Bringman receives Little League honor

DENTON - Kyle Bringman of Denton was named one of Little League International’s Community Heroes, a program presented by New York Life that recognizes individuals all over America who go above and beyond for their local Little Leagues.

Bringman first got involved with Denton Little League as a volunteer assistant coach for his son Brayden’s team. When the League hit a dry patch for volunteers to run the program, Bringman stepped up, serving as a Board Member. He became the President of Denton Little League in the Fall of 2022 but credits former League President Ashley Eason for laying the groundwork for a successful program. Little League is important because it “provides youth with a fun, safe environment to make friends and learn important life lessons,” according to Bringman.

His background as a corporal with the Maryland State Police has informed his approach to community service via Little League. He says that “working in Caroline County for several years as a trooper has taught me there is a definite need for programs like Denton Little League to be successful.”

Under Bringman’s leadership, the League has grown from 145 players in 2019 to 280 players in 2024. Bringman says he is looking forward to the upcoming 2025 season, which promises to be the biggest one yet. This increase in interest brought a new set of challenges, such as ensuring that existing fields are properly maintained and adding new fields to handle the additional games.

Bringman has worked closely with town and county leaders to face these challenges. Allison, his wife and a longtime educator in Caroline County, noted that “he was an integral part of the fields behind Denton Elementary getting new dirt and bases in recent years.”

One of Bringman’s largest undertakings has been advocating for two new ballfields to be added to Sharp Road Park for use by Denton Little League and Caroline Softball. He recently appeared before the Denton Planning Commission to ask that these fields be outfitted with lighting so that games can still be played after dark. At the Planning Commission’s Feb. 26 meeting, Commission members gave the green light for constructing the fields and lighting infrastructure. Bringman wrote in a Facebook post after the meeting, “This park has been a necessity of Denton Little League…Thank you to the Denton Town Council, the County Commissioners, and Caroline Recreation and Parks for prioritizing our youth and getting this project approved.”

These big changes are not the only way that Bringman aims to expand Denton Little League to be more accessible. Alongside Denton Little League’s Coaching Coordinator Shane Hansley and other volunteers, he dedicates his Sunday afternoons to providing free winter skills and drills clinics to keep kids moving even in the off-season. “He and Shane want all kids to have an opportunity to practice and play without needing to drive 30 minutes away or pay a hefty fee,” Mrs. Bringman said.

One of Bringman’s favorite parts of being in this leadership role has been “building the league back to what I remember it being when I was Denton Little Leaguer.” Mrs. Bringman is also motivated by her deep roots in Caroline County, saying, “We want to keep the things that mean the most to us from our childhood alive…we want the kids of Denton to have the same Little League – and school – experience we had.”

Little League International chooses its Community Heroes by accepting and assessing nominations made online by other Little League volunteers, players, parents, and citizens. At the 2025 Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA, one of the Community Heroes from across America will be named the Community Hero of the Year and will receive a donation of $1,000 to their respective Little League program.

But Bringman isn’t doing it for the recognition, just for the love of the game and the kids. Despite being League President, he still finds the most fulfillment through coaching, saying, “I thoroughly enjoy my time on the ball field with the kids in our league. Being able to not only teach them the game of baseball but be a positive role model for them with the rest of our volunteers will always be the best part for me.”