With the Major League Baseball regular season coming to a close, members of Washington State Little League had the unique opportunity to step onto Safeco Field one final time in 2016 as they were awarded the “Mariners Fan of the Year” on Friday, September 30. The recognition came as part of Fan Appreciation Nightas members of each District were honored on the field prior to the game before receiving the award from John W. Stanton, Seattle Mariners Chairman and CEO.
Over the last 30 years, Washington State Little League has worked together with the Seattle Mariners organization on various programs and has brought over 700,000 Little Leaguers and their families to games during that time. The award was presented to John Chadwick, Junior League Softball World Series Tournament Director and former District Administrator. Joining Mr. Chadwick were 12 other Washington State volunteers and Little League Baseball®, Little League Softball®, and Little League Challenger Division® players from around the state, including Little League International Board of Directors Members Bob Toigo (Washington District 9 Administrator) and Janice Christensen (Assistant Washington District 9 Administrator).
This past January, Little League President and CEO Stephen D. Keener honored the Seattle Mariners organization for their time, dedication, and support of the Little League program by presenting them with a special recognition at the Western Regional Roundtable in Seattle.
“On behalf of Little League Baseball and Softball, I would like to express my sincere thanks to the Seattle Mariners for three decades of valuable support to our program,” said Mr. Keener. “From Little League Weekends to heartfelt local league donations and scholarship funds for Little League families in need, the organization’s support has strengthened local leagues, inspired Little Leaguers and has strengthened communities.”
Earlier this year, the 2016 Washington State Little League Champions were also recognized by the Seattle Mariners organization and had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch before the game on September 8.