Every year, Canon, the official camera and printer of Little League Baseball and Softball,
holds a photo contest aimed to capture the best moments from Little Leaguers® around the world. The three best photos are selected and displayed in the World of Little League: Peter J. McGovern Museum.
This year, the contest winners and their families gathered at the Museum located on the Little League International complex in South Williamsport, Pa., to meet with New York Mets third baseman and Little League® alumni Todd Frazier for the unveiling of the top three winners. The photos on display show the positive impact Little League has on children, by bringing people together from all different backgrounds.
The first winning photo is titled “A Happy Little League Day,” by Dave Hogan from Evington, Va. The picture features an on-field celebration, as the team’s second baseman gets lifted by his teammates after recording the final out of a victory. This photo highlights a young squad with a passion for the game of baseball. The picture beautifully captures the joy of winning. Unfortunately, Mr. Hogan, the player’s grandfather, was not able to attend the unveiling.
Photo number two, “Game Day Ready” by Robert Puentes features Robert’s son soaking in his Little League experience as he gets ready to play a game on a sparkling summer day. Robert’s photo proves that one does not need a ticket to see the excitement of Little League; all that is needed is the means to get to the field.
For Robert and his son, being in Williamsport is a surreal experience.
“I never thought I was going to actually win out of over a thousand photos, so to be here it’s pretty awesome,” he explained.
The next photo is “Team” by Brooke Todd. The photo depicts Brooke’s daughter, Elyse Todd, crossing home plate and high-fiving Devin Gilliam, the coach of Hamilton Park Little League in Fort Wayne, Ind. The beauty of baseball in on full display in this photo. Gilliam was born with Spina Bifida, but that does not stop him from sharing his love for baseball with his tee ball team.
“Just to see Devin work so well with all the kids, it means a lot to me,” Brooke said. “He is really uplifting and positive to these players.”
The picture demonstrates that baseball has no borders. Devin has been instrumental in creating an inclusive Little League program for young players and families.
“Baseball includes people of all statuses, no matter what physical challenges they may have,” she continued. “It’s really inclusive and everyone is a family.”
Both winning families in attendance got to meet Todd Frazier, who also has quite an iconic photo from his time as a Little Leaguer. The Canon Photo Contest allows for people who otherwise would not experience the Little League Baseball World Series to become immersed in the experience.
