To recognize his decades of friendship and leadership in the program, Little League® International has named Carlos Pagan, Little League Latin America Region Director, as the 2026 President’s Award recipient. The award was presented by Patrick Wilson, Little League President and CEO, as part of the 29th Little League International Congress hosted in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Awarded at Little League International Congress events since 1987, the President’s Award recognizes an individual for their friendship, assistance, and leadership to the Little League program.
“For decades, Carlos has shown his dedication to the Little League program, first as a volunteer and today as a leader in our Latin America Region. As Region Director, Carlos has played a significant role in growing the game, bringing baseball and softball to thousands of children across multiple countries but more importantly inspiring volunteers and families to enjoy the experience only found in our program,” said Wilson. “As his colleague and friend, I am honored to present the President’s Award to Carlos as a token of gratitude for his decades of commitment to the programs and communities in Latin America, and to the entire Little League program.”
Pagan’s Little League journey began as a player in 1958. Inspired by his playing days, after graduating from the program, he put on his coach’s cap and in 1976, he traveled to Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with his Puerto Nuevo (San Juan) Little League team to compete in that year’s Little League Baseball® World Series. Years later, nominated by his peers for his commitment to the thousands of Little Leaguers® in Latin America, Pagan was elected to represent the region as a Field Director on the Little League International Board of Directors (1998-2001).
After his years spent as a volunteer, Pagan began his full-time position as the Little League Latin America Region Director in 2002. Since stepping into this role, Pagan’s leadership, teamwork driven mindset, and strategic support led to significant program growth in the region, which resulted in six countries receiving direct entry into World Series tournament play; the historic chartering of Cuba in the Little League program; and the improvement of tournament oversight, which created an equitable playing field across the region.
Former Little League President’s Award Recipients
- 1987 – Ted Ferreira
- 1989 – Robert W. Fiondella
- 1992 – Russ Tinsley
- 1995 – Jose “Pepe” Gonzales
- 1998 – Bob Kloss
- 2001 – Mike “Doc” Lantierre
- 2004 – Greg Bzura
- 2007 – Joe Crookham
- 2010 – Paul Gray
- 2014 – Pitch in for Baseball · 2018 – Gary Kay
- 2022 – Bob McKitrick
To learn more about the Little League International Congress, visit LittleLeague.org/Congress.