Team Mom Becomes San Marino Little League President

Pediatrician Cathy Newton takes the helm of the 615-player league, continuing a legacy of community-focused leadership.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 11:05pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes of bright primary colors, representing the dynamic action and community atmosphere of a Little League baseball game.The vibrant energy and community spirit of San Marino Little League are captured in a cubist-inspired illustration.San Marino Today

Cathy Newton, a pediatrician and former team mom who has been involved with San Marino National Little League for 14 years, has been named the new president of the league. Despite having no prior baseball experience, Newton was approached by past league presidents to take on the role, which she accepted after some reflection. As president, Newton is focused on maintaining the league's strong sense of community and ensuring that all players have a memorable experience, regardless of their skill level.

Why it matters

San Marino National Little League is a beloved community institution that has produced college and professional baseball players, but its true impact lies in the friendships, character-building, and sense of belonging it fosters among its young participants. Newton's leadership aims to continue this legacy and ensure the league remains a special place for generations of San Marino families.

The details

Newton, who has two sons and a daughter who have all played in the league, has served in various volunteer roles over the years, including team mom and head of special events. When approached about the presidency, she was hesitant due to her lack of baseball experience and her already busy schedule as a full-time pediatrician and PTA president. However, the confidence expressed by past league presidents convinced her to take on the role. Since becoming president, Newton has overseen improvements to the league's facilities, including new shade structures and a renovated snack shack, as well as increased collaboration with San Marino High School coaches for player development.

  • Newton became SMNLL president in spring 2026.
  • The league just hit a record 615 players this season.

The players

Cathy Newton

A pediatrician and former team mom who has been involved with San Marino National Little League for 14 years, and is now the league's new president.

Mark Hughes

The past president of San Marino National Little League, who handed off the ceremonial brush bat to Cathy Newton.

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What they’re saying

“If you asked me 14 years ago when I attended my first Little League opening day ceremony that I would be leading the Little League, I would have never believed you. I did not play softball in my childhood. In fact, I was in the performing arts — on the dance team.”

— Cathy Newton, SMNLL President

“Knowing that the past presidents had confidence in my ability to lead and specifically wanted my leadership this year was reassuring. It instilled confidence that I could help take the brush bat from Mark and continue the great tradition of SMNLL.”

— Cathy Newton, SMNLL President

What’s next

Newton will lead the league through the 2026 season, overseeing continued improvements and community-building efforts.

The takeaway

Cathy Newton's transition from team mom to league president highlights the power of community-driven leadership in youth sports, where the true impact goes beyond wins and losses to foster lasting friendships, character development, and a sense of belonging for generations of San Marino families.