Little League® International mourns the passing of Nancy Belisle, wife of Dave Belisle, manager of the 2014 Little League Baseball® World Series New England Region Champion, Cumberland American Little League. She was 50.
Mrs. Belisle, of Cranston, R.I., was diagnosed with colon cancer in August 2013. Despite the rigors of treatment, she was an avid supporter of her family’s sports endeavors, attending as many games as her health would allow. A dedicated Little League mom, all four of her sons played for Cumberland American Little League, two of them playing their way to the Little League Baseball World Series, with her husband coaching both teams.
She was able to follow her husband and son, John’s team as it advanced from Bristol, Conn. to Williamsport in 2014. The Belisle family first came to Williamsport in 2011, as Dave managed son, James, and his Cumberland American Little League to the Little League Baseball World Series.
Dave Belisle gained international attention for his motivational and inspirational speeches to his team during the 2014 Little League Baseball World Series, which you can watch here. The Belisle family is widely respected for their dedication to sportsmanship and fair play.
Friends of the Belisles have created an online account for those wishing to donate to the family in order to help pay off a portion of Mrs. Belisle’s medical expenses. The goal dollar amount was set at $250,000. If you wish to make a donation to the Belisle family, click here.
Mrs. Belisle is survived by her husband and four sons, John, Brendan, James, and Brian.