Little League® International mourns the passing of Dennis Sullivan, former Communications and Media Relations Director for Little League Baseball and Softball. He was 70.
A native of Williamsport, Pa., Mr. Sullivan began his career with Little League in 1992. Having a background in advertising and graphic design, he was among the first to help expand the exposure of Little League beyond conventional media outlets.
“Denny was one of the very early advocates for Little League International to embrace the use of technology in both international headquarters administration and local league operations,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “He put us on a path to greater efficiency and effectiveness in our communications with our programs in 85 countries. For that we remain grateful for Denny’s vision.”
Through Mr. Sullivan’s efforts, utilizing computers and promoting widespread Internet access were precursors to the development of such current online resources as a searchable World Series history and participant database, The Little League Data Center, Little League International Congress voting and ballot tabulation, and online chartering.
In 1994, Mr. Sullivan was instrumental in launching LittleLeague.org; and during the 1996 Little League Baseball World Series, he, and a team of volunteers, produced the first live coverage of tournament games using the Internet (webcast).
“Everyone at Little League International, along with many of our volunteer leaders around the world, certainly join me in expressing our deepest sympathies and condolences to Denny’s wife, Pam, who many of us know so well through her longtime employment with us here in Williamsport,” said Mr. Keener.
A graduate of St. Joseph School and Williamsport High School, Mr. Sullivan later attended Williamsport Area Community College. He owned and operated and advertising agency and graphics studio before joining the Little League International staff. After several years with Little League, he was employed by MyTeam.com and AutoTrakk.
Mr. Sullivan is survived by his wife, Pamela Wright; son, Chadd, stepson Evan Wright; sisters Sharon, Maeneen, Kathleen, Erin, and Kerry; and brother, Kevin. He is predeceased by his sister, Frances Sullivan.