Little League® International was recently honored at Pitch In For Baseball & Softball’s (PIFBS) 20th Anniversary Gala on November 8, 2025, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
Little League International has been with Pitch In For Baseball & Softball since the beginning. PIFBS’ very first projects helped to rebuild leagues along the Gulf Coast that lost everything following Hurricane Katrina. Over the years, the strategic partnership has grown from initial impact to include awareness-building, fundraising, equipment donations from the league level, and increased support of leagues in need of assistance both domestically and internationally.
“Uniquely positioned to include both the donor and grantee sides, Little League has been with us every step of the way, defining what it means to be a truly reciprocal and collaborative partner,” stated Meredith Kim, PIFBS CEO.
Since 2005, PIFBS has made it possible for 2.4 million underserved children in all 50 states and 119 countries to enjoy the games they love. By distributing more than $40 million worth of equipment, the Philadelphia-based nonprofit has broken down barriers, promoted environmental responsibility through equipment recycling, and brought the joy of play to kids around the world.
In addition to Little League, the following group of outstanding honorees were recognized by PIFBS during the event, :
- Justin Briant, Minneapolis, Minn. – long-time volunteer and regional collection & fulfillment partner
- Dave Davis, Harleysville, Pa. – long-time board member
- Rich Gelles, Philadelphia, Pa. – long-time board member
- Zack Hample, New York, N.Y. – avid fundraiser
- Major League Baseball, New York, N.Y. – corporate sponsor of PIFBS
- Moldovan Family, Basking Ridge, N.J. – long-time volunteers
- Aleshia Ocasio, Fla. – softball advocate and volunteer
- Bill Piszek, Philadelphia, Pa. – founding board member
- Wilson Sporting Goods, Chicago, Ill. – corporate partner and equipment innovator
Learn more about the 20th Anniversary Gala by visiting PIFBS.org/PIFBS20.