Little League® International proudly recognizes Danny Cavallo (New York District 8 Administrator) and José Berrios (Puerto Rico District 3 Administrator) as the recipients of the Peter J. McGovern Distinguished Service Award at the 29th Little League International Congress in Indianapolis.
Presented at the Little League International Congress since 1958, the Peter J. McGovern Distinguished Service Award recognizes the special efforts of an individual(s) who has embraced the ideals of Little League, and in turn, exemplifies the benefits of children learning life lessons through playing Little League Baseball and Softball.
“On behalf of Little League International, we are pleased to present both Danny and José with this tremendous honor,” said Patrick Wilson, Little League President and CEO. “Danny and José’s contributions and commitment to the program have left a lasting impact on their districts and Little League as a whole. Their leadership reflects everything that our organization stands for, specifically community and integrity. We are proud to recognize the difference they continue to make for our communities and for the children we serve.”
Cavallo began his Little League career in the simplest and most familiar way – as a parent of a player who wanted to help in any way he could. When his son turned seven years old, Cavallo was introduced to Little League for the first time. Over time, that steady commitment and care helped shape the leader he is today; and, now as his son turns 63, Cavallo is still at the forefront of the program as the New York District 8 Administrator.
Serving as the Puerto Rico District 3 Administrator, José Berrios is known as the MVP who never needed a jersey. Ensuring every youth athlete feels seen, supported, and inspired, Berrios leads by example, putting Little League’s core values on display. Understanding the importance of an inclusive environment, Berrios breaks down linguistic barriers for both players and volunteers while also championing the athletes competing in the Challenger Division.
Throughout Cavallo and Berrios’ time as District Administrators, both individuals have made a lasting impact on Little League and the communities they serve. Their commitment to the values of the program continues to shape meaningful experiences for the Little Leaguers, their families, and the volunteers. Both men embody what it means to be a distinguished service leader, earning themselves the right to hold this honor with pride.
Former Peter J. McGovern Distinguished Service Award Recipients:
- 1958 – Arnold White
- 1960 – Perry Winstead
- 1961 – Harris Plaisted
- 1963 – Nick Aromandi
- 1965 – Joe Eckert
- 1967 – Art Mikelsen
- 1969 – Bill Robertson
- 1971 – Faith Colombo
- 1973 – Pat Knight
- 1975 – Ellen & Luckey Porterfield
- 1978 – Y. Hada
- 1981 – H. Taylor Bell
- 1984 – James Whittington
- 1987 – Milton F. Ziehn
- 1989 – Reuben B. Hill
- 1992 – George Berardi
- 1995 – Fred Taylor
- 1998 – Richard Buckelew
- 2001 – Joe Shea
- 2004 – Jake Hardison
- 2007 – Tony Richardson
- 2010 – Paul Flanagan
- 2014 – Maryellen Holden
- 2018 – Dave Wetmore
- 2022 – Joe Patterson and Plino Castillo-Ruiz