Portsmouth Little League is proud to announce that Kevin Garland, a first-year manager in the Central Division for the 2024 season, was named as New Hampshire's 2024 Wakefield Youth Baseball and Softball Volunteer of the Year by the Boston Red Sox and the Red Sox Foundation.

This award honors the life and legacy of Tim Wakefield and his wife, Stacy, and the Red Sox Foundation recognized seven volunteers – one from each of the six New England states and one from a Challenger Little League – who through dedication and commitment provides exceptional services to their youth baseball and/or softball community. 

Numerous nominations were submitted by Garland's fellow coaches, players' families, and league officials over the summer.  Winners were invited to Fenway Park to be recognized during a pre-game ceremony on Saturday, September 28th, and many members of Garland's 2024 team, National Wrecker, were in attendance and participated in the pre-game ceremonies, too.

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What PLL Families Are Saying:
- "It’s crucial to recognize Kevin's contributions [in his young youth sports coaching career] because we are all better off if we can encourage more people like him to volunteer."

- "Baseball needs more "Coach Kevins." From the moment he engaged with these kids, he displayed an unwavering commitment to fostering a positive and inclusive environment for all of the players. He understands the importance of instilling fundamental skills, but more importantly, has the gift of being able to nurture the love for the game in each and every player. Even when other coaches were beginning to play their position players mid-season, Coach Kevin continued rotating our players around throughout each game so that every child had an opportunity to try out a position they were curious about."

- "Coach Kevin made practices and games a fun experience, designing creative drills that not only develop their skills but also kept them engaged and excited to participate. Whether through silly challenges, friendly competitions, or simply celebrating small victories (even in the form of improbably close losses), Kevin made every child feel valued, motivated to improve, and a crucial member of a team. All while having TONS of fun."

- "I've served as a high school coach and as a youth sports coach for 10+ years, and I learned so much from attending Kevin's practices and watching his games.  He connected with the players, all aged 5-8, and got them to not only pay attention for 60+ minutes, but he used phrases consistently that were on their level. Coach Pitch games can be chaotic, but Kevin always seemed so calm and happy to be on the field with his team."

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CONGRATULATIONS, KEVIN!