Patriot Junior/Senior Little League

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of longtime District 32 umpire and volunteer Les Fletcher. Les passed away on September 26th after a short illness.

He leaves behind a legacy perhaps unmatched in the history of our district. Les was involved in Little League for several decades, most of that time devoted to umpiring, training and mentoring other umpires. Les was the longest serving District 32 Umpire-in-Chief, and served on our district staff for well over 20 years. Most recently, he had umpired numerous games for the Mira Mesa West Little League, where his son is a coach and his grandson a player.

One of the highlights of Les’ time in Little League (and a highlight for all of District 32), was his well-deserved umpiring assignment in the 2005 Little League World Series. An honor coveted by thousands of volunteer Little League umpires, Les ably called several games in that year’s tournament.

Les also served for many years as part of the security staff during the West Regional tournament each summer in San Bernardino, worked as a tournament director for district tournaments, and spent many years leading the district rules and umpire clinics held during the winter and spring.

Seldom has there been anyone with a greater love for Little League, volunteering and the importance of quality umpiring. A retired and proud Navy CWO4 Les brought a sense of fairness, honor and a belief in the rules to every game that he umpired. His gruff exterior belied a heart of gold, and no one cared more than Les about putting kids first in Little League. His focus on safety, equal enforcement of the rules, and good behavior from adults, were all designed to give kids the best Little League experience possible.

Those who knew Les well will never forget his generosity, his wealth of knowledge about Little League and its rules, his great sense of humor (a surprise to some), and his always entertaining stories.

While the shock and sadness of Les Fletcher’s passing are with us today, we know that his legacy and all that he meant to Little League and District 32 will live on tomorrow, and for as long as Little League is played in our community.