A father and former Little League player has shared how the youth baseball program transformed his family across generations, from his own childhood experience at the Little League Baseball World Series to watching his three children grow into accomplished athletes and coaches. George Springer Jr., whose son George Springer III now plays for the Toronto Blue Jays, credits Little League with instilling core values that shaped his parenting approach and his children’s success both on and off the field.
According to Little League International, Springer’s journey began when a local police officer named Bob Watson invited him and his friends to join Little League instead of playing stickball on the streets. Watson later coached Springer’s team to the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport when Springer was 12 years old, an experience that left a lasting impact on his life.
How Little League Values Shaped a Family Legacy
Springer emphasized that Little League reinforced the values his parents taught at home, including hard work, discipline, commitment, and respect for others. These lessons proved transferable far beyond baseball and softball, according to the parent’s account shared with Little League International. The structured environment provided his first opportunity to experience organized sports after playing informal neighborhood games.
When his own children—George III, Lena, and Nicole—reached playing age, Springer knew he wanted them to have the same positive Little League experience. He remained honest with them about the challenges of baseball and softball, preparing them for both victories and setbacks. The father frequently reminded his children that they would encounter humbling moments alongside exciting ones, teaching them resilience through sports.
Learning From Failure and Success
Additionally, Springer highlighted how Little League teaches children to handle adversity, comparing the experience to NFL legend Walter Payton’s career. He noted that Payton ran the equivalent of more than 14 miles during his football career but got knocked down every 4 yards. This analogy, according to Springer, demonstrates how failure becomes part of defining success in sports and life.
The parent observed that his children’s behavior in the dugout reflected whether the values he taught at home were taking root. He witnessed them applauding good plays by opponents, supporting teammates after mistakes, and showing concern for injured players regardless of team affiliation. These moments reassured him that his parenting approach was working, while teaching him that raising children requires active engagement rather than passive observation.
Little League Volunteer Experience Benefits Parents
Springer served in multiple volunteer roles including coach, umpire, and local league president throughout his children’s Little League years. He emphasized that volunteering benefits the adults as much as the children, stating that he gained more from these experiences than he gave. However, he acknowledged that not all parents can volunteer, offering alternative ways to contribute positively.
Meanwhile, he advised parents watching from the stands to remain positive and supportive of all participants, including coaches, umpires, and opposing team members. Springer cautioned against allowing competition to overshadow the fundamental purpose of youth sports. He stressed that having fun should remain a top priority while children learn, grow, and mature through their Little League experience.
Three Children Continue the Baseball and Softball Tradition
In contrast to simply playing recreationally, all three Springer children pursued baseball and softball at high levels. George Springer III currently plays Major League Baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays, while daughter Lena serves as head softball coach at Trinity College. Daughter Nicole works as a private hitting instructor and mentor after serving as an assistant softball coach at Southern Connecticut State University, according to the family’s account.
The father never expected all three children to gravitate so strongly toward baseball and softball, having exposed them to various activities including education, art, and music. Sports became a vehicle for self-expression and personal growth, allowing them to build relationships while learning the benefits of hard work and perseverance. The experience reinforced respect for others’ talents and contributions, Springer noted.
Reflecting on his journey, Springer traced the impact back to Bob Watson’s simple invitation to play Little League decades ago. That single interaction influenced not only his own life but also created a ripple effect that shaped his children’s futures. He described Little League as more than a community or team, characterizing it as a family that embodies shared values and mutual support.
Little League International continues collecting similar stories from parents through its #LLProudParent content series, though no timeline has been announced for additional story releases or program expansions related to the initiative.
