Every year, the Little League® program is shaped by individuals whose dedication, leadership, and commitment extend far beyond the baseball and softball diamond. From devoted parents to community partners who continue to embody the values they first learned as children, Little League International is proud to recognize those whose lasting impact reflects the mission of the world’s largest youth sports organization with the announcement of its 2026 Signature Award Recipients.
“Little League has always been about more than baseball and softball—it’s about developing character, building stronger communities, and preparing young people for success throughout their lives,” said Patrick Wilson, Little League President and CEO. “This year’s signature award recipients exemplify the values that have defined Little League for more than 85 years and represent what it means to be a supporter of our program. Whether through dedicated service to young people, meaningful community partnerships, or extraordinary accomplishments beyond the field, each honoree demonstrates the lifelong impact of the Little League experience.”
While a more detailed description of each recipient will be shared following the award presentations, below is the listing of the signature award recipients who will be honored throughout the 2026 Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, joining the Little League Hall of Excellence Enshrinement Class of 2026.
George H.W. and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award – Jeremiah Trotter Sr.
Established in 1980, the Parents of the Year Award is designed to be a symbolic recognition of the millions of parents and guardians who respond to the call of parental duty and help provide a wholesome healthy arena for leadership training for children.
A retired hall of famer for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jeremiah Trotter Sr. had the pleasure of supporting his two sons, Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Josiah Trotter, and daughter, TreMil Trotter, throughout their time as Little Leaguers at Rancocas Valley LL (New Jersey) as a parent and a coach. While Jeremiah Trotter is widely recognized for his standout NFL career, his greatest legacy began as a father and coach, supporting his sons’ and daughter, who played multiple sports growing up before Jeremiah Trotter Jr. and Josiah Trotter embarking on their own NFL careers with the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, respectively. A symbolic representation of families around the world each year, the Trotter family’s story serves as a reminder that the foundation for lifelong success often begins with parents who invest their time, encouragement, and love into the youth sports experience.
Trotter Sr. is set to accept the 2026 George and Barbara Bush Little League® Parents of the Year Award, the first NFL family recognized, prior to the 7 p.m. game on Thursday, August 27.
Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award – WVIA
The W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award was created in 1988 to honor W. Howard Hartman, one of Little League International’s most generous and loyal friends. The award is presented annually at the Little League Baseball World Series to an individual or organization who has demonstrated a similar relationship with Little League.
A longstanding partner of Little League, WVIA will be honored with this award prior to the International Championship Game at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, August 29. The presenting station of the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game since 2011, which is shared with more than 28 PBS member stations nationwide, WVIA also produced an hour-long film to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Little League in 2014.
To learn more about Little League’s signature award winners, visit LittleLeague.org/Awards.