Little League® International and New York Life are teaming up to recognize a select group of dedicated volunteers, honoring them as the 2024 Little League Community Heroes of the Year, Presented by New York Life. The recognition will be made prior to the 7 p.m. game on Thursday, August 15, as part of the 2024 Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile.
“Committed to positively impacting the youth and their communities, the hard work and dedicated efforts of our local league volunteers both on and off the field is inspiring to all of us at Little League International,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President, and CEO. “On behalf of the millions of Little Leaguers and families that this program serves and all of us at Little League International, we are pleased to honor these five individuals as the 2024 Little League Community Heroes of the Year.”
Launched in 2020, the Little League Community Heroes recognition program is a year-long celebration of players, coaches, umpires, league officers, team parents, and any other volunteer who goes above and beyond for their local league and within their respective communities. Since 2022, as part of a new awards program structure, volunteers who were nominated for the Community Heroes program throughout the year also became eligible to be recognized as Community Heroes of the Year. In 2024, New York Life teamed up with Little League to become the Presenting Sponsor of the Little League Community Heroes recognition program, further showing their commitment to the organization and its communities.
After reviewing all the nominees from throughout the past year, below are the five individuals who have been selected to be honored as the 2024 Little League Community Heroes of the Year. As part of this honor, each of the five volunteers will also be presented with a $1,000 grant to their local league as a thank you for their dedicated efforts:
Ricky Brown Jr. – Belmont Little League (Joliet, Ill.)
- League Role: Umpire
- Occupation: Student
After 12 seasons playing Little League Baseball, Ricky Brown Jr. now channels his love for the game into his work as a volunteer umpire. When he is behind the plate, Mr. Brown not only makes the calls, but he also takes the time to teach players about proper batting stance and checks in to make sure they are feeling the joy of playing baseball. Off the field, Mr. Brown volunteers his time in the concession stands, prepping fields for the games, and working summer camps put on each year for the Little Leaguers.
Andrea Vermillion – South Beaches Little League (Melbourne Beach, Fla.) and Beachside Little League (Satellite Beach, Fla.)
- League Role: Coach
- Occupation: Teacher
Andrea Vermillion wears many hats including teacher, reading tutor, foster mom, and coach. A well-known name in the Little League community, Ms. Vermillion spent more than a decade coaching baseball as her son and two daughters moved through the levels of play. Switching to softball with her daughters in 2024, Ms. Vermillion is now dedicated to growing the local softball programs at both South Beaches LL and Beachside LL. Whether it is on the softball or baseball diamond, Ms. Vermillion is known for her ability to engage with the Little Leaguers to help them grow both on and off the field while also reminding them to have fun!
Tony Ojeda – Imperial Valley (Calif.) Challenger Little League
- League Role: League President
- Occupation: Business Owner
More than 11 years ago, Tony Ojeda was a founding member of the Imperial Valley Challenger Little League. Today, Mr. Ojeda leads as the League President, and his dedication to the league remains unwavering. As a community leader and advocate for inclusivity, Mr. Ojeda serves as an inspiration and role model for others as he continues to positively impact the lives of children and families.
Kathie Hucko – North Syracuse (N.Y.) Little League
- League Role: Softball Coach
- Occupation: National Grid Resource Manager
Softball has been a passion of Kathie Hucko’s since she started playing at eight years old. Now, she carries her love for the game into her new role on the field – coach. Ms. Hucko shows up early and stays late after practices to help each player strengthen their fundamental skills, while also teaching them the importance of self-confidence and teamwork. Ms. Hucko is the blueprint of a coach who is excited to help develop the next generation of softball players and community leaders. Off the field, Ms. Hucko spends time training her rescue dog, Lola.
Charles Carpenter – Northwest Little League (Austin, Texas)
- League Role: Umpire
- Occupation: Facility Management
With 30 years of Little League volunteer experience, Charles Carpenter has an extensive resume as an umpire, including traveling to California, Florida, and Germany, to volunteer in tournaments and Little League Urban Initiative events. When he is not calling games on the field, Mr. Carpenter hosts umpire clinics in Costa Rica, where he has also provided free equipment over the years through donation drives and collections. A dedicated volunteer, Mr. Carpenter works hard to help create a better future within his community. Not only is he a frequent blood donor, but he is an active volunteer with the local Special Olympics, and works at Sammy’s House, a nonprofit organization that provides care for children who are medically fragile and/or developmentally delayed.
To learn more about the Little League Community Heroes recognition program, Presented by New York Life, and to nominate a Community Hero in your league, visit LittleLeague.org/Community Heroes.