SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (July 24, 2025) – In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which devastated the North Asheville, N.C. community on September 26, 2024, one symbol of hope brought families back together: the baseball field.
With homes, schools, and the North Asheville Little League fields severely damaged by the storm, residents faced a daunting challenge. But amid the rubble and uncertainty, the community united behind a powerful mission: to bring back Little League baseball for the children.
“I ran into a friend who lost two businesses in the flood, and I asked him what I could do to help,” said Lindsey Hensley, a North Asheville Little League Board Member. “He said, ‘All I need for you to do is to make sure we have a Little League season next year.’”
That conversation ignited a wave of community-driven effort. With no electricity, downed trees, and even failed phone signals, the league’s leadership and volunteers got to work. Armed with shovels, dirt, and determination, they focused on reopening Weaver Field—the heart of their Little League community.
“There were trees down, no electricity, faucets didn’t work, and one of the scariest things is that you pick up your phone and that doesn’t work,” said Nate Weyant, the league’s Vice President. “Once we got back to check on our fields, it quickly turned into finding people with shovels and dirt who were willing to come together to at least get one field open.”
Their commitment to Little League’s core values—community, teamwork, integrity, inclusion, and fun—helped turn tragedy into triumph. Opening Day in 2025 wasn’t just the start of a new season—it was a celebration of resilience, love, and the power of sport to heal.
Recognizing that extraordinary spirit, Little League International has named North Asheville Little League the recipient of the 2025 Carl E. Stotz Little League Community of the Year Award. The honor, named after Little League’s founder, celebrates leagues that create a player-centric culture aligned with Little League’s mission.
“The Little League program means so much more than just the game of baseball and softball. It is a program rooted in communities, families, and a place of comfort for all, especially during the unfortunate wake of devastation,” said Little League President and CEO Pat Wilson. “The North Asheville Little League program faced this devastation head-on. Their dedication to our values and commitment to providing a Little League experience no matter what it takes serves as an inspiration to our volunteers around the world.”
Along with the award, North Asheville Little League received a $5,000 grant and was honored in a special ceremony at their restored field this past June.
To help other leagues recover from natural disasters, Little League has established the Disaster Relief Fund, which provides financial support for field repairs and equipment replacement in times of crisis. Donations can be made at LittleLeague.org/Donate.
