Longtime Little League Coach Remembered for Dedication

Richard Romine coached Fountain Valley Little League for nearly 50 years until his death at age 81.

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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Richard Romine, a beloved little league coach in Fountain Valley, California, passed away at the age of 81 after nearly 50 years of dedicated service to the local baseball league. Romine began coaching his sons' teams in 1977 and continued volunteering with the league long after his own children had aged out, becoming a fixture in the community.

Why it matters

Romine's story highlights the profound impact that passionate volunteers can have on youth sports programs and the lives of young athletes. His unwavering commitment to the Fountain Valley Little League, even in the face of his own health challenges, is an inspiring example of community service and a love for the game of baseball.

The details

Romine was about to start his 50th season with Fountain Valley Little League when he died on February 18, 2026 from complications related to COVID-19. He had been battling multiple health issues for some time, but continued to show up to practices and games, often bringing an oxygen tank to help him breathe. Romine not only coached his own sons' teams, but also continued to coach a junior (ages 13-14) team with his son Michael for at least 20 years after his own children had aged out of the league.

  • Romine began volunteering with Fountain Valley Little League in 1977 when he coached his son Michael's team.
  • Romine was about to start his 50th season with Fountain Valley Little League when he died on February 18, 2026.
  • Opening day for the new Fountain Valley Little League season is Saturday, March 7, 2026.

The players

Richard Romine

A beloved little league coach in Fountain Valley, California who dedicated nearly 50 years of service to the local baseball league before passing away at the age of 81.

Michael Romine

Richard Romine's son, who also coached in the Fountain Valley Little League alongside his father for many years.

Fountain Valley Little League

The local youth baseball league in Fountain Valley, California that Richard Romine volunteered with for nearly half a century.

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What they’re saying

“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 (Instagram)

“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.”

— Anonymous (Instagram)

What’s next

The Fountain Valley Little League is planning to honor Richard Romine during its opening ceremonies at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at the Fountain Valley Sports Complex.

The takeaway

Richard Romine's unwavering dedication to the Fountain Valley Little League, even in the face of his own health challenges, serves as an inspiring example of the profound impact that passionate volunteers can have on youth sports programs and the lives of young athletes. His story highlights the power of community service and a love for the game.