George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year

After adopting Aaron at two days old, Mr. and Mrs. Judge raised their new son in their hometown community of Linden, California, where they both worked as teachers. There, the eventual six-time MLB All-Star took to the local baseball fields of Linden Little League at an early age, learning to play the game with the support of his parents and the dedicated volunteers from around his neighborhood. While Aaron quickly showed his athletic prowess as a child, Patty and Wayne were committed to a more important goal for their son – making sure that Aaron was focused on being a good person.

“His mother and I just wanted him to be a really good person,” said Mr. Judge in a 2010 interview with Recordnet. “But we knew from a very young age, as soon as we put a ball in his hand, that he had a lot of natural talent.”

And for the eventual unanimously voted 2017 MLB Rookie of the Year, that athletic dominance quickly showed on the field. But, regardless of the spotlight being shined on him, the multi-sport star always kept himself grounded in the lessons his parents taught him during his childhood, from supporting his teammates to taking time during his basketball season to help clean up trash around his hometown.

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Little League^® International is pleased to name Colin and Trish Sandercock, the parents of 2013 Little League Softball^® World Series alumna and current Athletes Unlimited softball player Kathryn Sandercock, as the 2023 George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year.

With the honor, Mr. and Mrs. Sandercock become the first-ever Little League Softball parents to receive the award, as it was originally established in 1980 to honor parents of Major League Baseball players who were actively involved in their son’s Little League years. In 2022, the award’s criteria expanded to include all professional sports, giving the opportunity to recognize those committed parents of notable softball players as well.

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There was no award presented in 2022.

There was no award presented in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

There was no award presented in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Character, Courage, and Loyalty. Those are the three words that have been at the heart of Little League^® and continue to serve as the values of the program. For Mike Piscotty, father of Oakland Athletics’ outfielder Stephen Piscotty, and his late-wife, Gretchen, these three words have resonated throughout their household since the day Stephen and his brothers stepped foot on the Little League field.

For Mr. and Mrs. Piscotty, the decision to get Stephen and his two brothers, Nick and Austin, involved in Little League was an easy one because of the kids’ love for baseball. For the two parents, it was even more important to find a way to get involved with their sons as volunteers of the program and helped the family grow closer together as all three boys played in the program from Tee Ball through their 12-year-old playing days.

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Mike and Mary Brach, parents of 2016 MLB All-Star, Brad Brach, have forever been ingrained in the game of baseball. The parents of three sons, all of which grew up and played in the Freehold Twp. (N.J.) Little League program, Mr. and Mrs. Brach have truly exemplified what it means to be Little League parents.

Mike Brach’s Little League career began in 1965 when he became one of the first players to ever participate in Freehold Twp. Little League. Almost 30 years later, in 1992, Mike returned to the league where he started to serve as a coach, a position he continued to serve in until 2004. In 1989, when their oldest son, Brian, didn’t make the all-star team, Mary Brach reached out to the league with an interest in how things were being run, and quickly signed up to be a volunteer. From that point on, Mrs. Brach became dedicated to helping out in the league, serving as a secretary, treasurer, and concession stand manager for more than 10 years.

While most people may recognize Brad as the big name in the family because of his role as a Major Leaguer, it was his brother, Brett, who had the biggest moment in Little League. In 2004, Brett helped lead his team to the Senior League Baseball World Series Championship as the winning pitcher, with his father as his coach.

“Every kid should have the opportunity to play Little League, no matter what their ability is,” said Mike Brach. “Parents need to take things one step at a time and make sure their kids really do get to enjoy their Little League experience. Children grow up really fast, so parents should get involved as volunteers in some capacity so they can bond with their children and really spend important time with them.”

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Every parent wants to see their child succeed in life and accomplish their dreams. For a Little League^® parent, that could be seeing their child make it to the major leagues, play in a World Series, or even better, win it.

John and Laurie Rizzo got to see their son, Anthony Rizzo, achieve that dream in 2016 when he helped the Chicago Cubs win their first World Championship in 108 years. But before they saw Anthony raise the Commissioner’s Trophy, the Rizzo’s were avid volunteers as both Anthony and their other son, John, played Little League growing up in Florida.

Mr. and Mrs. Rizzo’s hard work, dedication, and guidance to Parkland (Fla.) Little League and the entire Little League organization earned them the prestigious honor to be named as the 2017 George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year.

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Through it all, George and Laura Springer look back not at the on-field accomplishments of their children, or their own sporting successes, but how they have been able to support their hometown community, and create opportunities for their children and their neighbors’ children to learn the lessons of hard work, dedication, sportsmanship, and so much more on the Little League® fields in Connecticut.

The Springers return to Williamsport for the World Series regularly, and in 2016 they served as guests of honor, having been named the George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year.

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Charlie and Joan Frazier have raised three boys who were all drafted into the big leagues. Their hard work, patience, and guidance with their sons were just three of the many reasons they were named the 2015 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year.

The Frazier’s level, steady, and grounded approach to the successes and failures of their children over time has prepared each to excel both on and off the field.

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For the family of Tony and Robin Rasmus, Little League® has been a binding thread of their lives. Their four sons (Colby, Cory, Cyle, and Case) have thrived on the baseball field, with all four advancing through to the collegiate and/or professional level, but it is the respect for the life lessons learned between the lines that were reinforced by Mr. and Mrs. Rasmus that has earned the couple the recognition as the 2014 George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year.

The Zimmermans have transitioned from a Little League® family into a Major League Baseball family with a philanthropic mission. And Little League was honored to recognize Keith and Cheryl Zimmerman as the 2013 George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year.

“Our Little League parents are vital to our organization and help to ensure that all Little Leaguers have a wonderful experience on the field and off,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League Baseball and Softball President and CEO. “We are proud to thank all of our Little League parents by recognizing the accomplishments of Mr. and Mrs. Zimmerman. Their dedication over the years to their children, and the family’s passion for helping others in working for a cure for Multiple Sclerosis is an inspiration in many ways.”

For the family of David and Alba Gonzalez, Little League® has been a binding thread of their lives. Sons, David, Edgar, and Adrian have thrived on the baseball field, with two reaching the Major Leagues, but it is the respect for the life lessons learned between the lines and reinforced by David Sr., and Alba, that has earned them recognition as the 2012 George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year.

Dedication to family and community were the cornerstones of Shane Victorino’s childhood, and the former Philadelphia Phillies’ outfielder has his parents, Mike and Joycelyn, to thank for that, which is why Little League honored them as the 2011 recipients of the George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year Award.

“What you sow is what you reap,” Mrs. Victorino, who lives in Wailuku, Maui, Hawaii, with her husband, said. “When our boys were growing up, we felt like it was our obligation and responsibility to get involved by volunteering. During Shane and Mikey’s Little League years, my husband would be a coach or manager, while I was team mom and handled my children’s team’s finances.”

Every child depends on an adult figure to guide, mentor, and assist them in their development. Former New York Yankee pitcher CC Sabathia’s mom, Margie Sabathia-Lanier, played a large role in molding him into the person he is today, both on and off the field.

“My mom went beyond the call of duty as a Little League mom and was certainly the best mom a kid could have,” said Mr. Sabathia. “Not only did she work the snack bar, but she also played catch with me. She would suit up in her catchers gear day after day until one day a pitch I threw came in so hard it was too difficult to handle. Still, she was amazing. She’s been my personal pitching coach from those early days in Little League and still is today.”

Playing four different positions in his nine seasons with the Detroit Tigers, Brandon Inge has shown his versatility, adaptability, and willingness to do whatever is asked to help the team. Brandon’s parents, Dwight and Linda, shared and promoted many of those same qualities during their years as volunteers in the Lynchburg (Va.) Little League.

In recognition of the Inge’s enduring support and commitment to their children and the Little League program, they were honored as the 2009 George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year.

As a Major League Baseball all-star pitcher, Justin Verlander has experienced much success on the field throughout his impressive career. Although displaying grit, intensity, and competitiveness on the mound, his compassion and grounded persona away from the field remain a tribute to his parents, Richard and Kathy.

In recognition of the Verlanders’ enduring support and commitment to their children and the Little League® program, they were honored as the 2008 George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year.

Pitching for the Detroit Tigers, Jeremy Bonderman has experienced much success on the field, including an appearance in the 2006 Major League Baseball World Series. Although displaying grit, intensity, and competitiveness on the mound, his compassion and grounded persona away from the field remain a tribute to his parents, Gene and Dori.

In recognition of the Bondermans’ enduring support and commitment to their children and the Little League® program, they will be honored as the 2007 George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year.

Raising a child who one day grows up to play Major League Baseball is often a father’s dream, but for former Florida Marlins’ pitcher, Dontrelle Willis, it is his mother, Joyce M. Guy, who got to watch her son live the dream after taking on the singular roles of disciplinarian, support giver, and life fan for her son.

Mr. Willis attributes his successes on the field, and off, to his mother, who he calls his hero. The commitment and sacrifices made by Ms. Guy were recognized when she became the first single parent to be presented with the George and Barbara Bush Parents of the Year Award at the 2006 Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

The 2005 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Jose Valentin, Sr.

The 2004 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Charles Johnson, Sr.

The 2003 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Joe Varitek.

The 2002 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Hoffman.

The 2001 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Carlos Delgado.

No award was presented in 2000.

Charles and Dorothy Jeter, parents of New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, were named recipients of the 1999 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award.

“The entire Jeter family was involved in Little League,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “Mr. and Mrs. Jeter volunteered countless hours to the children of their community. Obviously, that dedication had a positive effect on Derek.”

The 1998 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Dr. John & Mrs. Ginger McGwire.

The 1997 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Lee Caminiti.

The 1996 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Malcolm Mussina.

The 1995 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Greenwell.

The 1994 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. John Olerud.

The 1993 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Frank Thomas.

The 1992 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Frank Dravecky.

The 1991 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Tony Drabek.

The 1990 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Warren Scott.

The 1989 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Carl Yastrzemski.

The 1988 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Orel Hershiser Jr.

The 1987 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Lynn Nolan Ryan Sr.

The 1986 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Charles Murphy.

The 1985 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. James Carter.

The 1984 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Max Palmer.

The 1983 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. John Hernandez.

The 1982 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Garvey.

The 1981 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award recipients were Mr. & Mrs. Jack Schmidt.