Meet the 2024 Little League Baseball Coach of the Year!

We are so proud of CJJR Director Michael Umpierre for being selected as Little League Baseball Coach of the Year! It’s kind of a big deal. Out of more than 3,700 entrees, Michael was nominated and chosen after his players, their parents, and other coaches sent in letters on his behalf and he received the most votes in the country for baseball! He learned of the award in a surprise celebration with his team early this month. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of media interviews from the Washington Post to USA Today!

We couldn’t be happier that Michael is being recognized for the truly inspiring work he does on and off the field, and the commitment he has to bettering the lives of kids, which is reflected in the ethos and mission of CJJR.

Coach Mike coaching a kid getting ready to bat. — *photo courtesy of Matt Clotto, on behalf of Lance Cracker Sandwiches*

“My perspective as a coach is about how do we engage every single kid to make them feel like they are a vital part of the team and of the community,” Michael said in this Washington Post article.

Michael’s coaching style, grounded in positivity, empathy, and steadiness, is spotlighted in this USA Today article “What advice does Little League’s Coach of the Year have for your kid? ‘Let’s EAT!’” It’s the same approach we advocate for all kids–especially those who are most vulnerable–here at the Center. No matter what kids are going through personally–or on the field–they deserve dignity and our compassion.

“It’s always strengths-based and it’s always positive” as Michael mentions in the WUSA9 interview.

Coach Mike with baseball hat and arms crossed, smiling.

As Michael expressed in this Williamsport Sun-Gazette piece “Coaches of the Year to be honored at Little League World Series”, making a difference is bigger than just one individual:

“I view the award as bigger than just me as an individual, reflective of this incredible community that we have at Capital City Little League (in Washington D.C.).”

System transformation for our most vulnerable kids is rooted in community and collective action. Collective action on the part of system workers and leaders to transform how we approach kids in contact with the youth legal and welfare systems, and authentic community and family collaboration that create a knitted network where every child receives the care they deserve.

The son of Cuban immigrants, Michael understood growing up from his parents that “it takes an entire community to support one another.” As noted in this piece from Georgetown’s own McCourt School of Public Policy “The 2024 Little League Coach of the Year’s day job may surprise you,” Michael’s passion for coaching is rooted in family–serving as the coach for his son Alexander and daughter Josephine’s teams–after growing up playing baseball with his own father.

Playing and engaging with our families and community–whether on the baseball field, basketball court, or elsewhere–helps bond us, persevere collectively through adversity, and help us realize that we are bigger than just individuals, and part of a team, as Michael expresses in this FOX5 DMV Zone interview.

Congratulations Coach Mike!