Parents of Colorado Rockies Catcher Charles Johnson Chosen as Little League Parents of the Year

Charles & Gloria Johnson

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (Aug. 17, 2004) – Charles Johnson of the Colorado Rockies has been an all-star catcher in the Major Leagues for 10 years, while his parents, Charles, Sr. and Gloria have been his biggest fans and supporters since his Little League days. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson will be recognized for the their enduring support of the Little League program when they are presented with the George and Barbara Bush Parents of the Year Award at the 2004 Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pa.

The George and Barbara Bush Parents of the Year Award was established in 1980 and is presented annually to the parents of a Major League Baseball player who were actively involved in their son’s Little League experience. The award is named in honor of the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, and former First Lady Barbara Bush. Both were Little League volunteers during their children’s early years in Midland, Texas, and continue to support Little League today.

“Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have played the roles of chauffeur, doctor, batting practice pitcher, and several others during their time as Little League volunteers. And now, they watch their son, Charles, play in the major leagues,” said Stephen D. Keener, president and chief executive officer of Little League Baseball and Softball. “As the parents of a Little Leaguer who has followed his baseball dreams, the Johnsons have much to be proud of. We share in that pride, knowing that Little League is where Charles learned the fundamentals of discipline, sportsmanship, and just how much fun baseball can be.”

More than recognition of one set of parents annually, the George and Barbara Bush Parents of the Year Award is designed to be a symbolic recognition of the millions of mothers and fathers who each year respond to the call of parental duty and help to provide a wholesome healthy arena for leadership training for the children of their respective communities.

Some of the past recipients of the award include: Mr. and Mrs. Jack Schmidt, (parents of Mike Schmidt, 1981), Mr. and Mrs. Carl Yastremski (parents of Carl Yastremski, 1989); Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Mussina (parents of Mike Mussina, 1996) and Dr. and Mrs. Derek Jeter (parents of Derek Jeter, 2000). The 2003 recipients were Joe and Donna Varitek, the parents of Boston Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek.

Little League Baseball and Softball is the world’s largest organized youth sports program, with nearly 2.7 million players and 1 million adult volunteers in every U.S. state and scores of other countries.