A longstanding partner of Little League® International, WVIA, the PBS and NPR affiliate for Northeast and Central Pennsylvania, has been named as the recipient of the 2026 W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award. WVIA and the team that makes every broadcast possible officially received the award during an on-field ceremony before the International Championship of the 2026 Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile, on Saturday, August 29.
“WVIA has been a tremendous friend to the Little League program for many years, but perhaps nowhere has its impact been more meaningful than through its commitment to our Challenger Division athletes and families,” said Patrick Wilson, Little League President and CEO. “The Challenger Division Exhibition game is a fan favorite event each summer, and WVIA has helped us take that joy and inclusion felt in Williamsport and share it with audiences across the country. We are honored to be recognizing the hardworking team at WVIA with this well-deserved award.”
WVIA has served as the primary broadcast of the Little League Challenger Division® Exhibition Game since 2011, shining a spotlight on athletes from across the country as they make their Williamsport debut at Volunteer Stadium. For more than a decade, the broadcast has been shared with more than 28 PBS member stations nationwide, bringing greater visibility to the athletes while also showcasing the volunteers, Buddies, families, and communities that make the program possible.
“This recognition is deeply meaningful because it celebrates something much larger than a television broadcast,” said Carla McCabe, WVIA President & CEO. “Every year, we have the privilege of sharing stories that remind us what sports and public media are truly about: inclusion, community, perseverance, and belonging. We are incredibly honored that Little League has entrusted WVIA with helping bring these remarkable athletes and their families into homes across America.”
In 2014, WVIA also produced an hour-long film to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Little League, telling the stories of the players, leaders, and communities that have pushed the organization forward.
For WVIA, the Friendship Award carries special significance during its 60th anniversary year, recognizing six decades of public service and the organization’s continuing commitment to education, storytelling, accessibility, and strengthening communities throughout Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania, and far beyond. This year’s broadcast of the Challenger Division Exhibition Game also celebrates the 25th Anniversary of the first game, played in 2001.
Established in 1988, the W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award honors the legacy of W. Howard Hartman, a devoted supporter and generous friend of Little League. Each year, the award is presented to an individual or organization that exemplifies the same spirit of dedication and friendship towards the Little League program.
Previous Recipients:
- 1988 – Ray Keyes
- 1989 – Robert Yasui
- 1990 – Putsee Vannucci
- 1991 – Howard Baldwin
- 1992 – Jack Lundy
- 1993 – Bill Byham
- 1994 – Gary Mayer
- 1995 – John Troisi
- 1996 – Mary Lib Stockwell
- 1997 – Sharon Verbos
- 1998 – Ed Claudius
- 1999 – Terry Gramling
- 2000 – Tom Dempsey
- 2001 – Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation
- 2002 –Alan Wells
- 2003 – Peter Luppachino
- 2004 – Thomas ‘Tuck’ Frazier
- 2005 – Hon. William Miller
- 2006 – Susquehanna Health System
- 2007 – Lycoming County Law Enforcement Association
- 2008 – Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce
- 2009 – Fred Plankenhorn & Paul Weaver
- 2010 – WRAK Radio (Williamsport, Pa.)
- 2011 – Dave and Don Fowler
- 2012 – Lenel Systems International, Inc.
- 2013 – Steve Moff
- 2014 – Federal Correctional Complex Allenwood & U.S. Penitentiary Lewisburg
- 2015 – Pennsylvania State Police, Troop F
- 2016 – American Honda Motor Co.
- 2017 –Jim Darby, Easton Sports & Easton Foundation
- 2018 –Don Goodman, Calif. District 35 Administrator
- 2019 – Paul Graziano
- 2020 – No Award Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
- 2021 – Ken Sawyer
- 2022 –Musco Sports Lighting
- 2023 – Piszek Family
- 2024 – Dr. Darrell Burnett
- 2025 – Senator Gene Yaw