Pennsylvania Senator Gene Yaw, a longtime advocate for youth sports and community development and a former Little League coach, has been named the recipient of the 2025 W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award.
“Senator Gene Yaw has been an unwavering advocate for Little League athletes and the youth of Lycoming County for decades,” said Pat Wilson, Little League President and CEO. “His commitment to preserving our history, supporting our growth, encouraging our innovation, and ensuring that future generations have increased opportunities to enjoy this program truly reflects the spirit of this award. We are proud to recognize his exceptional service and lasting impact on the Little League community and are grateful for his continued support of our organization.”
Throughout his distinguished career, Senator Yaw has been a driving force behind many of Little League’s key developments in Lycoming County. As Lycoming County Solicitor, he facilitated state funding that led to the construction of Volunteer Stadium in 2000 and played a crucial role in securing agreements with the Pennsylvania State Police and the Corbett Administration to enhance security for the World Series.
In 2011, Yaw sponsored legislation to honor Carl E. Stotz, founder of Little League, by naming the Market Street Bridge the “Carl E. Stotz Memorial Little League Bridge,” later signed into law as Act 69. He also addressed delegates at the 28th Little League International Congress hosted in Lycoming County.
Senator Yaw was instrumental in securing funds to renovate Historic Bowman Field to Major League standards ahead of the first MLB Little League Classic in 2017, a tradition that continues today. He has also worked closely with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to preserve the region’s rich baseball heritage.
A U.S. Army veteran, Senator Yaw served overseas as an artillery officer before being honorably discharged as a First Lieutenant. A graduate of Montoursville High School, Lycoming College, and American University School of Law, he has remained deeply rooted in the Lycoming County community, where he lives with his wife Ann, two children, and four grandchildren.
Established in 1988, the W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award recognizes individuals and organizations whose dedicated service reflects the spirit of friendship and support for the Little League program. Past recipients include the Pennsylvania State Police, Musco Sports Lighting, the Piszek Family, and Dr. Darrell Burnett.
Senator Yaw’s lifelong commitment to youth, community, and the mission of Little League makes him a fitting addition to this distinguished list of honorees.
