A lot can change over half a century. In 51 years, Pennsylvania’s Mahanoy City Little League has experienced plenty of changes, but the one constant has been 2015 Little League® Volunteer of the Year Award winner, John M. Murtin.
Throughout his busy professional career, Mr. Murtin always made time for Mahanoy City Little League (MCLL). Mr. Murtin has worked for the league in almost every capacity, including as a Little League father for his sons, Michael and Jonathan. For 46 of his 51 years, though, he was a stalwart in the MCLL coach’s box.
“The hard work and dedication of Little League volunteers help enhance the lives of children throughout the world,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “For more than 50 years, Mr. Murtin has spent countless hours to make sure the children in his community and on his teams have had meaningful Little League experiences. We are pleased to recognize him as the 2015 Little League Volunteer of the Year, as we thank him, and all Little League volunteers, for their service.”
A resident of Barnesville, Pa., Mr. Murtin graduated from Mahanoy Area High School in 1961. He later attended Bloomsburg (Pa.) University and earned a Master’s in Educational Supervision from Lehigh (Pa.) University.
For many years, he was a beloved Social Studies teacher in the Mahanoy Area School District (MASD). He later became principal of the Mahanoy Area Middle School, and eventually, MASD Superintendent, retiring in 2004. Since then, he has served as an instructor and student teacher supervisor for Bloomsburg University.
Drawing on his classroom experiences, he taught his Little Leaguers® the right way to play the game, to have a positive attitude, and how to respect their teammates, opposing players, and umpires.
“I wanted the players to learn the mechanics and strategy of playing baseball and at the same time have fun,” said Mr. Murtin.
The Little League Volunteer of the Year Award was created in 1989 with the purpose of recognizing the countless hours of volunteer service that millions of volunteers put in to assure that their Little League is operated to its fullest potential.
“I am grateful my league took the time to nominate me for this award,” said Mr. Murtin. “To be honored by Little League International at the World Series is a dream to me. This award tops off my career.”
Mr. Murtin will be recognized at a breakfast and during an on-field ceremony at the 2015 Little League Baseball World Series.
Over the course of 10 days, 32 games will be played in the 69th Little League Baseball World Series, concluding with the Little League Baseball World Series Championship Game, which is scheduled for 3 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 30. For more information on the 2015 Little League Baseball World Series, visit LLBWS.org.