WILLIAMSPORT – A dedicated advocate for youth sports and community development, as well as a former Little League® coach himself, Pennsylvania Senator Gene Yaw has been named as the recipient of the 2025 W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award. Senator Yaw will be presented with the award on Monday, August 18, prior to the 7 p.m. game at Howard J. Lamade Stadium.
“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 career, Senator Yaw has been a steadfast supporter of Little League and its home in Lycoming County. As Lycoming County Solicitor, he helped facilitate funding from the state that led to the construction of Volunteer Stadium in 2000. He also played a key role in leading negotiations with the Pennsylvania State Police and the Corbett Administration to strengthen the security efforts around the Little League Baseball World Series.
Beyond his efforts at the Little League International Complex, Senator Yaw sponsored the legislation in 2011 to honor Carl E. Stotz, founder of Little League, by naming the Market Street Bridge the “Carl E. Stotz Memorial Little League Bridge,” officially signed into law as Act 69 of 2011. He later took the stage as a speaker during the 28th Little League International Congress, hosted in Lycoming County.
Senator Yaw played an instrumental role in securing the funding needed to renovate the Historic Bowman Field to ensure it met MLB field regulations before the first Little League MLB Classic in 2017. Today, the Little League MLB Classic continues to be a staple during the Little League Baseball World Series. Furthermore, Senator Yaw has worked with the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to secure grant funding and continues to support local and state initiatives that uphold the region’s baseball history.
A U.S. Army veteran, Senator Yaw graduated from the U.S. Artillery and Missile Officer Candidate School at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and served overseas as an artillery officer before being honorably discharged as a 1st Lieutenant. A graduate of nearby Montoursville High School, he later earned degrees from Lycoming College and the American University School of Law. He lives in Loyalsock Township with his wife Ann, where he spends time with his two children and four grandchildren.
A dedicated public servant and respected community leader, Senator Yaw, has exemplified the spirit of the W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award through his lifelong commitment to youth, community, and the mission of Little League.
Established in 1988, the W. Howard Hartman Little League Friendship Award Honors the legacy of W. Howard Hartman, a devoted supporter and generous friend of Little League. Each year, the award is presented to an individual or organization that exemplifies the same spirit of dedication and friendship towards the Little League program.
Previous Recipients:
- 1988-Ray Keyes
- 1989-Robert Yasui
- 1990-Putsee Vannucci
- 1991-Howard Baldwin
- 1992-Jack Lundy
- 1993-Bill Byham
- 1994-Gary Mayer
- 1995-John Troisi
- 1996-Mary Lib Stockwell
- 1997-Sharon Verbos
- 1998-Ed Claudius
- 1999-Terry Gramling
- 2000-Tom Dempsey
- 2001-Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation
- 2002-Alan Wells
- 2003-Peter Luppachino
- 2004-Thomas ‘Tuck’ Frazier
- 2005-Hon. William Miller
- 2006-Susquehanna Health System
- 2007-Lycoming County Law Enforcement Association
- 2008-Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce
- 2009-Fred Plankenhorn & Paul Weaver
- 2010-WRAK Radio (Williamsport, Pa.)
- 2011-Dave and Don Fowler
- 2012-Lenel Systems International, Inc.
- 2013-Steve Moff
- 2014-Federal Correctional Complex Allenwood & U.S. Penitentiary Lewisburg
- 2015-Pennsylvania State Police, Troop F
- 2016-American Honda Motor Co.
- 2017-Jim Darby, Easton Sports & Easton Foundation
- 2018-Don Goodman, Calif. District 35 Administrator
- 2019-Paul Graziano
- 2020-No Award Due to Coronavirus Pandemic
- 2021-Ken Sawyer
- 2022-Musco Sports Lighting
- 2023-Piszek Family
- 2024-Dr. Darrell Burnett