Restore Lake Washington High School Baseball to Lee Johnson Field
The defending state champion baseball team from Lake Washington High School deserves a home venue that reflects its achievements and supports the community that rallies behind it. For decades, the team has played many of its home games at the historic Lee Johnson Field in downtown Kirkland. This location has become an integral part of the program’s identity and tradition.

Games at Lee Johnson Field regularly draw several hundred fans, creating a vibrant community atmosphere that celebrates local baseball. Families, students, alumni, and visiting teams gather in the heart of downtown Kirkland to enjoy an evening of baseball and community connection. This tradition has been part of the Lake Washington baseball experience for generations.

Recently, however, an abrupt and quiet decision by the school’s athletic director has significantly reduced the number of varsity games played at Lee Johnson Field. Under his direction, only two home games will be played at the stadium, with the remainder moved to the high school’s on-campus field. According to the athletic director, he has been “working for 11 years to reduce the number of games played at Lee Johnson.”

The high school field, however, was designed primarily as a shared practice facility for the varsity, junior varsity, and C-team programs. There are some games played there by all three teams, however it simply does not have the capacity to host the large and enthusiastic crowds that regularly support the varsity team. Seating is limited, and the facility lacks adequate accessible seating for fans with disabilities—an important feature that Lee Johnson Field has historically provided.

Lee Johnson Field offers the seating, accessibility, and overall game-day environment that a championship program deserves. Its downtown location makes it easy for fans to attend and reinforces the deep connection between the baseball program and the Kirkland community. Returning varsity home games to Lee Johnson Field would preserve a cherished tradition while ensuring that all fans—including those with mobility challenges—can comfortably attend and enjoy the games.

There are also important financial considerations. Transportation has never been provided for the varsity team to travel to Lee Johnson Field, and the Lake Washington High School Baseball Booster Club has offered to cover the field rental fees. By playing varsity home games at Lee Johnson Field, the school district would avoid these costs, potentially saving funds that could be redirected to other educational or athletic needs.

Economic Impact on Downtown Kirkland
Hosting games at Lee Johnson Field also benefits the broader Kirkland community. When hundreds of fans gather downtown to watch the Kangs play, local businesses see increased activity. Fans often dine at nearby restaurants or visit local shops before and after games, creating a positive economic impact for the city.

The Downtown Kirkland Business Association has already expressed concern about the potential loss of this community activity. Visiting teams, their families, and supporters also look forward to the opportunity to experience a game in downtown Kirkland, making these events beneficial for both the school and the city.

Why Community Sports Matter
Some may argue that school sports are not a priority compared with other issues. Yet community members are passionate about different things, and local sports play an important role in building connection and pride. High school athletics bring people together, encourage face-to-face interaction, and foster a shared sense of identity within the community.

For student-athletes, participation in sports teaches valuable life lessons—discipline, teamwork, leadership, perseverance, and goal-setting. These experiences help prepare young people for success as they transition into adulthood and become active members of our communities.

A Call to Restore Tradition
For decades, Lee Johnson Field has been the home of Lake Washington High School baseball. It provides the space, accessibility, atmosphere, and community connection that the program deserves.

We urge the school administration and relevant decision-makers to reconsider this policy and restore varsity home games to Lee Johnson Field. Doing so would honor tradition, support the community, and provide a game-day experience worthy of a state championship program.

It is time to bring Lake Washington baseball back to where it belongs.

Sign this petition and comment to support Lake Washington High School baseball and return varsity home games to Lee Johnson Field. ⚾