FOX5 Surprise Squad partners with Athletics to honor Henderson Little League president

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — FOX5’s Surprise Squad partnered with the Las Vegas Athletics for the first time to surprise a local Little League leader nominated by his 14-year-old son.

Jason Caldwell, president of Henderson Little League, was invited to FOX5 studios under the pretense of an interview about youth sports. Instead, he received recognition and financial assistance from FOX5 and the incoming Las Vegas Major League Baseball team.

Caldwell’s children wrote to the FOX5 Surprise Squad to nominate their father.

“He coaches baseball and everything. I thought it was a perfect fit for this,” said Landyn Caldwell.

“His hard work. He deserves… to get it,” said Delaney Caldwell.

Family baseball legacy continues

Caldwell represents the third generation of his family to lead Little League organizations. His grandfather and father both served as Little League presidents before him.

“We played Little League, so my dad was involved with Little League and he played Little League, so my grandfather was involved in it. And now, you know, I have kids playing here in Henderson,” Caldwell said.

Henderson Little League serves more than 600 children in the community.

“When they come out to the fields, they don’t have to worry about what goes on behind the scenes to make that happen. They have umpires, they have lights, and they have a field to play on,” Caldwell said.

Personal challenges and dedication

Caldwell said his father died 14 years ago and never saw the current state of the league.

“When my dad passed away, 14 years ago, he didn’t get to see any of this. You know, trying to do what he wanted to do when he was president, which was just make the league he was a part of better,” he said.

The surprise came during a difficult financial period for Caldwell’s family.

“It’s been a rough last few months, financially, we just got a car out of the repair shop. I’ve been job hunting, and, anytime you have money issues, it’s a stress,” he said.

Athletics involvement

Athletics play-by-play broadcaster Chris Carey and team mascot Stomper participated in the surprise presentation.

“You’ve been just such an incredible part of this community. And as you know, the A’s are bringing Major League Baseball to Las Vegas. But you’ve been such a big part in providing young players with the game,” Carey said.

Carey shared his own experience with Little League coaches who helped him when his father was frequently traveling for baseball work.

“So seeing what you do for all of those kids, you are the embodiment of those individuals that made an impact on me when I really needed it,” Carey said.

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