For 50 years Rich dedicated himself to Fountain Valley Little League. Over that time, he coached somewhere between 25 and 30 All-Star teams. Across roughly 1,100 games, Rich stood in the dugout, teaching fundamentals, teaching toughness, teaching accountability, and most importantly, teaching young athletes how to compete the right way. Wins mattered to him. But character mattered more.

Rich also served as a board member, helping guide the league off the field just as faithfully as he did on it. He understood that a league like ours doesn’t run on chalk lines and scorebooks. It runs on volunteers willing to give their time for something bigger than themselves.

Long before he was shaping young ballplayers here in Fountain Valley, he was serving our country. Rich was part of a medical evacuation team in Vietnam, running toward danger so others could live. That kind of service tells you something about a person. It tells you about courage. It tells you about selflessness. It tells you about heart.

Posthumously Inducted March 7, 2026

Carter was not a Hall of Famer because of home runs, strikeouts, or trophies. Carter is a Hall of Famer because of who he was, how he played the game, and the impact he continues to have on this league long after his time on the field. At a very young age, Carter faced a battle no child should ever have to face, leukemia. For two years, Carter fought that battle with incredible courage. And even while in active treatment, he continued to play baseball here at Fountain Valley Little League. He never let his illness steal his joy. Carter loved being on the field. He loved being with his teammates. He loved the game.

On October 8th, just before his 7th birthday, Carter passed away from complications related to his treatment. While his time with us was far too short, his impact on this league has been lasting and profound.  In Carter’s memory, his family partnered with Fountain Valley Little League to create the Carter Ankeny Inspirational Player Award. This award is voted on by every team in our league and is given each postseason to one player from every division.  It goes to the player who plays with joy, lifts up their teammates, and inspires others simply by the way they show up to the game. It represents, the spirit, courage, and love of baseball that Carter embodied every day.

Each year, when Carter’s name is spoken, when that award is handed out, and when young players strive to play the game the right way, Carter’s legacy lives on.

Posthumously Inducted March 7, 2026