Richard Romine began volunteering with Fountain Valley Little League when he coached his son Michael’s team.
The year was 1977.
Romine then coached his younger son Robert’s team.
While most volunteers step away after their children stop playing, Romine continued serving the league after both sons aged out. And continued even still serving the league.
Romine was about to start his 50th season with Fountain Valley Little League when he died on Feb.18 at age 81. Opening day for the new season is Saturday, March 7.
Romine, who is survived by his wife, Pat, children Michael, Kim and Robert, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren, had been battling multiple health issues for some time before his death from complications with the COVID-19 virus, his son, Michael Romine, said.
“Rich made a profound impact on our league, not only through his leadership and knowledge of the game, but through the relationships he built and the lives he touched. He will truly be missed,” Fountain Valley Little League said when announcing his death on its Instagram page.
“My heart is broken,” one commenter said. “He was such a great coach and a legend. Thank you, Coach Rich.”
Another person wrote, “He will always be the face of Fountain Valley Little League for me. Many of my Little League memories involved him in one way or another. I loved his love for baseball and the effort he put into preserving the integrity of the game.”
The league is planning to honor Romine during its opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Fountain Valley Sports Complex.
“Once we were out, he wanted to continue coaching,” said Michael Romine, who is also a coach in the league. He coached a junior (ages 13-14) team with his father for at least 20 years. “I think it was his love of the game in general, but also his love of working with the kids. He got on the board and saw the opportunity to help make things better for the kids.”
In the midst of dealing with health problems, Romine continued to show up, often bringing an oxygen tank to help him breathe.
“That oxygen tank he carried around is symbolic of the man,” said Josh Min, a league volunteer whose son was coached by Romine. “Despite his failing health, Rich would never miss practice and would be there for the boys.”
Romine was born in Orange County and grew up mainly in Garden Grove, his son said.
He attended Garden Grove High School and Fullerton Junior College and held multiple jobs throughout his life.
Romine also served as a combat medic during the Vietnam War.
Along with his service to Fountain Valley Little League, Romine also coached baseball at local high schools, his son said.