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Fairfax County leaders and Northern Virginia’s athletics community are mourning Rob Hahne Jr., a longtime coach and youth sports advocate whose influence stretched across generations.

Hahne, a Clifton resident known locally as “Mr. Baseball,” died May 14 at age 57.

At the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ May 19 meeting, Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn called Hahne “an incredible model” of community service.

“He was involved in youth sports, up and down,” Board Chair Jeff McKay said. “Every single opportunity he could, he was making a difference in the lives of our young people.”

Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity said Hahne’s death leaves “a huge void,” noting that his work reached well beyond baseball.

Hahne grew up in Northern Virginia and began playing through McLean Little League. He became a standout pitcher and capable hitter at Langley High School and Elon University.

As an adult, he is estimated to have coached more than 100 baseball teams. That included a decade as Westfield High School’s head coach, where his players included his sons, Robert and Kyle.

He later became executive director of the Northern Virginia Travel Baseball League, one of the country’s largest independent baseball leagues, with more than 400 teams.

In 2020, Hahne helped establish the Northern Virginia College League to give college-level players summer opportunities. The organization is now called the Potomac League.

His leadership roles also included chairing the Fairfax County Baseball Council and working with the American Baseball Coaches Association. He served on the boards of Visit Fairfax, the Fairfax County Athletics Council, the Fairfax Sports Tourism Task Force, McLean/SYA Little League and McLean Babe Ruth.

Hahne used those connections to advocate for better youth sports facilities. Herrity credited his efforts with helping make Patriot Park North possible. Fairfax County opened the $28 million baseball complex in the Braddock area in 2023.

That year, Herrity honored Hahne as the Springfield District’s “Lord Fairfax.”

Hahne’s family described him as “a dreamer and a doer.” Both qualities became especially important after his 7-year-old son, Kyle, was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010.

Hahne created Kyle’s Kamp to support pediatric cancer services and research at Children’s National Hospital. Its signature annual baseball tournament has raised more than $2.3 million.

Tributes from across the region remembered Hahne as a tireless advocate for young athletes, coaches and improved facilities.

The American Baseball Coaches Association said his dedication made a profound impact throughout the Washington region and nationally. The Northern Virginia Travel Baseball League praised his belief that the sport could teach leadership, responsibility, teamwork and character.

Alexandria Little League called him perhaps Northern Virginia youth baseball’s greatest advocate of the past two decades.

ESPN reporter John Keim recalled that Hahne had coached his children in baseball, while longtime local sports journalist Dave Facinoli described him as possibly the most consequential figure in the history of Northern Virginia baseball.

Facinoli also called for a regional baseball field or complex to be named in Hahne’s honor.

In 2024, Hahne decided to return to his roots by coaching Langley High School during the 2025 season. At the time, he said Langley was the only opening that could have brought him out of high school coaching retirement.

“Coming here is exciting to have the chance to impact the baseball community where I grew up,” he said.

Hahne is survived by Kieran, his wife of nearly 30 years; their children, Robert, Maddie and Kyle; his brothers, Jeff and Jerry Hahne; and other extended family members. His parents, Robert Sr. and Barbara Hahne, died before him.

A funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27, at 10:30 a.m. at Redeeming Grace Church, 5200 Ox Road in Fairfax. A celebration of life will follow at 2 p.m. at Capital One Park, 1600 Scotts Crossing Road in Tysons.

Memorial contributions may be made to Kyle’s Kamp or another charity.