Longtime ABC Sports and NFL Executive played instrumental part in Little League’s television coverage and digital growth initiatives during time on Board.
After 24 years of dedicated volunteer service, including a five-year term as Board Chairman (2007-12), former ABC Sports and NFL executive, Dennis Lewin, has retired from the Little League® International Board of Directors. Along with his term as Chairman, Mr. Lewin also served as a Trustee for the Little League Foundation from 1986 until it dissolved in 2011, making him the first Little League graduate to serve in that role.
“It was an honor and privilege to work with the incredible Little League staff, alongside all of my fellow Board members, the Little League Foundation Trustees and, especially, the volunteers who make this great worldwide Little League program function for so many children each year,” said Mr. Lewin.
Like many of Little League’s adult volunteers, Mr. Lewin’s connection to the world’s largest youth sports organization started as a child playing for Forest Hills (N.Y.) Little League.
“Both of my parents were very involved in the coaching aspect within the league, and I loved every minute of my participation in the league, from the camaraderie of being part of a team to learning about sportsmanship,” said Mr. Lewin. “I believe one of the main reasons the organization is so highly respected is because Little League cares about each and every child. This program is geared around participation, fun, and shared learning experiences, rather than winning and losing.”
In 1996, Mr. Lewin made the decision to give back to the program he loved by accepting an invitation to join the Little League International Board of Directors.
“My decision to become involved with Little League International came about because of my desire to give back for all the years I couldn’t volunteer due to my personal commitments,” said Mr. Lewin.
“Much of my work with ABC Sports and the NFL involved working weekends, taking away a lot of time that many people use to volunteer.”
During his 30-year career with ABC Sports, which included a 15-year service as the Coordinating Producer of ABC’s Wide World of Sports, Mr. Lewin helped shape the coverage of countless major, iconic sporting events, including the Olympics, Monday Night Football, Major League Baseball games, including the World Series, as well as the Little League Baseball® World Series.
Mr. Lewin’s commitment to the growth and development of the organization during his 24-year tenure on the Board continued to flourish as he helped to strengthen Little League’s relationship with ESPN/ABC and the coverage that is provided to each of Little League’s World Series and Region Tournament events each summer. Today, more than 350 Little League Baseball and Softball games are broadcasted annually on the ESPN networks and digital platforms, and none of that would be possible if it wasn’t for Mr. Lewin’s leadership, dedication, and commitment to the organization. As chair of the Board’s Broadcast, Marketing, and New Media committee, Mr. Lewin most recently helped coordinate the extended partnership between Little League and ESPN, featuring an eight-year multi-platform rights extension that will be effective from 2023 through 2030.
“It has been an absolute honor to serve alongside Dennis as a member of the Little League International Board of Directors and to carry on the honor and tradition he set forth a decade ago as the Chairman of the Board,” said Hugh E. Tanner, Little League International Board of Directors Chairman. “His leadership, expertise, and passion for the organization has been exemplary during his tenure on our Board and he continues to serve as a role model as we look to continue to push forward and write the next chapter of the Little League story. On behalf of the Little League International Board of Directors, we thank Dennis for his service on the Board and for his continued love and support for the Little League program.”
After a 30-year, innovative career with ABC Sports, Mr. Lewin joined the NFL as a Senior Vice President in 1997 where he was responsible for overseeing the construction of the league schedule, was instrumental in developing the NFL’s instant replay review process, and helped manage relationships with the NFL’s network partners. In September 2003, Mr. Lewin retired from his professional career, but remained as a consultant to the NFL scheduling process for three more years. Mr. Lewin later used his experience with instant replay at the NFL to assist in bringing the technology to Little League Baseball World Series in 2008, a first in baseball.
All the skills, expertise, and knowledge that Mr. Lewin acquired during his professional career has been instrumental in the growth and development of the Little League program throughout his time on the Board, and has allowed millions of children in more than 80 countries around the world to experience the memories and life lessons that Little League provides through the game of baseball and softball.
“On behalf of the entire staff at Little League International, as well as our millions of volunteers and players all around the world, I want to thank Dennis for the incredible work he has done for our organization and for the foundation he has helped secure for our future,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “Through Dennis’ counsel and leadership, millions of families, friends, communities, and fans are able to enjoy the Little League World Series from their homes each summer and that we are able to continue to come together as One Team. One Little League. for years to come.”
Mr. Lewin graduated from Michigan State University in 1965 with a Bachelor of Arts in Television and Radio. He and his late wife, Vicki, have a son, DJ, as well as a daughter, Cassidy Tewey, who with her husband, Patrick, have Mr. Lewin’s grandson, Casey.