Panama City Beach, Fla. — Three Southern Maryland youth baseball leaders served as neutral mentors at the 2025 All-Ripken Futures Games, guiding elite players across four age groups and achieving a combined 15-5 record with two Gold Bracket Championships.
James Jones, president of St. Mary’s Little League; Mikey Farrell, president of Chesapeake Ghost; and RJ Bean, president of Southern Maryland Bob Richardson League, traveled to Publix Sports Park from December 11 to 14 to volunteer their expertise. The event featured top players selected as MVPs from qualifying tournaments in Aberdeen, Md.; Myrtle Beach, S.C.; and Cooperstown, N.Y. Organizers chose coaches based on alignment with the “Ripken Way,” a philosophy emphasizing five core pillars: always be coaching, make it fun, keep it simple, explain the why, and celebrate the individual.
“The focus is entirely on the kids and their growth,” said James Jones, who led the 10U Rebels to a Gold Bracket Runner-Up finish. “We spent our nights meticulously planning lineups to ensure every player met their primary position minimums. It’s about honoring their hard work and making sure they leave the field more confident than when they arrived.”
By acting as neutral mentors without parent-coach dynamics, the group prioritized objective development, removing typical youth sports politics. This approach allowed full attention on technical growth and equitable playtime, aligning with the event’s “Players First” ethos.
“We are here to grow the game,” said Mikey Farrell, manager of the 11U Eagles and assistant for the undefeated 12U Gold Champion Watchmen. “By coaching at this level, we’re learning new ways to engage players. If we can bring those high-level coaching standards back to our home county, we ensure that our local kids keep coming back year after year.”
RJ Bean, who managed the 9U Stripes and assisted the 10U squad, emphasized his lifelong commitment to the local baseball community. “Everything I do is dedicated to making our community of players better. Whether it’s on a local field or at a national event like this, I’m always striving to improve my own coaching so I can better explain the ‘why’ to these kids. My goal is to ensure that every decision we make and every lesson we teach is focused on elevating the experience for our players back home.”
The Futures Games, powered by Under Armour, brought together players aged nine to 13 for competitive games and skill-building sessions at the coastal venue, known for its synthetic turf fields and proximity to beaches. Selection followed strong performances at earlier All-Ripken events, where coaches like these Southern Maryland representatives had previously participated in qualifying rounds in Aberdeen during September 2025.
Back in Southern Maryland, the leaders plan to implement insights gained, such as structured lineup planning and emphasis on fundamentals, to enhance local programs. St. Mary’s Little League, based in California, Md., serves more than 500 children annually across T-ball, baseball and softball divisions for ages four to 16, with registration typically opening in winter for spring seasons. The league follows Little League International rules, including age verification and boundary restrictions to ensure fair play.
Chesapeake Ghost, a travel organization headquartered in Leonardtown, fields competitive teams in tournaments across the Mid-Atlantic, focusing on advanced skill development for players seeking exposure beyond recreational levels. Recently, the group organized an equipment drive to collect gently used gear for area youth, distributing items to reduce barriers for families in Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s counties.
The Southern Maryland Bob Richardson League, named after its founder who established it in 2005, provides middle school-aged players with organized games using wooden bats and modified rules to bridge recreational and high school levels. Bean, appointed commissioner in November 2025, oversees scheduling and umpiring for teams from public and private schools in the tri-county region.
The Ripken Way, developed by Cal Ripken Jr. and his brother Bill, draws from their father’s coaching legacy with the Baltimore Orioles organization. Since Ripken Baseball’s inception in 2001, it has expanded to multiple complexes, hosting over 100,000 players yearly in tournaments that stress sportsmanship and skill over winning at all costs.
Volunteer efforts like those from Jones, Farrell and Bean underscore the role of community leaders in sustaining the sport. In St. Mary’s County alone, youth sports organizations rely on hundreds of unpaid coaches to manage seasons, with baseball programs often coordinating with schools for field access during spring and summer.
As these mentors return, their experiences could influence upcoming seasons, potentially increasing enrollment by introducing fresh drills and motivational techniques. The Southern Maryland baseball scene, part of Maryland’s broader youth athletics framework, continues to emphasize accessibility, with scholarships available through local leagues to cover registration fees for low-income families.
This participation at national events highlights Southern Maryland’s contributions to youth development, fostering skills that extend beyond the diamond into leadership and teamwork.
Tournament Results at a Glance:
| Team | Record | Achievement |
| 12U Watchmen | 5-0 | 12U Gold Bracket Champions |
| 9U Stripes | 4-1 | 9U Gold Bracket Champions |
| 10U Rebels | 3-2 | 10U Gold Bracket Runner-Ups |
| 11U Eagles | 3-2 | 11U Bronze Bracket Qualifiers |
