Mr. Kay has been a dedicated volunteer in the Little League® program since 1979.
Little League® International proudly announced Florida District 12 volunteer, Gary Kay, as the Little League President’s Award recipient 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 1987, the President’s Award recognizes an individual for their friendship, assistance, and leadership to the Little League program.
“It is an absolute honor to present Gary with this prestigious award,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “Gary’s dedication to the Little League program in his community, District, Region, and at the Little League Baseball World Series serves as an inspiration to volunteers around the world and his passion to make a difference truly emphasizes the values that this organization holds.”
A volunteer in the Little League program since 1979, Mr. Kay has been dedicated to the organization, his community, and to all those that he has supported during his nearly 40 years with the program.
“It was just the opportunity of a lifetime when a young man asked me if I would help and I developed a love for the game and being around the kids,” said Mr. Kay. “I didn’t know much about the game at the time, but as you can tell, I love it and I’ve stayed with it ever since.”
Mr. Kay began his Little League career 38 years ago in Indiana District 10 in Fort Wayne, Ind., as a coach in the Minor League program before soon becoming a coach in the Major Division. From there, Mr. Kay’s involvement continued to grow as he quickly became involved in the District staff as an umpire and tournament director. Since moving to Florida, Mr. Kay has remained involved in the program as an Assistant District Administrator (A.D.A.) in District 12.
Along with his involvement at the District level, Mr. Kay also volunteers at the Little League Southeast Region Tournament in Warner Robins, Ga., each year. For the last 15 years, Mr. Kay has also been a dedicated volunteer as an usher at the Little League Baseball® World Series in Williamsport, Pa., where he continues to proudly serve.
“It’s very rewarding,” said Mr. Kay. “When you volunteer, in Little League or anything else, you have a positive impact on people and have the opportunity to be a positive role model for kids to set examples that they can take with them for the rest of their lives.”
Former Little League® President’s Award Recipients
- 1987 – Ted Ferreira
- 1989 – Robert W. Fiondella
- 1992 – Russ Tinsley
- 1995 – Jose “Pepe” Gonzales
- 1998 – Bob Kloss
- 2001 – Mike “Doc” Lantierre
- 2004 – Greg Bzura
- 2007 – Joe Crookham
- 2010 – Paul Gray
- 2014 – Pitch in for Baseball