Mr. Wetmore has been a dedicated volunteer in the Little League® program since 1987.
Little League® International proudly announced Dave Wetmore (California District 57) as the recipient of the Peter J. McGovern Distinguished Service Award at the Chairman’s Banquet of the 27th Little League International Congress in New Orleans on January 22. Presented at the Little League International Congress since 1958, the Peter J. McGovern Distinguished Service Award recognizes the special efforts of an individual who has embraced the ideals of Little League and, in turn, exemplifies the benefits of children learning life lessons through playing Little League Baseball and Softball.”
“On behalf of Little League International, we are proud to present Dave with this honor,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “Dave’s dedication to the organization and the success that he has brought to the Little League Intermediate Baseball Division World Series over the last five years in Livermore truly displays the magnitude of the impact that he has in his community.”
Mr. Wetmore began his Little League career in 1987 as the Player Agent and Vice President for the San Ramon (Calif.) Little League. The following year, he became President of the league for one year before joining the district staff. Since then, he has served as the District Administrator for California District 57, a position that he continues to hold today. Along with his service to the District, Mr. Wetmore has served as a member of the Little League Advisory Board from 2011-2014.
“Throughout this journey I have had the opportunity to create so many relationships,” said Mr. Wetmore. “I hope we all just continue to go back to our community and grow this program because the kids need us. Thank you all so very much, this is very humbling.”
One of Mr. Wetmore’s most notable achievements has been the successful launch of the Little League Intermediate (50/70) Baseball Division and the establishment of the Little League Intermediate (50/70) Baseball Division World Series held in Livermore, Calif., each year.
“In California District 57, we have been very lucky and are so pleased that Little League now has introduced the 50/70 program,” said Mr. Wetmore. “In 2000, I introduced the 80-foot program and since then it has been a huge success and it’s been a tremendous retention tool within our district.”
Throughout his time with Little League, Mr. Wetmore has also been instrumental in the creation of the Western Region Challenger Division Jamboree, coordinating Little League days at MLB Parks, and working with his staff to provide training and education to coaches and umpires in the district.
Former Peter J. McGovern Distinguished Service Award Recipients
- 1958 – Arnold White
- 1960 – Perry Winstead
- 1961 – Harris Plaisted
- 1963 – Nick Aromandi
- 1965 – Joe Eckert
- 1967 – Art Mikelsen
- 1969 – Bill Robertson
- 1971 – Faith Colombo
- 1973 – Pat Knight
- 1975 – Ellen & Luckey Porterfield
- 1978 – Y. Hada
- 1981 – H. Taylor Bell
- 1984 – James Whittington
- 1987 – Milton F. Ziehn
- 1989 – Reuben B. Hill
- 1992 – George Berardi
- 1995 – Fred Taylor
- 1998 – Richard Buckelew
- 2001 – Joe Shea
- 2004 – Jake Hardison
- 2007 – Tony Richardson
- 2010 – Paul Flanagan
- 2014 – Maryellen Holden