SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (June 13, 2025) – Little League® International and New York Life have once again teamed up to honor the 2025 Little League Community Heroes of the Year. This recognition program is a year-long celebration of players, coaches, umpires, league officials, team parents, and other Little League volunteers who go above and beyond for their local league teams and communities.
“The Little League Community Heroes of the Year Award is a true representation of the millions of volunteers who step up to the plate around the world each year and allow the Little League experience to be possible,” said Pat Wilson, Little League President and CEO. “Our volunteers should all consider themselves as role models in their communities, and these five volunteers have gone above and beyond to represent the mission and values of the Little League program.”
Each of the five volunteers will be presented with a $1,000 grant from New York Life to their local league as a thank you for their dedicated efforts, and they will be recognized in an on-field ceremony during the 2025 Little League Baseball® World Series, Presented by T-Mobile.
This marks the second year of New York Life’s partnership with Little League as the Presenting Sponsor of the Little League Community Heroes program. Established in 2024, this collaboration reaffirms their shared commitment to supporting the futures of the next generation of athletes and giving back to the communities they serve.
The Little League Community Heroes recognition program was launched in 2020. Beginning in 2022, nominees for the Community Heroes program throughout the year also became eligible to be recognized as Community Heroes of the Year. After reviewing all the nominees from throughout the past year, below are the five individuals who have been selected to be honored as the 2025 Little League Community Heroes of the Year:
Dorian Pillsbury – Brewer (Maine) Little League
A Little Leaguer® himself, Dorian Pillsbury has made a name for himself within his community, finding new ways to give back annually for the last five years. Most recently, the 12-year-old raised funds and collected donated cake mixes to give to local food pantries so that everyone has the chance to celebrate their birthday with a birthday cake. In the past, Dorian has also raised funds for a new Public Announcement system at his league’s fields and collected donations for his classmates so everyone would have a snack at school.
Michelle Wiles – Newmark LL (San Bernardino, Calif.)
After putting on her coach’s cap for both her niece’s and nephew’s Little League teams, Michelle Wiles expanded her role within the league first as Treasurer, and now as the upcoming season’s League President. With her “no task is too small” mindset, Wiles can be found around the league helping with things outside her role’s description to ensure each Little Leaguer has a fun and safe experience. Off the field, Wiles collects equipment from her players and their families that they have outgrown or no longer use to have on hand as donations to other players within the league.
Taylor Shoop – Barboursville (W.V.) Little League
Taylor Shoop has dedicated countless hours of service to the Barboursville Little League Challenger Division, focused on ensuring every Little Leaguer finds their place on the field. As a speech-language pathologist, Shoop is no stranger to helping others. In addition to her other duties as the League Secretary, Shoop assists with coordinating practices and games for the division, making her an instrumental piece in the program’s success. Without her hard work and dedication, players would not have a place to play the game they love so much.
Bruce Kelley – Mile High Little League (Albuquerque, N.M.)
For nearly two decades, Bruce Kelley has been an unwavering pillar in the Miles High Little League program and across the Albuquerque community. From coaching and umpiring to leading field maintenance and sitting on the league’s Board of Directors, Kelley has proven he is not one to shy away from lending a helping hand. Now as League President, Kelley works with local businesses and organizations to secure the financials and resources needed to help not only his league but the leagues within the district continue to grow. Off the field, Kelley works with city and county officials to advocate for community issues such as mental health and public safety.
Ryan Adler – Riverton (Kan.) Little League
For nine years, Ryan Adler has volunteered with Riverton LL as a coach, local league board member, and, most recently, as League President. Through the years, Adler has played a key role in growing the league and supporting all of the Little Leaguers, coaches, and volunteers through his positive attitude and by always lending a helping hand. In the Riverton community, Adler and the company he works for step up to the plate during the local high school’s annual community cleanup day by supplying the shirts and equipment, managing the dumpsters, and feeding the more than 350 volunteers.
To learn more about the Little League Community Heroes recognition program, Presented by New York Life, and to nominate a Community Hero in your league, visit LittleLeague.org/
About Little League®
Founded in 1939, Little League® is the world’s largest organized youth sports program, with approximately two million players (ages 4-16) playing baseball and softball in communities across every U.S. state and more than 80 other countries. Operated by more than one million volunteers, Little League believes in the power of youth baseball and softball to teach life lessons that build stronger individuals and communities. From professional athletes and award-winning celebrities, to public officials and other influential members of society, Little League graduates have taken the lessons they learned, both on and off the field, to create the next chapter of the Little League story. Each year, millions of people follow the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship that Little Leaguers® display at our seven baseball and softball World Series events, the premier tournaments in youth sports. For more information, visit LittleLeague.org, and follow Little League (@LittleLeague) on Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. When we all come together, we are truly One Team. One Little League.
