Little League® International and New York Life have once again teamed up to honor five dedicated individuals who have made an impact on their local community with the announcement of the 2026 Little League Community Heroes of the Year recipients.
“The Little League Community Heroes of the Year Award spotlights the incredible spirit of the millions of volunteers who step up to the plate every year to make the Little League experience possible,” said Patrick Wilson, Little League President and CEO. “Every volunteer plays an integral role in shaping their community, but these five individuals have gone above and beyond to embody the heart and values of the Little League Program.”
The five selected individuals below earned the honor after being nominated as part of the overall Little League Community Heroes recognition program, a year-long celebration of players, coaches, umpires, league officials, team parents, and other Little League volunteers who go above and beyond for their local league teams and communities.
As a thank you for their dedicated efforts, each of the five volunteers will be presented with a donation from New York Life to their local league during an on-field ceremony at the 2026 Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile. Each volunteer is also invited to watch the Milwaukee Brewers take on the Atlanta Braves at the 2026 MLB Little League Classic, Presented by New York Life, on Sunday, August 23.
This marks the third year of New York Life’s partnership with Little League as the Presenting Sponsor of the Little League Community Heroes program. Established in 2024, this collaboration reaffirms their shared commitment to supporting the futures of the next generation of athletes and giving back to the communities they serve.
“It’s incredibly exciting to be back in Williamsport, honoring the amazing work done by the 2026 recipients. Theo, Kennedy, Beverly, Kevin, and Alyssa, we couldn’t be prouder of your commitment to positively impacting your communities and growing the game we all love,” said Harrison Laifer, New York Life Head of Sponsorships.
Since 2020, the Little League Community Heroes recognition program has highlighted those dedicated individuals who not only volunteer their time at their local Little League program but also contribute in other ways to make the community better. In 2022, nominees for the Community Heroes program became eligible to be recognized as a Community Hero of the Year. After reviewing all nominees who have been featured in a weekly recognition social post throughout the past year, below are the five individuals who have been selected to be honored as the 2026 Little League Community Heroes of the Year:
Theo Price – Georgetown Community LL (Fort Wayne, Ind.)
- League Role: Player
- Occupation: Student
In October 2024, Little Leaguer® Theo Price was diagnosed with bone cancer. Despite multiple surgeries, ongoing treatment, and having to re-learn how to walk, Theo’s commitment to his league and community never wavered. When he is not at the field helping keep score or running a drill at practice, Theo is giving back through Swings4Theo, a foundation that provides free Minor League Baseball tickets to families of children with cancer or other serious illnesses. This year, he also hosted his annual community tournament, raising funds for the foundation and bringing his Little League community together.
Kennedy Fees – West Suburban LL (Johnstown, Pa.)
- League Role: Player
- Occupation: Student
When 2025 Little League Softball® World Series (LLSWS) champion Kennedy Fees is not on the diamond making lifelong memories, she is raising awareness for children living with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D). Working with her mom, Kennedy hosts the “Strikeout Diabetes” softball tournament, recognizing youth athletes living with the autoimmune condition, including Kennedy, while raising funds for organizations working to find a cure for T1D. Kennedy also started the “Kennedy, Easton, and Elle Box Adventure,” working with the community to collect items for boxes that are delivered to children and families spending time in the Endocrine Unit at UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.
Beverly Bogar – West Pasadena (Calif.) LL
- League Role: League Treasurer
- Occupation: Retired
Beverly Bogar takes on every challenge for West Pasadena LL, no matter how difficult it is. Previously serving as League President when the league faced potential closure, Bogar led the charge to preserve it, ensuring its survival for future generations. As a lifelong Pasadena resident, she is also deeply engaged in housing and equity advocacy – sharing moving reflections of growing up Black in her community, highlighting the challenges of racial discrimination and housing inequality. Bogar’s leadership and resilience are also felt in her work with the local police and in her efforts to help the homeless, making her a vital piece of the Pasadena community.
Kevin Garrison – Coulwood Oakdale LL (Charlotte, N.C.)
- League Role: League Marketing/PR Manager
- Occupation: Business Owner
League Marketing and Public Relations Manager Kevin Garrison has made a name for himself within his community through his exceptional service and commitment to his neighbors when disaster struck during Hurricane Helene. Due to roads flooding and collapsing, individuals were trapped without food or water. Garrison stepped up to the plate and organized a team of Coulwood Oakdale players and volunteers to provide daily food, water, and supplies. Garrison did this consistently for two straight weeks, helping those in need and setting an example for Coulwood Oakdale Little Leaguers.
Alyssa Lopez – Sunset LL (Rio Rancho, N.M.)
- League Role: Challenger Division Director
- Occupation: Analytical Director
As a tireless advocate for both players and their families, Alyssa Lopez is a driving force of Sunset LL’s Challenger Division. Lopez goes above and beyond to guarantee an equitable and inclusive environment for every participant while selflessly devoting countless hours to the league. At every practice, team bonding activity, and game, she always brings a positive attitude and passion for the program. Lopez has become a pillar in the Sunset LL community and serves as a role model to players and volunteers within his league. Outside of Little League, she also volunteers with the local Special Olympics, ensuring athletes of all sports have a place to compete in the sport they love.
To learn more about the Little League Community Heroes recognition program, Presented by New York Life, and to nominate a Community Hero in your league, visit LittleLeague.org/Community Heroes.