In 2004, New Jersey District 12 of Little League Baseball, Inc. established the The Jim Davis Cup, an award presented annually to the League that wins the 12 year-old District 12 Baseball Tournament. The award, named in memory of the late sports reporter of The Trentonian, Jim Davis, is dedicated to him and is symbolic of his commitment to Little League Baseball and the annual tournament that concludes with the Little League World Series in Williamsport each August. The Award will travel from league to league, in Stanley Cup fashion, adding the District 12 Champion name to the Cup each year.

The Presidents of District 12 Little League also established the Jim Davis Sportsmanship Award, an award that is presented annually by District 12 to a 12 year-old baseball and softball player from each league.  Beginning in 2005 , member Leagues of District 12 nominate one 12 year-old baseball and one 12 year-old softball player to receive this honor, symbolic of Jim’s interest in every 12 year- old player, not just the all stars. The Jim Davis Sportsmanship Award is presented to all of the nominees at pre-game ceremonies of the District 12 Championship Baseball and Softball Games.

While the method of selecting league representatives is up to the local league, recipients of the Jim Davis Sportsmanship Award will be selected using the following criteria:

• Helps other players
• Always tries hard
• Displays enthusiasm and team spirit
• Sets a good example
• Plays fair at all times
• Is a graceful loser
• Doesn’t argue with the umpires
• Is polite and courteous
• Always does what team manager asks
• Is a team player