Little League® International mourns the passing of Roger Birdsall who served as California District 21 Administrator for 45 years. He was 94.
A native of Rialto, California, and a resident of nearby Rancho Cucamonga at the time of his death, Mr. Birdsall, was a graduate of Rialto’s Chaffey High School, where he was a standout in multiple sports. Mr. Birdsall was a veteran of World War II, serving in the United States Navy, and a member of the Rialto sports hall of fame.
Mr. Birdsall attended and graduated from the Public University of Pomona (Calif.), and was hired by the San Bernardino County Department of Agriculture. After 39 years as a county employee, he retired as Agricultural Commissioner.
“Our deepest condolences to Roger’s family and many friends from all of us at Little League International,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League International President and CEO. “He was one of our most valued and beloved volunteer leaders and made a significant impact on the lives of so many young people; just a terrific human being.”
During more than five decades as a Little League volunteer, Mr. Birdsall was instrumental in championing the Little League movement in Southern California. He was a founding member of Rialto (Calif.) Little League and years later, the Little League park in Rialto was named in his honor. He also had a significant role in the building and development of the Western Region complex in San Bernardino. For many years, he volunteered as a team host during the Region Tournaments played there each summer.
Mr. Birdsall was preceded in death by his first wife, Virginia. He is survived by his second wife, Mary; daughter, Susan; and son, Stephen.