For many families and volunteers joining a Little League® program, finding that sense of community both on and off the field is a major benefit. One of the organization’s five core values, Community is a pillar that ensures the Little League experience goes beyond the game itself, creating lasting memories for families, whether they are at the complex or at an event in town.
To help share some best practices on how leagues can build that sense of community within their league, and successfully get involved with their community throughout the season, Little League sat down with volunteers from a handful of leagues across the nation for a Local League Spotlight – a series of content created each month to help other leagues learn straight from each other’s success stories.
Elmsford (N.Y.) Little League
Establishing Relationships with Sponsors
Despite the long and dreary cold weather that carries through the winter months in Elmsford, it doesn’t stop the Little League community from making the baseball and softball season a year-long experience.
“We try to get the kids involved in every way to continuously sharpen their skills,” said Jordan Brenner, Elmsford Little League President. “We are constantly partnering with local indoor training centers to provide clinics during various months of the year.”
For Elmsford LL, the goal is to make it feel like the season never truly ends. Keeping players active and engaged helps maintain excitement while also building stronger skills and relationships. That same mindset extends into the league’s approach to local sponsorships and community partnerships. These partnerships are not just transactional; they are personal.
“We try to establish connections with as many local businesses as possible,” said Brenner. “We have a large board of directors, so lots of people have different connections to different areas of the community. We have started inviting our local sponsors to games. They get a plaque at the end of the season with their team’s photo and things like that.”
In addition to businesses around the community, Elmsford LL shares a special connection with local schools. Throughout their season, Elmsford LL has hosted multiple school principals to throw out a ceremonial first pitch.
This spring, the league is also piloting a program where they link teams in its oldest divisions with teams in younger divisions. By creating this relationship, it gives the older kids the opportunity to help out during their practices and learn mentorship skills. By prioritizing relationships and year-round engagement, Elmsford Little League shows how local leagues can strengthen community ties while also creating memorable experiences for players and families across their community.
Henderson (Nev.) Little League
More than a Game
For Henderson Little League, the community is the foundation of their league. When it comes to the recruitment and retention of players, Henderson LL views schools and businesses as integral pieces in creating a positive experience for its players.
“I think that’s what the Little League program is all about. It’s being part of the community and being involved with your local schools and businesses,” said Jason Caldwell, Henderson Little League President. “We really try to bring our local businesses into our league with sponsorship and donations, and we recognize them throughout the season.”
That recognition is visible at the field, where sponsor banners are on display on the outfield fences. Businesses of all sizes are included and always invited to participate in league events.
“We invite them out to our Opening Ceremonies and recognize them, so they feel like they are part of the league and not just donating money blindly,” said Caldwell.
Over the last couple of years, community connections have only grown. After the league’s Little League Baseball® World Series appearance in 2023, local interest and support surged. Even the mayor of Henderson, Michelle Romero, who has four grandchildren in the league, has helped the league strengthen ties throughout the city’s businesses.
Beyond just sponsorships, Henderson LL runs under a mindset that can be boiled down to two words – kids first.
That mindset is reflected within their biggest community event, the Mid-Season Classic, which is a special day of activities and competition that honors the memory of a former player, Cody Clark, who passed away from childhood cancer. His family attends the event each year, helping remind players and families within the league what the community they have built together truly means. Henderson LL’s other efforts to engage with the community include giving back to local businesses, families, and sponsors that support them throughout the season by supporting their events and visiting their shops.
“We’re also looking to do things other leagues might not. We host a movie-in-the-park night at the end of the season at no cost to families,” said Caldwell. “We put up a big inflatable screen, show a baseball movie on the field, and just let everyone enjoy the time together.”
Vinson (W.V.) Little League
Making Baseball Accessible
At Vinson LL, the community is more than about sponsorship dollars, nice equipment, and fundraising events. It’s about accessibility for all players and families, especially in a rural, low-income area where many families face financial barriers.
“Little League is more than just about fundamentals and fun on the field,” said Jaime Lanham, Vinson Little League President. “We compete, but we make sure every player gets playing time and the community feeling.”
The league offers grant programs and fee assistance, and in recent seasons, roughly 20-25% of players have participated at no cost. No child is turned away due to their financial circumstances, a philosophy that defines what Vinson LL is all about.
“We’re not trying to make money,” said Lanham. “We’re passing along the love of the game”.
One of the league’s most meaningful initiatives is a partnership with an organization that provides discounted or donated equipment to different youth programs. With that partnership, the league created a donation space called the “Green Room,” named in honor of former coach and board member Matt Green, who passed away from brain cancer.
The room is full of bats, helmets, cleats, pants, gloves, and softball equipment for any player who needs it. If a piece of equipment breaks or a family cannot afford it, the league can step in immediately and help distribute it. Last year, more than 25 players were fully outfitted thanks to the donated gear. It is a priority within the league that players should only focus on having fun on the field and finding their community of friends without worrying about what they may be missing.
Vinson LL also takes advantage of holidays and celebrations. For Halloween, they host the annual Spooktacular. Little Leaguers and their coaches dress in costume for a weekend of games, a coach costume contest, and trunk-or-treating to end the festivities. Then, in the spring, to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, they host a Walking Taco fundraiser at the complex, bringing the community together to raise funds for the season.
Vinson LL is more than just what happens on the field. It’s about what happens in the community to make sure every player has the chance to play the game they love.
Zionsville (Ind.) Little League
A Community Built on Tradition
Built on loyal sponsors, a strong core of volunteers, and families that have been in the league for generations, Zionsville Little League has become a staple in the community.
“We’re in a very unique situation, and we know how fortunate we are,” said Torreye Kampen, Zionsville Little League President. “We’ve had some sponsors and supporters with us for more than 20 years. That consistency helps us plan, budget, and continue to grow.”
With Zionsville LL’s approach to sponsorship and community involvement, their league has grown to approximately 1,200 players. This growth has been due to their relationship with an organization that has been with them since Zionsville LL was founded 74 years ago – the local Lions Club International.
Zionsville LL’s partnership with the local chapter has been instrumental in the league’s development and growth from generation to generation. The Lions Club helps the league maintain a nine-field complex that serves as its home. Plus, the organization has supported multiple community-wide events that have increased foot traffic and interest from other local businesses to become sponsors.
“We’re kind of synonymous with one another,” said Kampen. “People want to support both the Lions and Zionsville Little League.”
At the end of the day, the heart of the league is its people. With many families’ involvement dating back four generations, Zionsville LL is more than a community for people to join; it’s a family.
“It’s always a ‘We Over Me’ mindset,” said Kampen. “We’re only as strong as our families, our supporters, and the people willing to do this for their kids.”