About NCLL

North Central Little League (NCLL) is a vibrant cornerstone of youth sports in North Seattle, proudly bringing the joy and skills of baseball and softball to families across the diverse neighborhoods of Green Lake, Greenwood, Phinney Ridge, Fremont, Wallingford, and Ballard.

More than just a league, NCLL fosters a strong sense of community, where young athletes develop essential skills, build lasting friendships, and learn valuable life lessons about teamwork and sportsmanship. With dedicated volunteers and coaches, NCLL provides a positive and enriching experience, shaping the next generation of players and strengthening the fabric of these beloved North Seattle communities.

Lower Woodland Cloverleaf

Woodland Park's athletic fields, now home to baseball diamonds, have a rich history. Guy C. Phinney, the park's original owner, laid the groundwork by creating two athletic fields in his private estate during the late 1880s. These fields, one in the upper northwest corner and another in the lower southeast, demonstrated his commitment to recreation. After the City of Seattle acquired the park in 1899, the Olmsted Brothers, in their detailed 1910 plan, further developed the lower eastern half into athletic fields, including a grandstand at the south end.

Changes to Green Lake's shoreline, starting in 1911, significantly impacted the fields. By lowering the lake level and filling the marshy southern end, a third athletic field was created by 1913. This new field was intended to replace the older upper field, though that transition wasn't completed until 1929 when the upper field was integrated into the zoo. The lower fields continued to evolve, with a second grandstand added in 1915 and a shelter house with dressing rooms and showers built in 1929. Today, those fields, transformed into baseball diamonds, stand as a testament to the park's long-standing dedication to sports and recreation.

Registrars Note

I'm fascinated by the history of these fields and the teams (North Central I assume) that played on them. Our years on the board and volunteering—not unlike yours as parents in the league—are fleeting. I can definitely see how things get lost in the shuffle of volunteers and parents constantly and unrelentingly churning through.

That said, there are quite a few of us who would love to hear any stories or see any media related to NCLL from back in the day. If you have anything, hit us up at [email protected]!