Luke LaPorta

In 1948, Dr. LaPorta, then pursuing his Masters of Education at Syracuse University, read a Saturday Evening Post article about Little League and decided to make a trip to Williamsport to meet with Little League Founder, Carl E. Stotz. Mr. Stotz and Dr. LaPorta quickly forged a friendship, and Dr. LaPorta started establishing Little League programs throughout central New York, starting with Liverpool Little League in 1950. Dr. LaPorta joined the Little League International Board of Directors in 1973, and served until his death. In 1984, he was elected as Little League International’s fourth Chairman of the Board, and held the post until 1997. During his tenure as Chair, he oversaw vast expansion globally and domestically of Little League Baseball and Softball, including the establishment of the Little League Challenger Division, for children with physical and developmental challenges. His 13 years as Chairman is the second longest tenure in the 75-year history of Little League. Only Peter J. McGovern served as Chair longer. Dr. LaPorta’s dedication to youth sports expanded well past Little League. Born in Jamaica, N.Y., in 1924, he received three degrees from Syracuse University, after serving in the U.S. Navy. He was also a member of the Syracuse football team, and was named a Syracuse University Letterman of Distinction in 1980. In addition to being a pioneer for Little League, Dr. LaPorta helped shape high school sports as athletic director of Liverpool High School for 31 years. He received the National Athletic Director of the Year Award in 1972 and 1978. He went on to serve as Development Director at Syracuse University, was a Board member for the Minor League Baseball team, the Syracuse Chiefs, was a founder of the Empire State Games and is enshrined in the Syracuse Sports Hall of Fame.