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Established in 1988, enshrinement into the Little League Hall of Excellence is the organization's highest honor and is conducted annually for a Little League graduate, or graduates, who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their chosen profession and exemplify the values learned as children in Little League.
This year, Little League will welcome a pair of individuals who have helped pave the way for the next generation of Little Leaguers and inspire children to step up to the plate and make a difference.
Cherie DeVaux and Ed Stack are the latest two individuals to be enshrined into the Little League Hall of Excellence as part of the Class of 2026.
"This year's Hall of Excellence enshrinees represent what the prestigious honor is all about -- taking the life lessons and values learned on a Little League field and carrying them forward to make a meaningful impact well beyond the game," said Patrick Wilson, Little League president and CEO. "From breaking barriers and inspiring the next generation of women in sports to tremendous leadership and commitment to creating opportunities for young people through Little League, the journey of these two recipients are remarkable examples of what it means to be a Little League graduate and we are proud to welcome them into the Hall of Excellence to celebrate all they have accomplished."
Before she became the first female trainer to have a horse win two Triple Crown Races - the 2026 Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes - DeVaux was a young Little Leaguer like so many other Girls with Game around the world, lacing up her cleats and running around on the Englewood Area (Fla.) Little League diamond.
Today, her impact in the horse racing industry has made waves across the sport, inspiring women to break barriers and achieve their goals. DeVaux will receive her award prior to the 7 p.m. game on Wednesday, Aug. 19, to accept her induction.
Stack, executive chairman of DICK'S Sporting Goods, began his Little League journey in Binghamton, New York, where his father, Dick Stack, helped expand the local Little League from four to 16 teams. Today, Stack carries that legacy forward through DICK'S longstanding support of Little League and its commitment to providing young athletes with the opportunity to play.
DICK'S has partnered with Little League since 2017, supporting programs across baseball and softball and investing in the growth of Little League Softball by serving as the presenting sponsor of the Little League Softball World Series since 2024. Stack is slated to accept his induction into the Hall of Excellence as part of The DICK'S Sporting Goods Foundation's Sports Matter celebration prior to the 7 p.m. game on Monday, Aug. 24.