Little League® alumni were in the spotlight during the 2023 MLB Postseason with more than 55 graduates playing in the 2023 MLB World Series and a group of graduates receiving postseason awards for their individual fielding and offensive performances.  

A graduate of Mizusawa Little League in Japan, Shohei Ohtani finished out the season with the honor of being named the American League Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. Mr. Ohtani led MLB in slugging (.654) and OPS (1.066), plus, his 44 recorded home runs in only 135 games was the most in the American League. With this year’s AL MVP win, Mr. Ohtani made history as the first player to win the award by a unanimous vote twice.  

Shohei Ohtani with two MVP’s

Congrats on becoming first player in history to win multiple unanimous MVP awards #LLAlumni pic.twitter.com/lnloIE7uGj

— Little League (@LittleLeague) November 17, 2023

With the Baltimore Orioles coming out of the regular season with 101 wins, the AL East title, and the organization’s first trip to the MLB playoffs since 2016, Manager Braden Hyde was named the American League Manager of the Year. Mr. Hyde is a graduate of Santa Rosa (Calif.) American Little League and is now the fourth Baltimore Orioles manager to receive the award.   

In addition to Mr. Ohtani and Mr. Hyde’s big wins, below is a list of Little League graduates who also took home some hardware from the 2023 MLB Postseason Awards: 

Shohei Ohtani (Los Angeles Angels) – Mizusawa (Japan) LL  

• American League MVP Award  
• American League Players Choice Outstanding Player  
• Outstanding Designated Hitter Award 
• American League Hank Aaron Award

Corbin Caroll (Arizona Diamondbacks) – Magnolia LL; Queen Anne LL (Seattle, Wash.) 

• National League Rookie of the Year Award  
• National League Players Choice Outstanding Rookie  

Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) – Linden (Calif.) LL  

• 2023 Roberto Clemente Award  

Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees) – Tustin Western (Calif.) LL 

• American League Cy Young Award 
• American League Players Choice Outstanding Pitcher  

Cody Bellinger (Chicago Cubs) – Chandler (Ariz.) National LL – 2007 LLBWS 

• National League Players Choice Comeback Player  

Liam Hendriks (Chicago White Sox) – Wanneroo (Australia) LL 

• American League Players Choice Comeback Player  

Blake Snell (San Diego Padres) – Richmond (Wash.) LL 

• National League Cy Young Award 
• National League Players Choice Outstanding Pitcher  

Every year, a series of players are recognized for their individual fielding performances (Gold Glove Award) and/or their individual offensive performance (Silver Slugger Award) in that year’s season. Below are those Little League graduates that received one of these awards:  

Gold Glove Awards: 

American League  

• Matt Chapman (3B) – Toronto Blue Jays – Lake Forest (Calif.) LL 
• Anthony Volpe (SS) – New York Yankees – West Side LL (New York, N.Y.)   
• José Berríos (P) – Toronto Blue Jays 
• Steven Kwan (LF) – Cleveland Guardians – Sunnyvale (Calif.) Southern LL 

National League  

• Zack Wheeler (P) – Philadelphia Phillies – Smyrna (Ga.) LL 

Silver Slugger Awards: 

American League 

• Kyle Tucker (OF) – Houston Astros – Tampa Bay (Fla.) LL 
• Shohei Ohtani (DH) – Los Angeles Angels – Mizusawa (Japan) LL 

National League  

• Juan Soto (OF) – San Diego Padres – Banco Central LL (Dominican Republic)  
• Cody Bellinger (UT) – Chicago Cubs – Chandler (Ariz.) National LL – 2007 LLBWS  

Several Little League graduates were also named to the fifth-annual All-MLB First or Second Team for being the best at each position during the 2023 season. Those who received the honor are listed below:

All-MLB Team Honor

First Team

• Freddie Freeman (1B) – Los Angeles Dodgers – Long Beach (Calif.) LL
• Corbin Caroll (OF) – Arizona Diamondbacks – Magnolia LL; Queen Anne LL (Seattle, Wash.)
• Shohei Ohtani (DH, SP) – Los Angeles Angels – Mizusawa (Japan) LL
• Blake Snell (SP) – San Diego Padres – Richmond (Wash.) LL

Second Team

• Ozzie Albies (2B) – Atlanta Braves – Pariba LL (Willemstad, Curaçao)
• Aaron Judge (OF) – New York Yankees – Linden (Calif.) LL
• Kyle Tucker (OF) – Houston Astros – Tampa Bay (Fla.) LL

NOTE: If you know of a notable Little League® graduate that would fit into one of these categories, please fill out our Little League Alumni Submission Form. 

To learn more about Little League alumni, including a full listing of active MLB players who got their start in Little League and those who played in both the Little League Baseball® World Series and MLB, visit LittleLeague.org/Alumni. 

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For a second year in a row, Dugout, the official mascot of Little League® Baseball and Softball, has been named the winner of the 2023 Mascot Hall of Fame Award for corporate mascot with the greatest community impact. 

At the 2023 Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, Dugout helped welcome players and coaches from Cuba as they made their first-ever trip to Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Dugout also spent its time at the world’s largest youth sports tournament taking pictures with visitors, having fun with the players of the annual Little League Challenger Division® Exhibition game, Presented by Eggland’s Best, and keeping the excitement alive across the complex.   

Since its debut in 1985, Dugout continues to bring smiles, joy, and fun to fans of all ages at the world’s largest youth baseball tournament each summer. Whether it‘s high-fiving tournament players as they run onto the field or finding ways to make visitors across the complex feel welcome, Dugout remains a fan favorite for visitors from all over the world.  

The Mascot Hall of Fame is the hall of fame for sports mascots in North America. Located In Whiting, Indiana, the hall of fame was founded by David Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic, in 2005.  

The award presented to Dugout in 2022 and 2023 is given based on a program within the organization’s community that Is spearheaded by the team or school’s mascot, which directly benefits the community. The program can be any type of effort that helps with special needs within the community (i.e. educational resources, public safety, food scarcity, etc.).  

To learn more about the Mascot Hall of Fame and see the other 2023 award winners, visit MascotHallOfFame.com.  

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The safety and well-being of all participants in the Little League^® Program has always been a top priority, and since 1995, Little League and Musco Lighting have partnered in the A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP) to help local leagues and districts in the United States create the safest environment possible for player, volunteers, and fans.

This year, the ASAP program saw its most successful year ever with more than 93% of local leagues participating and to celebrate these award winners, Little League is once again honored to recognize the top two leagues from each U.S. Region for their commitment to the safety and well-being of their players with the presentation of the 2023 ASAP Awards.

Below are the 10 local Little League programs honored as Region Winners in 2023:

Central Region:

• Milan Youth (Mich.) LL
• Ankeny (Iowa) LL

East Region:

• Huntington Tri-Village LL (Greenlawn, N.Y.)
• Waterford Jr/Sr. (CT) SB LL

Southeast Region:

• Warner Robins (Ga.) Amer LL *National Winner*
• Summerville (S.C.) LL

Southwest Region:

• Colorado Springs (Colo.) LL
• Little League of New Orleans (La.)

West Region:

• Boulder Arrowhead LL (Billings, Montana)
• Lunada Bay LL (Palos Verde Estates, California)

The top winner from each of Little League’s five U.S. regions is awarded a cash prize. From these recognized leagues, Warner Robins (Ga.) Little League was also named the recipient of the national award and will be provided with a complete Musco Lighting system for a 200-foot field.

On Saturday, August 26, before the United States Championship Game of the 2023 Little League Baseball^® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, Little League will also be honoring Musco with the 2022 W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award for their commitment to the program.

The 2023 ASAP Award recipients were honored as part of the annual ASAP brunch at the Williamsport Country Club before taking the field for their recognition on Howard J. Lamade Stadium prior to Game 33 between the Caribbean Region and the Mexico Region.

To learn more about the A Safety Awareness Program, including how to submit your league’s plan, visit LittleLeague.org/ASAP.

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One of ESPN’s most iconic personalities of all-time, Stuart Scott (1965-2015), a graduate of Northwest Forsyth (N.C.) Little League, will become the 62^nd person to be enshrined in the Little League^® Hall of Excellence. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on Sunday, August 27, prior to the Championship Game of the 2023 Little League Baseball^® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, with Mr. Scott’s daughters, Taelor and Sydni Scott, accepting the honor on their father’s behalf.

“The Little League Hall of Excellence shines a spotlight on the graduates of our program that have gone on to be role models for the millions of children who participate in our program in communities around the world,” said Steven P. Johnson, Little League International Board of Directors Chairman. “Throughout his career, Mr. Scott inspired countless children by captivating audiences through his SportsCenter broadcasts and iconic catchphrases. As his daughters Taelor and Sydni carry on his legacy as ambassadors for the V Foundation and in their professional careers, we are honored to welcome Mr. Scott to the Hall of Excellence.”

Mr. Scott was born in Chicago, Illinois, and he and his family moved to the Winston-Salem area of North Carolina, where he and his siblings quickly got into youth sports playing at Northwest Forsyth Little League. As a student-athlete at the University of North Carolina, he played wide receiver and defensive back for the football team and he started his broadcasting career on the college format radio station WXYC. After six years in local news, Mr. Scott made his ESPN debut on October 1, 1993, on ESPN2, the day the network launched.

As his popularity grew, with his iconic catchphrases, “Boo-Yah” and “As Cool as the Other Side of the Pillow,” Mr. Scott quickly became a fan-favorite at ESPN, leading to expanded roles at ESPN. With his true-to-self style, Mr. Scott was an inspiration to black journalists and sports fans around the world.

In 2007, Stuart Scott was diagnosed with appendiceal cancer. He beat it into remission twice before it ultimately took his life in January 2015. Just a few months earlier, Mr. Scott voiced yet another iconic, inspirational moment, while accepting the Jimmy V Award at the ESPY Awards: “When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”

Stuart Scott, the late beloved ESPN sportscaster and a dedicated friend of the V Foundation, helped raise funds for the organization for 20+ years before passing away from cancer in 2015. Following his passing, the V Foundation and founding partner ESPN established the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund to express their commitment to health equity in his memory.

With ESPN’s help, the V Foundation has awarded over $16 million in grants from the Stuart Scott Memorial Cancer Research Fund. The groundbreaking cancer research initiative funds research focused on racial disparities in cancer outcomes as well as general cancer research lead by scientists from underrepresented groups.

His daughters, Taelor and Sydni, continue to honor their dad’s legacy, serving as ambassadors of the V Foundation.

“Thank you so much for honoring our father with this incredible consideration,” said Taelor and Sydni Scott. “We are galvanized and given hope by the work of the V Foundation on behalf of our dad‘s fund to fight disparities in cancer treatment and research. It is such an honor, as our dad was especially nurtured by his youth sports experiences.”

As the 62^nd enshrinee in the Little League Hall of Excellence, Mr. Scott joins fellow Little League graduates Dick Vitale (2012), Todd Frazier (2022), Jenny Dalton-Hill (2022), Heather Tarr (2019), Rob Manfred (2018), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1992), Tom Selleck (1991), Tom Seaver (1988), and more.

HALL OF EXCELLENCE

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Lombardia Little League out of Milano, Italy, has been named the 2023 Girls with Game Team Sportsmanship Award recipient based on their conduct and interactions both on and off the field throughout its time in Greenville, North Carolina.

“As we have seen over the past weeks during our Region and World Series tournaments, the game of softball does such an amazing job bringing people together from all parts of the world, and at the root of all of that is the sportsmanship that is displayed by our players, coaches, and fans,” said Ashlea Miller, Little League Director of Softball Development. “As we celebrate the conclusion of the 2023 Little League Softball World Series, we are proud to present Lombardia Little League with the 2023 Girls with Game Team Sportsmanship Award as their players and coaches have displayed tremendous sportsmanship, teamwork, and respect to all those around them during their time in Greenville.”

Presented for the first time during the 2021 Little League Softball^® World Series, the Girls with Game Team Sportsmanship Award recognizes a team that shows what it means to be “Girls with Game” both on and off the field. The Little League^® Girls with Game Initiative, originally launched in 2019, is dedicated to honoring all the girls and women who have made the Little League program what it is today and those who inspire the future generation of female participants at every level.

Members of the Little League International Staff, LLSWS Tournament Committee, participating managers, volunteers, and media were given the chance to vote on which team they believed should be recognized for this award. In addition, through its partnership with Athletes Unlimited and the first-ever AU Pro Games at the LLSWS where the athletes got to interact with the Little Leaguers over the course of two days, Little League International was able to have Athletes Unlimited Softball players contribute to the voting to ultimately determine this year’s recipient.

Once again this year, prior to the start of the 2023 Little League Softball World Series, all 12 participating teams also sgathered together for the Girls with Game Celebration to officially kick off this year’s event with a night of fun and excitement.

To learn more about Little League Girls with Game, including how you can celebrate in your own community, visit LittleLeague.org/GirlsWithGame. Also, don’t forget that Little League will also be celebrating its #GWG50 Campaign in 2024, marking just one of the many ways the organization is strengthening its strategic focus on female inclusivity and opportunity.

Previous Girls with Game Team Sportsmanship Award Recipients:

• 2021: Robinson (Texas) Little League
• 2022: Negros Occidental Little League (Bacolod City, Philippines)
• 2023: Lombardia Little League (Milano, Italy)

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Following decades of support of the Little League^® program which contributed to its growth around the world, Little League International is proud to present the 2023 W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award to the Piszek Family. The award will be presented in honor of the late Bill Piszek and his father, Ed, prior to the 7 p.m. ET game of the 2023 Little League Baseball^® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, between the Mid-Atlantic Region and the Southwest Region on Thursday, August 17.

“For generations, the Piszek family has been supporting the global growth of the Little League program, and we would not be where we are today without the help of Bill, Ed, and the entire Piszek family,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “On behalf of Little League International, and the millions of children we serve each year, we are pleased to present this prestigious award as we honor the friendship, support, and dedication of the Piszek family. While we wish Bill and Ed were here to join us in receiving this award, we know they would be humbled and honored.”

Together with his father, Ed, and Stan Musial, a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, Bill Piszek organized a fundraising drive to help finance the building of the Little League International’s Region Center in Kutno, Poland. The Little League European Region Headquarters opened in 1996 and is the location where Little League teams from Asia, The Middle East, Africa, and Europe compete annually for a trip to the Little League Baseball World Series. The Region Center features team dormitories, an administration building, a pair of pavilions, and five Little League baseball fields, two of which bear the names of Ed Piszek and Stan Musial.

In addition to their tremendous support of the Little League program, the Piszek family is also best known for their ownership of Mrs. Paul’s Kitchens, a frozen seafood empire. After co-founding the company in 1946, Ed Piszek would go on to grow the business tremendously before eventually selling it to the Campbell Soup Company in 1982. Following in his father’s footsteps, Bill also spent his professional career working for the family business before eventually taking on the role of Marketing Research Manager for the Campbell’s Soup Company.

Along with their strong entrepreneurial expertise, Ed and Bill were also very committed to philanthropy and humanitarian projects over the years, especially throughout Europe in honor of their Polish roots. After his father’s passing, Bill assumed a more active leadership role in the philanthropic efforts, serving as the Co-Chairman of the Copernicus Society of America, a private family foundation.

In 1999, while attending a Little League game in Poland, Bill noticed an increased need for baseball gloves among children and began coordinating efforts to collect new and used gloves to help children in need across the United States, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. In just over a year, “Pitch in a Glove for Little League” helped to gather around 1,000 used gloves while raising $4,000 to buy brand new ones. In 2005, Bill put an ad in a Philadelphia-area newspaper asking for donations, which caught the attention of David Rhode and sparked the launch of Pitch in for Baseball and Softball, a partner of Little League still to this day. Together, through the support of the Piszek family and their efforts across Europe, thousands of children have been given the opportunity to play the game they love and experience the fun and memories that the Little League program provides each year.

Today, an exhibit featuring a box of Mrs. Paul’s Kitchens frozen seafood is on display in the World of Little League Museum, honoring the Piszek’s for their support and dedication to the Little League program. To learn more about visiting the Museum and learning more about the history of the organization and the role the Piszek family provided, visit LittleLeague.org/Museum.

The W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award was created in 1988 to honor W. Howard Hartman, one of Little League International’s most generous and loyal friends. The award is presented annually to an individual or organization who has demonstrated a similar relationship with Little League. 

Previous Recipients:

• 1988-Ray Keyes
• 1989-Robert Yasui
• 1990-Putsee Vannucci
• 1991-Howard Baldwin
• 1992-Jack Lundy
• 1993-Bill Byham
• 1994-Gary Mayer
• 1995-John Troisi
• 1996-Mary Lib Stockwell
• 1997-Sharon Verbos
• 1998-Ed Claudius
• 1999-Terry Gramling
• 2000-Tom Dempsey
• 2001-Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation
• 2002-Alan Wells
• 2003-Peter Luppachino
• 2004-Thomas ‘Tuck’ Frazier
• 2005-Hon. William Miller
• 2006-Susquehanna Health System
• 2007-Lycoming County Law Enforcement Association
• 2008-Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce
• 2009-Fred Plankenhorn & Paul Weaver
• 2010-WRAK Radio (Williamsport, Pa.)
• 2011-Dave and Don Fowler
• 2012-Lenel Systems International, Inc.
• 2013-Steve Moff
• 2014-Federal Correctional Complex Allenwood & U.S. Penitentiary Lewisburg
• 2015-Pennsylvania State Police, Troop F
• 2016-American Honda Motor Co.
• 2017-Jim Darby, Easton Sports & Easton Foundation
• 2018-Don Goodman, Calif. District 35 Administrator
• 2019-Paul Graziano
• 2020-No Award Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
• 2021-Ken Sawyer
• 2022-Musco Sports Lighting
• 2023-Piszek Family

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Led by their CEO Joe Crookham, Musco Sports Lighting^®, the “Official Sports Lighting System of Little League^® Baseball and Softball” since 1992, was named the 2022 W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award winner. Due to unfortunate weather during the 2022 Little League Baseball^® World Series, Mr. Crookham and Musco Sports Lighting were unable to receive their award but will be honored in 2023 with an award presentation prior to the U.S. Championship game on Saturday, August 26 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

For the past 30 years under Mr. Crookham’s leadership, Musco has provided quality lighting systems guaranteed to meet Little League standards for local league fields while reducing energy use and maintenance concerns. Also serving as Little League’s lighting consultant in the area of safety and standards, Musco provides local leagues the technical assistance needed to make sports lighting project a cost-effective and long-lasting success. To help leagues with this challenge, Musco offers local league volunteers a free Project Planning Guide, complete with information to help begin planning a lighting project, and also co-sponsors Little League’s A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP).

“For three decades, Joe Crookham and Musco lighting have been committed to the Little League program, providing continuous support to our local leagues in communities around the world as well as generous donations of modern lighting solutions that enhances the experience for our players at our Region and World Series tournaments,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “On behalf of all of us at Little League, and the millions of volunteers who operate our program each year, we are pleased to honor Joe Crookham and all our friends at Musco with the 2022 W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award.”

In addition to their local league support, Musco has provided lighting solutions at all five U.S. Region complexes that are used for the Little League Baseball and Softball Region Tournaments each summer. Leading into the 2022 Little League Baseball World Series, Musco also worked with Little League to retrofit the stadium lighting at iconic Howard J. Lamade Stadium to be able to produce light levels that meet both Little League and broadcast standards while minimizing glare. In addition, and BallTracker^® fixtures light the underside of the aerial baseball to help players follow its path with better contrast against the dark sky.

Color-changing RGB fixtures allow staff to wash Lamade Stadium with different colors, and can be synced to music using the Show-Light+® entertainment package to create spectacular light shows in future years

Bring affordable lighting to your facility: https://t.co/ho5MuxLPez https://t.co/d58q1RcOdG

— Musco Lighting (@MuscoLighting) August 26, 2022

The W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award was created in 1988 to honor W. Howard Hartman, one of Little League International’s most generous and loyal friends. The award is presented annually to an individual or organization who has demonstrated a similar relationship with Little League. 

Previous Recipients:

• 1988-Ray Keyes
• 1989-Robert Yasui
• 1990-Putsee Vannucci
• 1991-Howard Baldwin
• 1992-Jack Lundy
• 1993-Bill Byham
• 1994-Gary Mayer
• 1995-John Troisi
• 1996-Mary Lib Stockwell
• 1997-Sharon Verbos
• 1998-Ed Claudius
• 1999-Terry Gramling
• 2000-Tom Dempsey
• 2001-Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation
• 2002-Alan Wells
• 2003-Peter Luppachino
• 2004-Thomas ‘Tuck’ Frazier
• 2005-Hon. William Miller
• 2006-Susquehanna Health System
• 2007-Lycoming County Law Enforcement Association
• 2008-Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce
• 2009-Fred Plankenhorn & Paul Weaver
• 2010-WRAK Radio (Williamsport, Pa.)
• 2011-Dave and Don Fowler
• 2012-Lenel Systems International, Inc.
• 2013-Steve Moff
• 2014-Federal Correctional Complex Allenwood & U.S. Penitentiary Lewisburg
• 2015-Pennsylvania State Police, Troop F
• 2016-American Honda Motor Co.
• 2017-Jim Darby, Easton Sports & Easton Foundation
• 2018-Don Goodman, Calif. District 35 Administrator
• 2019-Paul Graziano
• 2020-No Award Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
• 2021-Ken Sawyer
• 2022-Musco Sports Lighting

The post Joe Crookham and Musco Lighting Earn 2022 W. Howard Hartman Little League® Friendship Award appeared first on Little League.

Little League^® International is pleased to name Colin and Trish Sandercock, the parents of 2013 Little League Softball^® World Series alumna and current Athletes Unlimited softball player Kathryn Sandercock, as the 2023 George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year.

With the honor, Mr. and Mrs. Sandercock become the first-ever Little League Softball parents to receive the award, as it was originally established in 1980 to honor parents of Major League Baseball players who were actively involved in their son’s Little League years. In 2022, the award’s criteria expanded to include all professional sports, giving the opportunity to recognize those committed parents of notable softball players as well.

“Recognition as the George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year is an honor granted to only one set of parents each year as a way to represent the support, dedication, and commitment of the millions of parents and guardians who make sure our children have a memorable Little League experience each year,” said Steven P. Johnson, Little League International Board of Directors Chairman. “It is our pleasure to present this year’s award to Colin and Trish for their dedication and support of Kathryn, from her time on the Little League field to her experience now as an Athletes Unlimited athlete. We look forward to welcoming the Sandercock family to Greenville for a historic experience this August as we present this award and share in the excitement around the AU Pro Games at the Little League Softball World Series.”

When Kathryn Sandercock was eight years old, she picked up a softball bat for the first time in her neighborhood cul-de-sac and asked her dad, Colin, if she could take a swing at her first-ever batting practice.

“Her first time up, she hit the ball and it went flying down the street,” said Mrs. Sandercock. “We immediately signed her up for Little League.”

Kathryn got her start playing on the softball diamonds of McLean (Va.) Little League where her mother supported her from the stands and her father helped out as a coach, each of them helping to create lifelong memories every step of the way.

One fond memory for the family came during the 2013 Virginia State Championship game when her team was trailing, 5-4, and her father talked with her after the fourth inning.

“I took her aside and said, ‘Listen Kathryn, if you want, we’ll put in another pitcher. I know it’s hot and we have another pitcher available,’” said Mr. Sandercock. “And, she just said, ‘Absolutely do NOT put another pitcher in, I want to finish this game.’”

Kathryn went on to close out that game with two scoreless innings, and her team went on to score two more runs to claim the state championship and earn a trip in the Southeast Region Tournament. During the Region Tournament, Kathryn helped lead her McLean Little League squad to a 2-1 pool-play record before posting back-to-back shutouts over Georgia and Tennessee to earn a trip to the 2013 Little League Softball World Series (LLSWS).

At the LLSWS in Portland, Oregon, McLean Little League rallied for four-straight wins to open the tournament in pool play before taking down Robbinsville (N.J.) Little League, 6-3, to earn a trip to the championship game. While her team’s run was cut short to Sunnyside Little League (Tucson, Ariz.) in the championship game, Kathryn’s parents were there for her and her team every step of the way.

“When I’m watching her, I’m just hoping she’s going to do okay out there and I’m just having fun sitting with the other moms,” said Mrs. Sandercock. “I don’t let myself get too worked up over it. I’m always happy when she gets through the first couple of innings.”

But for Mr. Sandercock, an assistant coach on the team and the one to call Kathryn’s pitches, it was a different story.

“You’re into the game, so you feel the pressure, but you are also focused on what’s happening in the rest of the game and on coaching the rest of the team, too,” said Mr. Sandercock. “To beat Robbinsville in the semifinals on ESPN was a very cool experience. Kathryn pitched a great game and the team played very well, so those were exciting moments.”

Following her Little League days, Kathryn continued her career at the collegiate level, playing her entire career as a Florida State Seminole. In her senior year, she was named 2023 ACC Pitcher of the Year, ACC Tournament MVP, and a 2023 NCFA Second Team All-American, and helped lead Florida State to the ACC Tournament for the third time (2019, 2022, 2023), and to the finals of the Women’s College World Series for the second time (2021, 2023), where she was named to the All-Tournament Team.

“Something I tell Kathryn still to this day, is to just have fun,” said Mr. Sandercock. “It has to be fun, or else, why do it? You don’t want it to be a job for them and I think the important thing is [for parents] to be supportive but not pushy. If you are supportive and make it a fun experience, they will want to do it and they will want to play more and work on improving their skills.”

Following graduation, Kathryn was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 Athletes Unlimited (AU) Softball College Draft and signed on to play professionally in the fourth AU Championship Season in Rosemont, Illinois. It was a decision Mrs. Sandercock says Kathryn made on her own, but one that both Mr. And Mrs. Sandercock are excited about as softball continues to grow in popularity.

“Softball is such a fun game to watch and you can see it growing in popularity in terms of people coming out to watch games and tuning in on TV,” said Mr. Sandercock. ”People are finally realizing how exciting of a sport it is and how much fun it is to watch. And, I think people are understanding what great athletes these women are.”

When Mr. and Mrs. Sandercock are not sitting in the stands as spectators of their daughter’s games or watching AU games on TV, they continue to carry their love for the game back to the fields of McLean Little League.

“I love going back and watching games,” said Mr. Sandercock. “Kathryn’s coach still coaches there, so I’ve gone back a number of times and helped with practices. It’s fun going back. Little League always has a wonderful sense of a community.”

The 2023 George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year Award will be presented to Mr. and Mrs. Sandercock during the Little League Softball World Series in Greenville, North Carolina, while Kathryn and her fellow AU Softball Players make a historic trip as part of the first-ever AU Pro Games at the LLSWS on August 8-9. This marks the first time the Little League Parents of the Year Award will be presented to the parents of a female graduate of the Little League program. Established in 1980, the George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year Award has traditionally honored the parents of a Major League Baseball player who were actively involved in their son’s Little League experience. Starting in 2022, this award expanded the criteria to include the parents of any professional athlete and/or notable professional in an effort to honor the many diverse, multi-sport athletes who have gone on to notable careers outside of Major League Baseball.

To learn more about the 2023 George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year Award, and all of the other Little League Awards, visit LittleLeague.org/Awards.

The 2023 Little League Softball World Series is set to take place in Greenville, North Carolina, from August 6-13. For more information on the 2023 LLSWS, including information on how to attend or watch from home, visit LittleLeague.org/LLSWS.

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For the second year in a row, Little League^® International will be recognizing a select group of dedicated individuals for their commitment to their local leagues and respective communities, honoring them as the 2023 Little League Community Heroes of the Year. The recognition will be made prior to the 7 p.m. ET game on Tuesday, August 22, as part of the 2023 Little League Baseball^® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile.

“Providing a positive Little League experience starts with the commitment and dedication of our local league volunteers, and each year we are inspired by the actions of those who continue to step up and support their communities on and off the field,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “On behalf of all of us at Little League International, and the millions of children and families that this program serves, we are pleased to honor these five well-deserving individuals as the 2023 Little League Community Heroes of the Year.”

Launched in 2020, the Little League Community Heroes program is a year-long celebration of Little League’s dedicated volunteers and players who step up to the plate not only in their role with Little League, but those making larger contributions as role models within their community. Starting in 2022, as part of a new awards program structure, volunteers who were nominated for the Community Heroes program throughout the year also became eligible to be recognized as Community Heroes of the Year.

Below are the five individuals honored as the 2023 Little League Community Heroes of the Year, who will each be presented with a $1,000 grant to their local league as a thank you for their dedicated efforts:

Michael DeLima – Johnston (R.I.) Little League

• League Role: Coach
• Occupation: Police Officer

While serving as a coach and Vice President for his local Little League program during the heart of the pandemic, Michael DeLima also worked on the Rhode Island Sherriff’s department COVID-19 response team, earning an official citation from the Rhode Island Judiciary for his service. Whether serving the streets of Rhode Island or the fields of his local league, Mr. DeLima is committed to helping his community in any way he can.

Carson Ferguson – Greenwood (Ind.) Little League

• League Role: Player, Volunteer
• Occupation: Student

As a player in his league’s Senior Division, Carrson Ferguson is not just focused on his own experience on the field. For the past seven years, Carrson has also volunteered as a buddy with the Challenger Division and has been an umpire for the past three years. When working behind the plate, Carrson never hesitates to assist catchers with positioning or batters to help with a better stance. When he’s not a Challenger buddy or umpiring, he can be seen inside the concession stand or working on the grounds crew to prepare a field.

Angie Kogovsek – Westminster (Colo.) Little League

• League Role: Treasurer, Vice President of the Challenger Division
• Occupation: Tobacco Prevention Specialist

A Little League volunteer since 2008 when her children began playing, Angie Kogovsek joined the Board of Directors in 2015 as the league’s secretary before soon moving into the role of Treasurer. After having to cancel the Challenger Division in 2020 due to the pandemic, Ms. Kogovsek stepped up to serve as the Vice President of the division and ensure the children of her community have the opportunity to play. In addition to her role with Little League, Ms. Kogovsek also runs the Tobacco Prevention and Education Program for the City and County of Denver.

Keith “Shaheed” Minder – University East Little League (Charlotte, N.C.)

• League Role: League President
• Occupation: Software Architect

Referred to as a baseball pioneer in Charlotte, North Carolina, Keith “Shaheed” Minder has been committed to creating a welcoming atmosphere for players of all backgrounds to get out and play ball as part of the Little League Urban Initiative. Over the years, Mr. Minder has built a foundationally strong program rooted in leadership, honor, and integrity, while giving hundreds of kids the ability to learn life lessons on and off the field. Because of his unrelenting work ethic, enrollment in University East Little League has increased every year since he has been at the helm.

Jean Toler – Dublin (Calif.) Little League

• League Role: Vice President of Softball
• Occupation: Marketing Manager

After more than 20 years of inactivity, the Little League Softball program in Dublin, California, was resurrected behind the leadership of Jean Toler, providing more than 100 kids the opportunity to play in its first year back. In addition to offering a fall season opportunity, Ms. Toler also worked with local high schools to provide free softball clinics and introduce new kids to the game while providing mentorship and role model opportunities within the community.

To learn more about the Little League Community Heroes program, and to nominate a Community Hero in your league, visit LittleLeague.org/CommunityHeroes.

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More than 80 years ago, Carl E. Stotz envisioned a game played by children and rooted in community when he founded Little League^® in 1939, a goal that continues to be the driving force behind the world’s largest youth sports organization today and has led to the development of millions of role models around the world.

With that focus in mind, and to honor Mr. Stotz, the Little League International Board of Directors established the Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball^® Scholarship in 1994 to reward academic excellence of high school seniors throughout the community. Since it was first established, the scholarship program has provided 269 Lycoming County students with more than $250,850 in financial assistance toward higher education.

Scholarships totaling $12,000 are awarded annually to male and female graduates of Lycoming County high schools, to perpetuate the memory of Little League’s founder and recognizing his commitment to the development of the young people of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania. All graduating seniors in the top 25% of their class who have demonstrated good citizenship and whose spirit exemplifies effort, determination, and persistence in attaining the goal of higher education, are eligible to apply.

Receiving $750 each are:

• Carter Cowburn and Cedar MucCusker (Hughesville High School)
• Luke Springman and Breanna Corlew (Jersey Shore Area Senior High School)
• Luke O’Brien and Emma Strickland (Loyalsock Township High School)
• Westin Pick and Samantha Goyer (Montgomery Area Junior/Senior High School)
• Matthew Conklin and Hanna Klotz (Montoursville High School)
• Benjamin Manning and Hannah Boyles (South Williamsport Junior/Senior High School)
• Benjamin Manetta and Aubrianna Blair (Williamsport Area High School)
• Alaina Brelsford (Muncy Senior High School)
• Lily Reed (St. John Neumann Regional Academy)

“Community has always been a cornerstone of the Little League program, starting when Carl E. Stotz created an opportunity and answered a need, and we are proud to honor his legacy throughout our own community with this scholarship program,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “Each year, the achievements of top high school students from around our area are recognized with the presentation of these scholarships and it is our pleasure to acknowledge the efforts of these 16 recipients and honor their accomplishments.”

Below are each of the 16 recipients of the 2023 Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball Scholarships, along with an excerpt from their application essay on “The importance of Little League Baseball to me.”

Cedar McCusker – Hughesville High School

An honors student since the ninth grade, Ms. McCusker recognizes the importance of contributing to her community. As a member of Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD), Student Council, and National Honor Society among several other club activities, Ms. McCusker has experienced the values that come from connecting with people. Four years on the HHS Spartans track team and soccer team have taught lessons about how working together for a common goal has reinforced the life skills that will pay dividends in the future. She will be attending the University of Pittsburgh in the fall.

“I think Little League is so important to the youth because it brings them a sense of community and fun and a place to laugh and relax.”

Breanna Corlew – Jersey Shore Area Senior High School

Interest in public service has helped Ms. Corlew to excel. Three years on the Youth Development Task Force and five years with the Mock Constitutional Convention (earning the Superior Delegate award), along with seats on different Honor Societies and 13 years as a Girl Scout, has shown Ms. Corlew’s willingness to expand her personal boundaries and contribute. She will be attending West Chester University in the fall.

“The community that Little League provides is incredible, and I believe every child could benefit from it. My experiences with Little League have always been positive, and it made me want to help give back to the community that has always supported me.”

Emma Strickland – Loyalsock Township High School

Ranked top five in her class, Ms. Strickland has mixed academics and athletics, learning lasting lessons from both. Leading as a mentor working in the Loyalsock Tutoring Program and as a member of the Odyssey of the Mind team that finished second in the world in 2019, Ms. Strickland has shown the willingness and ability to lead by example. She will be attending the University of South Carolina Honors College in the fall.

“Little League encourages active lifestyles and healthy habits which are instrumental to a children’s growth and development. While it can get competitive, the focus is genuinely on kids having fun.”

Samantha Guyer – Montgomery Area Junior/Senior High School

Ms. Guyer was a member of the distinguished honor roll for each of her four high school years. A member of the marching band and concert band, drama club, and Student Council, Ms. Guyer has received accolades for each of these activities, while achieving a top-10 class rank. Ms. Guyer was also a member of the Red Raiders varsity tennis team for three seasons. She will be attending Messiah University in the fall.

“It is important for kids to play in Little League, as you can learn so much from coaches, the staff, and from the game. Often, you can tell who played Little League as a child due to the respect they gained through this organization.”

Hannah Klotz – Montoursville High School

As 2023 Class President and varsity softball team captain, Ms. Klotz has strived to make the most of opportunities and has sought out various educational and social experiences. Such broad exposure, including several years in the Little League program, has helped her establish and achieve goals. She will be attending St. Peter’s University in the fall.

“I never could have become the person I am today without the help of Little league. It was my first sports experience and my first opportunity to become a leader.”

Alaina Brelsford – Muncy Senior High School

Top of her class, Class President, and National Honor Society member, are among the notable accomplishments for Ms. Brelsford. She is also an accomplished athlete, earning varsity letters in softball and field hockey. This combination of academic achievement and athletic prowess has helped Mrs. Brelsford to be recognized by the Williamsport Chamber of Commerce as 2023 Student of the Year and receive the 2022 College Board National Recognition Program Award. She will be attending Duquesne University in the fall.

“In addition to the childhood experience of playing on a Little League team, players get to witness volunteerism at its best. I would think that as players mature and move onto bigger things, they will reflect back and appreciate all those that made the experience possible and strive to pay it forward.”

Aubrianna Blair – Williamsport Area High School

An honors student in Civics and Government, Algebra, Geometry, and other mathematic disciplines, Ms. Blair has achieved placement on the high honor and distinguished honor roll, setting her sites on health, anatomy, and physiology as she pursues higher education. Ms. Blair is a two-time All-PIAA second team shortstop, a two-time qualifier for district orchestra, and captain of the Williamsport Strolling Strings concert group. She will be attending either Mansfield University or Lycoming College in the fall.

“I drew my motivation from those who were in my life – my grandparents, my coaches, and the friends Little League provided. Even now, though I am no longer eligible to participate in Little league as a player, I enjoy returning to the community to volunteer in whatever way I can.” 

Hannah Boyles – South Williamsport Junior/Senior High School

Understanding volunteerism and what it means to serve the community is what Ms. Boyles has done throughout her scholastic career. Drawing from experiences with the South Williamsport Junior/Senior High School Marching Band, Concert Band, KindnessRocks Club, along with Mental Health Committee and National Honor Society, Ms. Boyles has prepared herself to achieve success through contributions that help others. She will be attending Wilson College in the fall.

“What is unique about Little League is that it brings kids from all over the world together. It shows them the differences of people and how to work alongside them. Showing kids other cultures help them better understand the world around them.”

Lily Reid – St. John Neumann Regional Academy

Earning the distinction as Valedictorian, Ms. Reid has assembled a collection of personal achievements and civic contributions. Time donated to the Key Club, Be A Force for Good Club, and SADD Club are balanced by her time as a member of the National Honor Society, Art Honor Society, and Student Council. Ms. Reid also spent her time around the athletic field, playing soccer, varsity basketball, and varsity softball. She will be attending Penn State Altoona in the fall.

“Little League gives kids experiences that will never be forgotten and hope for their dreams. Dreams do not work unless you do. That is what kids exemplify.”

Carter Cowburn – Hughesville High School

A member of the National Honor Society, and multisport athlete, Mr. Cowburn has shown to be dedicated to his studies and teammates. A team captain for the Spartans’ baseball and basketball teams, Mr. Cowburn was a First-Team Heartland Athletic Conference Division 3 basketball all-star selection. He also has supported the Hughesville chapter of the Rotary Club, Ashkar Elementary School’s Big Buddy program, and served as vice president of the Ski Club. He will be attending Manhattan College in the fall on a baseball scholarship.

“Without experiences I got from Little League, I would be less prepared for my future in baseball and in life. I developed discipline, perseverance, and courage. I learned that putting in the work brings positive results.”

Luke Springman – Jersey Shore Area Senior High School

A success on the football field as a member of three District Four AAA championship teams, Mr. Springman has come to understand what it is to mentor and assume the mantle of leadership. Academically, he is a member of the National Honor Society, been recognized on the Distinguished Honor Roll, served two years as class vice president and one year as class president. Within the Jersey Shore community, Mr. Springman has volunteered at the food bank, placed flags and wreaths on the headstones of fallen veterans, and donated time supporting the Boy Scouts of America. He will be attending Penn State University in the fall.

“Little League provides children with the opportunity to develop physical skills and stay active. In today’s world where sedentary lifestyles are becoming increasingly prevalent, it is more important than ever to encourage children to engage in physical activities.”

Weston Pick – Montgomery Area Junior/Senior High School

Top 10 in his class and a member of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Mr. Pick has developed a solid drive to succeed that has also been influenced by his athletic accomplishments. A four-sport athlete, while achieving high honor roll status for 12 semesters, Mr. Pick is an all-state football player and captain of the Red Raiders football team, and member of the varsity wrestling, basketball, and track and field teams. He will be attending St. Francis University in the fall.

“The moments in a Little Leaguer’s development are part of the foundation that supports the ‘house’ that we consider a healthy adult life. I know for sure that I would not be the person I am today without the lessons learned playing Little League.”

Matthew Conklin – Montoursville High School

Well-rounded experiences have rewarded Mr. Conklin. He is a member of the National English, Art, and Math Honors Societies, Key Club (distinguished), Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA-state qualifier) and a standout in football (Geisinger/UPMC All-Star Game selection), basketball (team captain), and baseball. He was a member of the Mr. Montour Court and received recognition from the Warrensville Lions Club for academic achievement. He will be attending Penn State University in the fall.

“Little Leaguers around the globe are given the tools of success by playing the game. Hard work, volunteering, teamwork, and character are a few of the life lessons that are so important to teach children.”

Benjamin Manning – South Williamsport Junior/Senior High School

Ranked third in his class. Mr. Manning has been a member of the National Honor Society and Renaissance Team for several years. His community activities include volunteering with the Mini-Thon Club, Wreaths Across America, and coaching and officiating youth basketball. His extracurricular activities include varsity soccer and basketball, serving as team captain for both teams during his junior and senior seasons. He will be attending Penn State University in the fall.

“Little League is not just a sports program. It is a loving community, a smiling atmosphere, and place of learning for everyone.”

Benjamin Manetta – Williamsport Area High School

Ranked No. 1 in his class of nearly 400 students, Mr. Manetta is a National Merit finalist, the 2023 Lycoming County Outstanding Student of the Year, a National Honor Society member, four-year member of the Distinguished Honor roll, recipient of the C. Alex Rauch Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service, and an AP Scholar with Distinction Award recipient. Among his musical and theatrical activities are four years with the Williamsport Symphony Youth Orchestra and three years with the Williamsport High School Strolling Strings. He will be attending Harvard University in the fall.

“Little League is not just a game. It is an educational experience. As we look to the future, the lessons of humility, respect, and responsibility outline the qualities of a future generation of problem-solvers.”

Luke O’Brien – Loyalsock Township High School

As 2023 Class President and National Honor Society member while serving as a tutor for middle school students, Mr. O’Brien has a solid understanding of leadership skills. Whether playing guitar and singing with the Uptown Music Collective or interning as a research assistant with the Thomas T. Taber Museum, Mr. O’Brien has shown a consistent willingness to broaden his experiences by volunteering and contributing to the community. He will be attending Cornell University in the fall.

“Little League provides kids with an opportunity to have fun. The kind of fun that sticks with you years down the road, in the balls and mitts and trophies resting on dressers, and in the memories created while running the bases of this most important game.”

In addition to the scholarship, each of the 16 recipients will also be invited to be recognized during the Little League Baseball World Series in August, with an on-field ceremony prior to the start of the 7 p.m. game on Friday, August 18, 2023.

About the Carl E. Stotz Little League Baseball^® Scholarship

The scholarships perpetuate the memory of Little League’s founder, Carl E. Stotz, recognizing his commitment to the development of youth in Lycoming County. The year following his passing, in 1993, the Little League International Board of Directors established this scholarship program to recognize Mr. Stotz’s commitment to the local, Lycoming County community, and commemorate his vision in creating a community-based organization to provide a competitive, healthy outlet for children to learn the values of teamwork, dedication, and sportsmanship. The Stotz Scholarship recognizes high school seniors from Lycoming County school districts who excel in academics and citizenship. In order to be considered, a graduating senior must be in the top 25% of their class at one of the nine Lycoming County high schools. In addition to academics, the applications are reviewed on merits of good citizenship and whose spirit exemplifies effort, determination, and persistence in attaining the goal of higher education. Each interested senior submits two letters of recommendation and an essay on why Little League Baseball and Softball become so valued in communities around the world. Applications for the scholarship are generally accepted between December and March and are awarded based on the applications received.

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