Greater Fairfax Babe Ruth began in the City of Fairfax in 1957. That’s when a group of crusty, old Virginia baseball guys sat down and decided, “We need a league for 90-foot baseball”. Like the old story goes, build it and they will come. It was built and the players and fans did arrive! Since 1957 our players have been making memories on the diamonds of Fairfax County. Memories that will last a lifetime. The Greater Fairfax colors of grey with royal blue and red are derived from the colors of Fairfax High School in 1957. Those colors for Fairfax High School have maintained through today. As you look across other nearby Babe Ruth leagues you will notice that the Falls Church/Annandale team sports green and gold - Falls Church High School colors. Springfield proudly wears blue pinstripes, the uniform of West Springfield when it opened in 1970.

Fairfax has once seen their team advance to the Babe Ruth World Series. In 1976 the Greater Fairfax 15-year-old team won their way to the World Series under the leadership of Patrick Laing. Coach Laing was the Athletic Director at Fairfax High School for over 20 years before his sudden death in 2004. Soon after his passing Greater Fairfax Babe Ruth established their “Hall of Fame” to which Coach Laing was inducted posthumously.

The roots of our Greater Fairfax Tournament Team family stretch deep. Kevin Brooks, Manager of the 2008 Tournament Team, was a player on this same team when he was a 16, 17, and 18 year old (click the photo to see larger). His time on the roster saw two trips to the State Tournament. During his time as a player and coach, he has embraced and taught one important philosophy: Winning isn’t everything - wanting to IS. Click this to see a 1985 team photo of the Fairfax crew with Coach Brooks.

Twist of the New Century

When travel baseball transformed the youth baseball landscape in 1998, the Babe Ruth League took some knocks. While the pseudo-elite in Northern Virginia baseball consider Babe Ruth a second or third tier league, Babe Ruth results contradict their criticism. Study the history of the league and recent, notable victories to find the emergence of a Babe Ruth experience filled with a sense of respect, redemption, or validation. Players that found no spot available on their high school bench found themselves starters on our All Star teams. Some went on to capture a State Title or two. Many players that started on their high school varsity squad joined Babe Ruth for the rich experience and to taste more success. Other leagues played competitive ball, but without any title that lives forever.

Recent Years

During the past few years the 16-18 year old Greater Fairfax Tournament Team has seen impressive success. In 2006 the team advanced to the State Tournament in Purcelville, Virginia. The following year they returned to the State Tournament and emerged victorious against strong competition (three of four victories by a one-run margin) in Southern Virginia. Click this to see photos from the 2007 State Championship Game. As the 2007 State Champions the team traveled to Tarboro, North Carolina for the Southeastern Regional Tournament. (More photos here, here, and here)

The Team Today

In 2008 the team will endeavor to secure their third straight District VI Title. Having won the 2007 State Championship the team will be challenged to accomplish the same feat with just four returning members of the 2007 roster. Returning to the team in 2008 are David Grayson, Steven Gregg, Murphy Luatua and Casey Sutton. With 2008 being his third appearance on the roster, Casey Sutton has the opportunity to become the only 16-18 year old player from Greater Fairfax Babe Ruth to ever play on three straight District VI title teams.

New names on the roster that hold the key to keeping the winning tradition alive include: Sean Burke; Patrick Gidders; Steven McDougal; Ryan Michael; Matt Newman; Brandon Spoone; Lee Strutzel; Matt Taylor; Corey Wever; Ryan Wever. Click this to see the full 2008 roster.

For five decades the Greater Fairfax team has competed in Babe Ruth Baseball. The 2008 Team is ready to continue and represent that legacy with pride and power.

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