Little League Honors Latin America Region Director Carlos Pagan with 2026 President's Award

Pagan recognized for decades of leadership and growing the sport across Latin America

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Little League International has named Carlos Pagan, the Little League Latin America Region Director, as the recipient of the 2026 President's Award. Pagan has dedicated over four decades to the Little League program, first as a player, then as a coach, and now as a regional leader responsible for significant growth and development of the sport across Latin America.

Why it matters

The President's Award is one of Little League's highest honors, recognizing individuals who have shown exceptional dedication and leadership in growing the sport and supporting local communities. Pagan's work has helped bring baseball and softball to thousands of children across multiple countries in Latin America, inspiring volunteers and families to enjoy the Little League experience.

The details

Pagan's Little League journey began as a player in 1958. He later coached a team from Puerto Nuevo (San Juan) that competed in the 1976 Little League Baseball World Series. In 1998, Pagan was elected to represent the Latin America region on the Little League International Board of Directors. He then took on the full-time role of Latin America Region Director in 2002, leading significant program growth including six countries receiving direct entry into World Series tournament play and the historic chartering of Cuba in the Little League program.

  • Pagan began playing Little League in 1958.
  • Pagan coached a team from Puerto Nuevo (San Juan) that competed in the 1976 Little League Baseball World Series.
  • Pagan was elected to the Little League International Board of Directors in 1998, representing the Latin America region.
  • Pagan became the full-time Little League Latin America Region Director in 2002.
  • Pagan was presented with the 2026 Little League President's Award on February 7, 2026.

The players

Carlos Pagan

The Little League Latin America Region Director who has dedicated over four decades to growing the sport of baseball and softball across Latin America.

Patrick Wilson

The Little League President and CEO who presented Pagan with the 2026 President's Award.

Little League International

The organization that awards the annual President's Award to recognize exceptional leadership and dedication to the Little League program.

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What they’re saying

“For decades, Carlos has shown his dedication to the Little League program, first as a volunteer and today as a leader in our Latin America Region. As Region Director, Carlos has played a significant role in growing the game, bringing baseball and softball to thousands of children across multiple countries but more importantly inspiring volunteers and families to enjoy the experience only found in our program.”

— Patrick Wilson, Little League President and CEO (littleleague.org)

What’s next

The Little League International Congress, where Pagan received the award, will continue through the weekend, featuring additional programming and events to celebrate the organization's global impact.

The takeaway

Carlos Pagan's decades-long commitment to the Little League program, first as a player and coach and now as a regional leader, has been instrumental in expanding the sport of baseball and softball across Latin America. His work has inspired volunteers, families, and thousands of young athletes to experience the joy and community of Little League.