Stepping up: Cheers to the many ESPN employees who volunteer as Little League softball and baseball coaches

As the Little League World Series unfolds this week, here's a sampling of the many "ESPNers" who explain why they love coaching youth sports

ESPN employees are well represented among Little League softball and baseball coaches. (ESPN)

The Little League World Series is in full swing, and the excitement is building for the final teams who represent thousands of kiddos who play youth baseball each year. Congratulations to Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on winning the Little League Softball World Series Championship.

The backbones of each of those teams are the coaches, volunteers who donate their time to helping kids develop a love of the game. Today, we celebrate a few of the many “ESPNers” who have stepped up to the plate and served as coaches for their local Little League teams.

And a reminder — you don’t have to be an expert at baseball (or any sport for that matter) to be a youth sports coach. The best coaches prioritize fun and building skills that will last a lifetime. Check out more resources for parents and youth coaches at TakeBackSports.org, ESPN’s central hub for its youth sports initiative, Take Back Sports.

THE LINEUP

KEVIN CONNORS, COMMENTATOR

“Youth sports are one of the best vehicles for kids to grow as individuals. My single biggest responsibility as a coach is to foster a love of the game through patience and positivity, and in that environment — the magic I’ve witnessed when a child succeeds — is indescribable! Winning is important and motivating kids to work hard and achieve a common goal is a healthy part of their development. But nothing compares with seeing a child’s confidence and sense of accomplishment grow. Those are the victories I’ll remember far more than any score, for as long as I coach.”

DREW GALLAGHER, COORDINATING PRODUCER

“It is important for me to be a coach because I think my coaching philosophy of emphasizing fun, teamwork and skills development can help kids build a long-term love of baseball, one that continues even after their playing days are over. Plus, the extra time I get to spend with my kids is incredibly valuable – we are building memories that we will carry with us forever.”

LESTON GREEN, JR., LEAD VIDEO EDITOR

“My favorite part of coaching Little League is game time. For these kids, baseball is going to be one of the hardest sports they ever play in life. Seeing all the hard work we put in during practice come together during a game is special. I got the chance this season to see my son hit a walk-off grand slam for the win. That’s a moment we will share forever.”

RICK MACE, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING & ACQUISITIONS

“I didn’t intend to be a coach when my kids started playing but was asked if I could help during my son’s first year. That led to 13 years in the dugout for baseball and softball with my son and daughter. Over that time, I learned that there were more important things in youth coaching than wins and losses. My two goals each year were to help every kid leave as a better player than they started and for them to have enough fun they wanted to come back and play again next year.”

ADAM WHITLOCK, SR. DIRECTOR, REMOTE TRAFFIC OPERATIONS

“I have absolutely enjoyed connecting with the community. It has been a wonderful experience for my daughters and my family. Games are fun. The sense of community is important. Providing a safe, structured and positive environment for the children has invaluable. Watching my daughters and their teammates work at their craft, improve and participate in state championships and several Eastern regionals over the last 7-8 years has been truly amazing.”