News

RED SOX FOUNDATION CELEBRATES

2026 WAKEFIELD FAMILY YOUTH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR HONOREES

Seven Little League Volunteers Across New England

Will be Recognized at Fenway Park on Saturday

BOSTON,MA – The Red Sox Foundation will celebrate seven recipients of the 2026 Wakefield Family Youth Baseball and Softball Volunteer of the Year Award in pregame ceremonies at Fenway Park on Saturday, September 12. The award, presented in honor of Tim and Stacy Wakefield, recognizes coaches and administrators from each New England state and a challenger league that have had a positive impact on their youth baseball and softball community. In addition to on-field recognition, each honoree will receive a $1,500 stipend for their league.

The program is managed by the Red Sox Foundation with support from Fenway Sports Group Partner Michael Egan and family.

A full list of the 2026 Wakefield Family Youth Baseball and Softball Volunteer of the Year honorees is below.

Connecticut: Christine Martin, Putnam Little League

President of Putnam Little League since Fall 2024, Christine has strengthened her league immensely, growing their board, driving record enrollment, and securing new softball dugouts, a scoreboard, and a T-ball field.

Massachusetts: Brian Bowen, Hudson Youth Baseball & Softball

Coaching with Hudson Youth Baseball & Softball since 1996, Brian has grown their program across different roles in the league, leading major facility upgrades, establishing a 501(c)(3) for long-term funding, and now serves as the Western MA State Commissioner.

Maine: Darek Grant, Capital Area Little League

A lifelong Augusta resident and former Capital Area Little League player, Darek spends countless hours serving the baseball community. Now the League President, Darek has renovated two fields, modernized the concession stand, and kept participation affordable for families.

New Hampshire: Keith Phillips, Greater Nashua Little League

A decade-long league coach for Greater Nashua Little League, Keith coaches multiple teams across divisions, and he has been instrumental in the development of their program, helping the league grow to roughly 340 players while supporting its Challenger Division.

Rhode Island: Matt LeBranche, Mount Pleasant Little League

A 15+ year coach and current President of Mount Pleasant Little League, Matt has expanded play opportunities and rebuilt the girls’ softball program, leading its first 12U All-Star tournament trip in a decade.

Vermont: Chuck Schifilliti, North Burlington Little League

A 45-year volunteer for North Burlington Little League as well as Assistant District Administrator & Treasurer for VT District One, Chuck supports the baseball community in any way necessary, including but not limited to overseeing field maintenance, city coordination, and the league’s beloved snack shack.

Challenger League: Meg Fox, Little Whiffles Challenger League

Leading the Little Whiffles Challenger League in Norton, MA since 2010, Meg fosters an inclusive and fun environment where anyone can play baseball, and she plays alongside athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities.

–RED SOX–