Tommy John labored on pitching mounds in the Major Leagues for 26 years, and Trevor Hoffman of the San Diego Padres in now in his 10th year on those same mounds.
But they have more than that in common: both have strong ties to Little League Baseball. During the Little League Baseball World Series (Aug. 16-25), Tommy John and the parents of Trevor Hoffman will be honored by Little League Baseball with two of its most prestigious awards.
Tommy John will receive the Bill Shea Distinguished Little League Graduate Award on Sunday, Aug. 25, before the World Championship game at 6:30 p.m. Mikki Hoffman will accept the George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year Award for herself, and on behalf of her late husband, Eddie, at the annual CNA Little League Baseball Awards Breakfast on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 8:30 a.m. at the Genetti Hotel in Williamsport.
Mr. John played Little League Baseball during the 1950s in Terre Haute, Ind.
Mr. and Mrs. Hoffman were deeply involved at various levels of volunteerism at Northwest Anaheim (Calif.) Little League while their sons played there. Mrs. Hoffman lives in Anaheim Hills, Calif.
The Bill Shea Distinguished Little League Graduate Award was established in 1987 to serve a two-fold purpose. First, and most importantly, the award is presented to a former Little Leaguer who reached the Major Leagues, and who best exemplifies the spirit of Little League Baseball. Consideration for selection includes both the individual’s ability and accomplishments and the individual’s status as a positive role model.
Secondly, the award was established in honor of the many contributions made to Little League Baseball by the late Bill Shea, president of the Little League Foundation. Mr. Shea is credited with bringing National League Baseball back to New York in the early 1960s while also working diligently for the advancement of Little League Baseball.