Kristine Fitzpatrick

Induction Year: 2025

Category: Service and Baseball 

Kristine founded the League in 2011, formally known as the Miracle League of Long Island, in association with the Miracle League Organization.

In 2014, Kristine made the bold decision to leave the Miracle League and create her organization named “The League of YES”, YES- where You Experience Success.  

Her mission is to establish and sustain baseball programs for people (of all ages) with disabilities and to make a positive difference in the lives of disabled children through recreation, and to provide physically active outlets. The heart of the League of YES is our volunteers — our incredible BUDDIES.

Over the years, more than 10,000 young people from the community have stepped onto the field to make a difference. Being a BUDDY leaves a lasting impact, not just on our players, but on the volunteers themselves. They hope that each neurotypical child who participates comes to see that our players are just like any other kids — full of joy, energy, and a love for the game. By fostering these meaningful connections, we aim to break down barriers, build empathy, and help eliminate bullying through understanding and inclusion.

Since the League of YES’s inception 14 years ago, Kristine has recognized the need for her players, who were aging out of school, to have a place of employment.  Employing adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities is limited, so Kristne created “Shine the Light” candles.  Her mission is to illuminate the path to inclusive employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities, while crafting exquisite candles that brighten lives and inspire social change. 

Kristine has had a strong background in sports throughout high school and college. Starting at SUNY Delhi, Kristine excelled in Track and Field, and in 2008 was inducted into Delhi’s inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame as the first woman inductee.   Kristine finished her athletic career at St. John’s University and graduated in 1990. In her career at St John’s, Kristine won individual BIG EAST Championship titles in the high jump and javelin. In her final year with St. John’s, she broke the school record in javelin with a throw of 164’. Kristine is known as a pioneer of the women’s track & field program and one of the most accomplished field athletes in school history. Today, Kristine remains in the top 5 all-time in both the indoor and outdoor high jump, with a height of 6’2”. Kristine was recognized as a Woman of Distinction for St. John’s University in 2013.  

Currently, Kristine is the owner and founder of League of YES, Shine the Light, and PWK LLC, a woman-owned business in NYC.  

Kristine is a proud Mother of two sons, Peter and Wade, and their wives, Paige and Stephine. Kristine resides in Calverton, NY