It turns out that Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Shane Victorino isn’t the only all-star in the family.
His parents, Joycelyn and Mike Victorino of Wailuku, have been named 2011 recipients of the George and Barbara Bush Little League Parents of the Year Award, Little League announced. They will be honored later this month during the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa.
“My family was very involved in everything I did as a kid,” Shane wrote in an email. “Still, to this day, they are involved. Congrats, Mom and Dad, well deserved.”
Shane and his brother, Mike Jr., played in the Central Maui Little League in Wailuku, where their parents were involved in various capacities, including as umpires, coaches, team parents and treasurer.
“I don’t know what Shane said when he nominated us, but it must have been pretty good,” Mike Sr. said. “This was a big surprise.”
Joycelyn said, “Our boys were fortunate in that they had some very good coaches growing up and were able to use all their energy in something positive.”
The award is annually given to the parents of an MLB player who “were actively involved in their son’s Little League experience,” Little League said. It is “designed to be a symbolic recognition of the millions of mothers and fathers” who have contributed to the Little League experience.
It has been awarded annually since 1980, and past recipients include the parents of Justin Verlander, Derek Jeter, Nolan Ryan and Carl Yastrzemski.