and ensure that legacy continues. Join us in pitching in for the future.
Learn more about the Pitch In for the Future Capital Campaign.