Parkside Little League was established in 2015 when two adjacent neighborhood leagues merged: Parkrose Little League and Lakeside Little League. Parkside's name and brand colors are an amalgam, and a conscious tribute, to these two predecessor leagues--both of which have their own legacies that date back more than 60 years.
To honor our origins, we've compiled a brief history of the league.
Foundations and Early Days
The origins of Parkside Little League trace back to the mid-20th century when Parkrose and Lakeside Little Leagues were founded. Parkrose Little League was established in 1956 under the name Parkway Little League. Shortly after, Lakeside Little League was founded in 1958. These leagues provided a foundation for youth baseball in Northeast Portland, each building a strong community of players, families, and volunteers.
Parkrose Little League was fortunate to have the support of the St. Aubin family, who donated land from Mayflower Farms in the 1950s to serve as the league’s home field. The league used this land to build Bob St. Aubin Stadium on East Burnside Street near 136th Avenue, where Parkrose teams played for nearly 50 years. The stadium became a centerpiece of the community, where generations of kids learned to play ball, and families gathered to cheer them on.
Meanwhile, Lakeside Little League was building its own legacy. In the early 1960s, Coach Chuck Falbo, a beloved figure in the Lakeside community, helped build Falbo Field near Whitaker Ponds. For decades, Lakeside rented the fields behind Whitaker School, which became the heart of the league’s operations. The fields sat alongside the ponds, an area that for years was neglected and littered with scrap metal, tires, and debris.
Challenges and Change
In 1995, Metro acquired Whitaker Ponds and the surrounding land using funds from a bond measure aimed at restoring natural areas. The acquisition marked the beginning of significant changes for Lakeside Little League. In 2007, the Portland City Council approved plans to restore the ponds and convert the area into a nature park — a decision that meant Falbo Field would eventually be lost.
The first major disruption came in 2009 when Portland Public Schools sold Whitaker School to the NAYA Family Center. Lakeside continued to rent the field from NAYA until 2022, when the lease was not renewed, effectively ending Lakeside’s time at Falbo Field.
Parkrose Little League also faced challenges. By 2012, the league had stopped playing at Bob St. Aubin Stadium due to declining participation and maintenance issues. The property’s low elevation made it vulnerable to flooding and attracted unwanted activity during Portland’s housing crisis. The stadium sat in disrepair, a shadow of its former self.
The Merger and the Birth of Parkside
Parkrose and Lakeside decided to unite their efforts. In 2015, the leagues merged to form Parkside Little League, combining the legacy and resources of both programs to create a stronger, more sustainable league. Falbo Field became Parkside’s new home, marking a symbolic bridge between the two original leagues.
In, 2018, Parkside Little League officially sold the languished Bob St. Aubin Stadium. Additionally, after losing the lease at Falbo Field in 2022, Parkside Little League had to find a new home. In 2023, the league secured access to fields at Parkrose High School, other Parkrose school facilities and Knott City Park. This move marked a return to the Parkrose community and ensured the league’s continued presence for the next generation of players.
Mission and Vision
Parkside Little League’s mission is clear: to make baseball accessible, fun, and positive for youth in Northeast Portland. The league strives to give every kid the opportunity to play ball, build confidence, and develop skills that go beyond the game. Parkside’s philosophy of inclusion means that no player is turned away due to financial barriers.
The vision for Parkside Little League is simple but powerful: every kid plays ball. The league has been especially focused on providing opportunities to kids in historically underserved neighborhoods. Through fundraising, sponsorships, and community support, Parkside ensures that baseball remains an option for all kids.
In 2024 alone, Parkside got 250 kids into the game—many at little to no cost. The league’s commitment to accessibility and development has made it a pillar of the Northeast Portland community.
Legacy and Future
Parkside Little League stands today as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Portland baseball community. Its roots are firmly planted in the legacy of two leagues, the dedication of families and volunteers, and the hard work of figures like Coach Falbo and the St. Aubin family. While the league has faced significant challenges — from land disputes to losing historic fields — it has consistently found a way to evolve and create new opportunities for young athletes.
As Parkside Little League looks to the future, it remains grounded in its mission to teach the values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance — ensuring that the next generation of Portland kids continues to find a home on the field.