There are 3 sets of Initials on the 2025 Little League Senior Softball World Series. Here’s what they mean:
“JF” – Josh Freeman was an instrumental part of bringing this World Series to Delaware. In 2003 Josh met with Bruce Layton and Martin Donovan and agreed to provide housing if Delaware District 3 was awarded a World Series. In November of 2003 Delaware was approved to host the World Series. Josh and the Freeman companies provide the housing for the World Series participates until his death on December 14, 2006. Since his death, the Carl Freeman Foundation has been a generous supporter of the World Series. Without their support, we would not be celebrating our 22nd year. The Freeman Family, Freeman Companies and Freeman Foundation are a big part of the local community by providing funding, support and talent.
“ED” – Ellen Donovan was a big part of the World Series from the very beginning. Being the wife of the Director and mother of the Assistant Director, her involvement was not always in the public eye but in the privacy of their home. Unfortunately, with her illness over the past 7 years her involvement was limited. She did try to attend functions and be part of the World Series with the help of her family. During the World Series Ellen’s son Marcus would come home to make sure she at least got to visit the series. Her influence is still felt with the involvement of her husband, son, daughter-in-law, grandson, granddaughter, granddaughter-in-law and a great granddaughter in training.
“BL” – Bruce Layton was Lower Sussex Little League, as a Board Member for over 30 years and later President for 21 years. He helped initiate and coordinate, in collaboration with Martin Donovan, Delaware District 3 hosting both the Senior and Big-League Softball World Series for Little League at Lower Sussex. During his tenure as President, he and the Board expanded the Lower Sussex Little Complex, which was chosen as the host of the Senior and Big-League Softball World Series’ because it is a premier Little League complex on the East coast of the United States. This tournament continues to flourish, having a remarkable economic impact on Sussex County. Recently his granddaughter, Mia, played an All-Star game, on “Bruce Layton Field”, which is the chosen field for the World Series and Championship games.
And now you know the meaning – 3 individuals who are no longer here to watch the games of the event they loved.