The Phenomenal Coach Award is presented to the coach or manager who best demonstrates the ideals of fun and development above competition — and who places the emotional and physical well-being of players ahead of any personal desire to win.  

For the past nine seasons, Matt has embodied those values in every way.

Parents consistently describe his ability to make every player feel valued and encouraged, regardless of skill level. Whether working with the strongest player on the team or a kid just learning the game, Matt has a unique ability to meet players where they are and help them believe in themselves.

A consistent theme described by parents is that after every practice and game, Coach Matt is often the last person to leave the field — still smiling, still encouraging, still enjoying the game as much as the kids do.

His impact extends well beyond his own teams. He takes the time to encourage players throughout the league. And through his involvement with the Challenger Division, he has helped foster a culture of inclusion, kindness, and respect — there is often a noticeable lift in energy when Coach Matt arrives.

Many former players still call him simply "Coach Matt" — a testament to the lasting impression he leaves on the young people he coaches.

El Segundo Little League is fortunate to have leaders like Matt Barlup who remind us that success isn't measured only by wins and losses, but by the confidence, character, and love of the game we help instill in our players.

The Scott Burton Honorary Service Award is presented in memory of Scott Burton, who passed away three years ago.

Scott loved baseball, but more than anything, he loved seeing the excitement and joy that Little League brought to kids. He dedicated countless hours to helping players, supporting families, and making El Segundo Little League a better place for everyone.

In fact, Scott may be the only board member in league history who took a year off and missed volunteering so much that he came back for another term. Most people enjoy getting their free time back. Not Scott.

This award recognizes a volunteer whose dedication, leadership, and impact reflect the same spirit that Scott brought to our league every day.

For more than 20 years, Gerry has been the heart and backbone of the ESLL Challenger Division.

Alongside his late wife Beth, Gerry helped create the program as a way to provide a fun, welcoming, and active outlet for their son Adam and his friends. What began with just a handful of players has grown into a beloved South Bay tradition, with more than 40 athletes participating each season.

For over two decades, Gerry has shown up every Sunday to coach, organize, encourage, and lead with patience and compassion — assigning positions to help players succeed, pitching at just the right speed, mentoring Challenger buddies, and ensuring every participant feels included.

Many of the players Gerry first coached as children are now grown adults who still return to the Challenger field each season. That says everything about the environment Gerry has created — one built on friendship, inclusion, consistency, and genuine care.

Much of Gerry's work happens quietly and without recognition, but his impact has been felt by hundreds of players and families throughout our community.

For the past five years, Gerry has also served on the ESLL Board alongside his son Adam, continuing a lifelong commitment to the children and families of this league.

In many ways, Gerry embodies the same spirit that made Scott Burton so special. Both believed it was always about the kids. Both led through service rather than recognition. And both left a lasting impact on countless families in our community.

Thank you for your years of dedication to El Segundo Little League. We are so proud of each of you, and we wish you every success in high school and beyond.

Each summer, ESLL selects players to represent El Segundo in district, sectional, and state All-Star tournaments. These kids have earned their spot through hard work, commitment, and the way they've competed all season long. We are proud to introduce our 2026 All-Star teams.

Please join me in recognizing the volunteers who serve on the ESLL Board. 

Special Recognition — Outgoing Board Members

Today we also recognize six board members whose service is coming to an end as their children age out of the league:

•       Adam Huie

•       Sarah Barlup

•       Jamin Griffiths

•       Ish Salcedo

•       Mike Edwards

•       Matthew Drottz

Collectively, this group has contributed 31 years of service to El Segundo Little League, dedicating countless hours to strengthening our league and enhancing the experience for generations of players and families.

Their service coincided with one of the proudest achievements in league history — the 2023 Little League World Series Championship. While that championship was won on the field by an extraordinary group of players and coaches, it was supported by a dedicated Board that worked tirelessly behind the scenes to build the kind of league culture capable of producing something truly special.

The facilities our players enjoy, the programs we operate, the events we host, and the community we have built are all stronger because of their dedication and leadership.

On behalf of the entire ESLL community — thank you, Adam, Sarah, Jamin, Ish, Mike, and Matt, for your years of service, friendship, and commitment to the children and families of El Segundo Little League

Easton Reed**: 3 HR

Connor Stewart: 1 HR

Griffin Ro: 1 HR

Mateo Hernandez: 1 HR

Benson Chi: 1 HR

Fox Fowler: 1 HR

Henry Collard: 3 HR

** Homerun Derby Winner