Little League® Baseball and Softball is proud that American Honda Motor Co. has been a national sponsor since 1996. For more than two decades, American Honda has exhibited its tireless and unwavering commitment to helping children learn sportsmanship, teamwork, and improve their self-esteem through the Little League program.
As Little League International celebrates American Honda’s 20th anniversary as a national partner, it too salutes the company’s loyalty and dedication to the moms, dads, aunts, uncles, grandparents, and all of the program’s volunteers with the presentation of the 2016 W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award.
“Little League International is thrilled to honor American Honda with this recognition, and spotlight our 20-year friendship,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “With the presentation of the Hartman Friendship award, we thank American Honda for appreciating and supporting the mission of Little League for the all these years.”
The W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award was created in 1988 to honor W. Howard Hartman, a successful businessman from Williamsport, Pa., and one of Little League International’s most generous and loyal friends. The award is presented annually to an individual or organization that has demonstrated a similar commitment to the ideals and mission of Little League.
“We are truly honored to receive this award for our support of Little League Baseball and Softball. Helping the organization, as well as Leagues in communities all across the country, provide children with the opportunity to play the game and learn essential skills from being part of a team has been our privilege for the past 20 years,” said Jeff Conrad, senior vice president and general manager of the Honda Division.
An example of American Honda’s philanthropy is the Honda Little League Grant Program, which has donated more than $1.2 million to underfunded leagues over the past 20 years. The monies earmarked by the Honda Little League Grant Program have funded improvements to playing fields, purchases of new equipment, and rebuilding local Little League programs devastated by hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural disasters.
This year’s W. Howard Hartman Award Presentation will be held in Williamsport, Pa., during an on-field ceremony at the annual Little League Baseball World Series, Aug. 18-28.