Little League International is deeply saddened to share the passing of Christopher Downs after a brave battle with cancer. A longtime, dedicated volunteer in the Little League program, Mr. Downs joined the full-time staff as the organization’s Media Relations Manager in 2004 and recently retired from his position as Director of Constituent Communications. He celebrated his 53rd birthday in July 2024.
Mr. Downs’s passion for Little League started as a player, himself, growing up in Bradford, Pennsylvania. That passion evolved when he started to give back as a volunteer umpire in the Little League program, and he carried it with him throughout his entire life. Mr. Downs went on to coach his two sons at Loyalsock Township Little League, where he volunteered at every level serving on the league’s Board of Directors and eventually serving on the Pennsylvania District 12 staff in a number of roles, including District Umpire-in-Chief. He was dedicated in giving back to the community and elevating the umpire role through educational clinics and outreach, and he was there to support any Little League volunteer in Pennsylvania District 12 and beyond.
Prior to joining the Little League International team, Mr. Downs was an accomplished sportswriter for a number of publications, including the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, and he continued to support local sports through writing and video production. He used that experience as a journalist to help enhance Little League International’s communications efforts in various roles throughout his tenure at the organization, including supporting media relations, events, and developing educational content for volunteers and parents. Mr. Downs was a fixture in the community and at the Little League Baseball World Series representing the organization and was a driving force in ensuring that all players, fans, and volunteers had exemplary experiences in Williamsport.
If there was one thing Mr. Downs was more passionate about than Little League, it is his family. He is survived by his wife, Kim; sons, Brendan and Justin; parents, David and Joan; a brother, Todd Downs; sister-in-law Amy Downs; niece Madison Downs; nephew Tyler Downs; his Little League contemporaries, brothers and sisters of the “Little League Umpire” fraternity; his beloved dog Major, as well as other family and friends.
Mr. Downs was preceded in death by his father and mother in-law Raymond and Janice Regis.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; the V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27513, or the Wounded Warriors Foundation, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.
Chris’ family can take comfort in knowing that he is again sailing with his grandfather, watching sports with his father-in-law, and walking his dogs every day.
A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 28 at New Covenant United Church of Christ, with his college roommate, the Rev. Brad Walmer officiating, 202 East Third. St. Williamsport. A viewing will be held Sunday, October 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond St., Williamsport. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.