The American Baseball Coaches Association is proud to honor two impactful leaders in amateur baseball with the 2026 ABCA Travel & Youth Baseball Service Awards. Jerry Ford, Founder of Perfect Game, and longtime Cincinnati baseball ambassador Larry Redwine will be recognized for their decades of service at the 2026 ABCA Convention in Columbus, Ohio. Presented annually, the ABCA Travel & Youth Baseball Service Awards celebrate individuals who have strengthened their communities and expanded opportunities for young athletes through their commitment to the game.
Jerry Ford is the Founder of Perfect Game, an organization that began in Iowa and has grown into one of the most respected scouting and player development companies in the world. Baseball has been a lifelong passion for him, from his early playing days to decades spent helping young athletes reach their potential. Over the years, Ford has held a variety of roles within the sport, including scouting for the Minnesota Twins, coaching at Mount Mercy College, and authoring a manual on base stealing and baserunning, reflecting his deep commitment to player development.
In the mid-1990s, Ford launched Perfect Game to help local players compete nationally. What began with four employees has grown into an internationally recognized leader in amateur baseball scouting, player development, and event organization. He also founded the Rise 2 Greatness Foundation in 2003, a 501(c)(3) charity that leverages Perfect Game to create opportunities for youth. USA Today recognized his influence in baseball, ranking him the 57th most influential person in Major League Baseball.
Larry Redwine has spent his life advancing baseball in the Greater Cincinnati area, building a lasting legacy through decades of coaching and leadership. Over a 33-year career, he guided players at all levels—from T-Ball to college—including a successful tenure as Head Coach at Xavier University. He also led the Midland 16-year-old team for 17 seasons, winning multiple East Central Regional titles and a National Championship in the AABC Mickey Mantle Division World Series, helping hundreds of athletes advance to collegiate and professional baseball.
In 1984, Redwine co-founded the Southwest Ohio League, which began with six 16-year-old teams and grew into the region’s largest independent league, affiliated with AABC, NABF, Babe Ruth, and CABA. At the national level, he has served as Regional Vice President of AABC, Vice President and later Executive Director of CABA, and currently serves as CABA CEO while continuing in his role as President of the Southwest Ohio League.
About the ABCA
Founded in 1945, the American Baseball Coaches Association is the primary professional organization for baseball coaches at the amateur level. Its over 15,000 members represent all 50 states and 41 countries. Since its initial meeting of 27 college baseball coaches in June 1945, Association members have broadened to include nine divisions: NCAA Division I, II, and III, NAIA, NJCAA, Pacific Association Division, High School, Youth and Travel.