Local Sponsors Shine Bright on the Diamond

I get much satisfaction being a part of something that I took part in when I was a kid in the very same town.”

Stephen Higgins

On the drive to Volunteer Park, the names are familiar — the same ones seen on storefronts, service trucks, and job sites across the Key Peninsula.

By the time families arrive at the ballfield, they appear again: vinyl banners along the outfield fence and logos printed across the backs of players’ jerseys.

Those businesses are a big reason Key Peninsula Little League continues to thrive. From uniforms and field rentals to lighting the fields for night games, league president Lee Miller said sponsorships play a critical role in covering operational costs and keeping the program accessible for KP locals.

This year, nearly 200 players ages 4 to 16 make up 18 teams in divisions ranging from introductory t-ball to competitive majors programs in both baseball and softball.

The 36-year-old league offers several sponsorship tiers from $200 to $1,000. That level of participation requires significant financial support.

“They’re making a connection with the community,” Miller said. “A lot of sponsors want to invest in the youth and continue to give kids a place to play baseball.”

While recognition helps local businesses build visibility, many sponsors say their motivation goes much deeper.

For Nathan Ullevig, owner of Big Nate’s Trading Cards in Gig Harbor, the connection between baseball and his business is natural.

“Little League and trading cards go hand in hand,” Ullevig said. “In some cases, it’s the first time kids are introduced to the hobby.”

Ullevig said sponsoring the league gives him the chance to interact with families throughout the season — and sometimes players become longtime customers.

“It’s great seeing kids over the years that have played and come into the shop,” he said.

Many sponsors say their involvement comes from their own memories of playing youth sports.

Stephen Higgins, owner of Higgins Construction in Lakebay, said supporting the league is both a way to give back and to stay connected to a program that was part of his childhood.

“I get much satisfaction being a part of something that I took part in when I was a kid in the very same town,” Higgins said.

For Tara Hendrickson, president of The Tax Shack in Purdy, sponsoring the league is part of being invested in the area, not just operating a business within it.

“We don’t just want to be a business with a storefront that happens to be in the community,” Hendrickson said. “We want to be part of the whole community ecosystem.”

Her connection to the league stretches back decades.

She still keeps a baseball card from more than 30 years ago featuring her brother when he played in the league. Their father coached, and their mother kept score.

“These are memories I’ll never forget, and these kids need to get out and be kids and plant roots of their own,” Hendrickson said.

Some sponsors also have direct connections to players currently on the field.

Matthew Woodriff, owner of Take Charge Electric in Lakebay, has coached in the league for five years while his own children play.

“You really see how much effort goes into making the program work,” Woodriff said. “Being able to support it both as a coach and as a local business owner is something I’m proud of.”

Others see sponsorship as a way to build relationships in a new community.

Gavin Simkins, a personal injury attorney with Simkins Legal who moved to Lakebay in 2024, said this is his first season sponsoring a team.

“I’m eager to connect with families, businesses, and groups and serve our community, while hoping more people learn about the law firm,” Simkins said.

The International Association of Fire Fighters Local 3152, which represents firefighters serving the area, sponsors the league as part of its broader mission of supporting the community.

Union president Brandon Hagen said many firefighters have children involved in youth sports and understand how valuable those opportunities can be.

“Being part of a team teaches so many life skills beyond the sport itself,” Hagen said. “It brings families closer together.”

Miller said sponsorship levels can fluctuate from year to year, often depending on whether business owners currently have children playing in the league. Still, he said the program continues to thrive thanks to long-standing support from local businesses and organizations.

The league also recognizes sponsors such as Strouder Automotive of Longbranch and ATH Plumbing in Gig Harbor, which have helped support the program over the years.

“I’m very appreciative of all our sponsors, now and in the past,” Miller said.

For many businesses, the return on that investment isn’t measured in advertising impressions or new customers.

It’s measured in kids playing ball on the fields at Volunteer Park.

“Little League is a great place for kids to gain confidence,” Ullevig said. “And most of all, have fun playing a game we all love.”