Babe Ruth League President/CEO Ron Tellefsen said, "Joe Shea has served Babe Ruth League, Inc. for 43 years in many positions ranging from coach to State Commissioner.  He is truly a dedicated volunteer and plays a major role in the success of Babe Ruth Baseball on all levels of play."

Joe Shea started in the Babe Ruth program in 1956 serving as District Director and Rhode Island Assistant State Commissioner.  He served in many local league positions such as coach and manager.  From 1964 to 1993, he served as State Commissioner of Rhode Island.  Joe has given 43 years to the Babe Ruth program and over 4,000 hours of volunteer time.  He still actively works with the Rhode Island Babe Ruth program on special projects, such as fund raising functions for the Jimmy Fund and Tomorrow Fund.  Joe's many other accomplishments include founding the Providence Babe Ruth League with the Providence Central Lions; starting the Jimmy Fund in Rhode Island; playing an active role in Cranston, Rhode Island hosting the 1983 and 1985 Babe Ruth 13-15 World Series; seeing Rhode Island become one of the first states to have a 13-Year-Old Prep League program and being the first state to have a 13-Year-Old State Tournament; serving as Tournament Director for the first 13-Year-Old New England Regional Tournament; as well as many other noteworthy feats.