Woodlawn Little League History
During the winter of 1967, through the generosity of our neighbor, Fort Belvoir, the Woodlawn Little League Board of Directors was able to secure approval to develop the Pole Road fields out of an unused parcel of land that belonged to the military base. Many dedicated parents of league players spent months clearing fields, grading and designing baseball diamonds, erecting fences, and building dugouts and a concession stand--an effort that brought great meaning to the families of Woodlawn Little League, as the fields symbolized the sense of commitment and community that were the driving force behind establishing and growing the league.
Following the tragic death of the son of a devoted Woodlawn Little League family, the fields were officially named, “John McNaughton Memorial Fields,” on June 26, 1971. That same year the Ladies Auxiliary was officially folded into the Woodlawn Little League Association, bringing all of the functions of the league under one umbrella organization run by parent volunteers and supported by committed local businesses. The Woodlawn Little League softball program began in the 2000s, giving girls in our community the choice to play either baseball or softball.
Over the decades, Woodlawn Little League teams have found much success, winning numerous District 9 championships, two Virginia State championships, a Southern Regional championship, and we even had an appearance in the Juniors World Series in 2006! In 2015 the Fairfax County Park Authority acquired the Pole Road property, pulling it into the county park system, and it was officially renamed McNaughton Fields Park. As part of that acquisition, Fairfax County worked with Woodlawn Little League to undertake a renovation of all of the baseball and softball fields; and that full renovation culminated in the 2024 completion of the concession stand and restrooms, the grand opening of which is being celebrated today, March 29, 2025.
For decades, Woodlawn Little League has served the Mount Vernon community, working to teach over 4,000 young people in our community not only about the rules of baseball and softball, but also about the value of teamwork, good sportsmanship, and friendship. We’re so proud of our league’s players, and so appreciative of all of the parent volunteers, community, and Fairfax County support that is sure to sustain us for the next 60 years!