Little League International remembers Joseph Sagaria Jr., New York District 18 Administrator at the age of 80.

Mr. Sagaria was born in the Bronx, New York, in 1944, and his favorite past time was Little League^®. Mr. Sagaria served as the New York District 18 in Rockland County for 25 years. He was dedicated to the Little League Challenger Division^® and would send New York teams for the summer to Bristol, Connecticut, to participate in the East Region Challenger Fun Day.

He is survived by his son, John; daughter, Chrissy; and grandchildren, Joshua, Justin, and Alexandra; and is predeceased by his wife, Rosemary, and his son, Scott.

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An administrator for California District 51 for 35 years, Jeffrey Ahrens, passed away on September 21, at the age of 75.

Mr. Ahrens was born in Fairberry, Nebraska, to Idonna and Glenn Ahrens. When he was 18, he joined the Marines and served till 1982, including a tour in Vietnam.

Throughout his leadership of California District 51, Mr. Ahrens was especially proud of the development of the softball program. The California District 51 team won the Big League Softball World Series in 1996 and 2005, and girls from the district competed in a World Series tournament at every level of Little League Softball^® while Mr. Ahrens was D.A.

Mr. Ahrens is survived by his two sons, James and Jason, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

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Little League® International mourns the passing of James Beckum, 95, a former Negro Leagues player and co-founder of Beckum-Stapleton Little League in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 

An Illinois native, Mr. Beckum grew up on the farm tending livestock and picking fruits and vegetables, before he was drafted in 1952 to the United States Marines, where he served his country for the next eight years. A talented baseball player, Mr. Beckum played for two Negro Leagues teams. After hanging up his cleats, he worked for the Ladish Company as a supervisor for the aerospace industry, construction, and farmland equipment until his retirement in 1990.

While Mr. Beckum did not have a background in youth sports, in 1963, he was approached by a local Reverand who was looking to reserve a public field for a group of kids who wanted to play baseball. Three years later, field reservations turned into the chartering of the Beckum-Stapleton LL program, providing the opportunity for multiple generations of young athletes in Milwuakee’s inner city to play the game they love.

In its first year, the Beckum-Stapleton LL program, with the support of the community, registered 60 Little Leaguers®. Today, the league continues to thrive with more than 400 registered players and as a member of the Little League Urban Initiative, a program that assists more than 200 leages across nearly 90 cities with equipment acquisiton, capital improvement cash grants, field development and renovation, and access to education and training.

In 2015, Mr. Beckum was honored at the Little League Howard and Gail Paster Little League Urban Initiative Volunteer of the Year, for the more than 60 years he dedicated to the players, coaches, umpires, and volunteers of Beckum-Stapleton LL. Mr. Beckam’s legacy will be remembered by future generations who step onto Beckum-Stapleton Little League’s fields, named James W. Beckum Park by Milwaukee County in 2013.

Mr. Beckum was preceded in death by his wife, Jimmie Ruth Beckum,  his parents, Easter and Green Beckum; his sons, Gerry and Gregory (Wine) Beckum; one brother, Isaiah Beckum Sr; two sisters Elizabeth (Lizzie) Verser and Doris Jefferies; three sisters-in-law, Juanita Smith, Bluemelle Beckum and Maxine Golden; five brothers-in-law Theodore Golden, Hoyle Jefferies, Hulon Verser, Cleveland Golden, Jerry Patton; and one grandson, Terrance Hall.

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Little League International is deeply saddened to share the passing of Christopher Downs after a brave battle with cancer. A longtime, dedicated volunteer in the Little League program, Mr. Downs joined the full-time staff as the organization’s Media Relations Manager in 2004 and recently retired from his position as Director of Constituent Communications. He celebrated his 53rd birthday in July 2024.

Mr. Downs’s passion for Little League started as a player, himself, growing up in Bradford, Pennsylvania. That passion evolved when he started to give back as a volunteer umpire in the Little League program, and he carried it with him throughout his entire life. Mr. Downs went on to coach his two sons at Loyalsock Township Little League, where he volunteered at every level serving on the league’s Board of Directors and eventually serving on the Pennsylvania District 12 staff in a number of roles, including District Umpire-in-Chief. He was dedicated in giving back to the community and elevating the umpire role through educational clinics and outreach, and he was there to support any Little League volunteer in Pennsylvania District 12 and beyond.

Prior to joining the Little League International team, Mr. Downs was an accomplished sportswriter for a number of publications, including the Williamsport Sun-Gazette, and he continued to support local sports through writing and video production. He used that experience as a journalist to help enhance Little League International’s communications efforts in various roles throughout his tenure at the organization, including supporting media relations, events, and developing educational content for volunteers and parents. Mr. Downs was a fixture in the community and at the Little League Baseball World Series representing the organization and was a driving force in ensuring that all players, fans, and volunteers had exemplary experiences in Williamsport.

If there was one thing Mr. Downs was more passionate about than Little League, it is his family. He is survived by his wife, Kim; sons, Brendan and Justin; parents, David and Joan; a brother, Todd Downs; sister-in-law Amy Downs; niece Madison Downs; nephew Tyler Downs; his Little League contemporaries, brothers and sisters of the “Little League Umpire” fraternity; his beloved dog Major, as well as other family and friends.

Mr. Downs was preceded in death by his father and mother in-law Raymond and Janice Regis.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; the V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Pkwy, Morrisville, NC 27513, or the Wounded Warriors Foundation, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Chris’ family can take comfort in knowing that he is again sailing with his grandfather, watching sports with his father-in-law, and walking his dogs every day.

A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, October 28 at New Covenant United Church of Christ, with his college roommate, the Rev. Brad Walmer officiating, 202 East Third. St. Williamsport. A viewing will be held Sunday, October 27 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sanders Mortuary, 821 Diamond St., Williamsport. Burial will be held privately at the convenience of the family.

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Little League® International mourns the passing of Michael Witherwax, 77, a former Little League Southwest Region Director and volunteer umpire.

Born in Denver, Colorado, Mr. Witherwax moved to Waco, Texas, where he built a life with his wife of nearly 53 years, Judy, his two children – Michele and Sean – his six grandchildren, and his great-grandchild. Mr. Witherwax loved spending his time supporting his family in all that they did, attending their games, recitals, and celebrating every milestone with immense joy.

Mr. Witherwax served two tours with the United States Army in the Vietnam War before returning to Waco, where his commitment to service continued to shine. In addition to serving as an elder of the church, Mr. Witherwax spent more than 25 years selflessly dedicating his time as a Little League volunteer, ensuring his passion for fostering teamwork and sportsmanship would be passed on to the players, coaches, and volunteers he worked with.

During his time in the program, Mr. Witherwax served as an umpire before eventually joining the full-time staff as the Texas State Director. In 2001, Mr. Witherwax became the first-ever Southwest Region Director, after he played a key role in establishing the region and oversaw the opening of the George W. Bush Little League Leadership Training Center.

Michael is survived by his loving wife, Judy; his children, Michele Dvorak and husband Joey Dvorak, Sean Witherwax and his wife Holly Witherwax; his grandchildren, Madison Freas and husband Carter Freas, Haydn Witherwax, Croix Dvorak, Lucas Dvorak, Mia Witherwax, and Mayzi Witherwax; his great-grandchild, Parker Freas; and his brother, Greg Witherwax, and wife Teresa Witherwax; along with many nieces and nephews.

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Little League^® International mourns the passing of Edward J. Cole II, better known as “Jack,” a former West Virginia District 8 Administrator and 1988 Little League Baseball^® World Series umpire, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 75 years old.

Born on June 22, 1949, Mr. Cole was a retired teacher with the Nicholas County Board of Education with more than 42 years of service. He held many titles while employed, those included teacher, coach, and Athletic Director. He had stops at five schools during his tenure.

As a Little League volunteer, he served as the past president of the Craigsville Little League and was a former District Administrator for West Virginia District 8. He was also a former voice of the Grizzlies Football public announcer. Yet, his biggest name to fame was when he umpired in the 1988 Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, which included being chosen to umpire the championship game behind the plate on national TV.

Mr. Cole was also an ordained minister for more than 25 years where he pastored three churches.

Jack leaves behind a wife, Belinda Cole of 52 years and one son, Tommy Cole (Summersville, W.V.). Jack had seven grandchildren, Logan and his wife Valerie Cole (Morgantown, W.V.), Dallas Cole (Mt. Nebo, W.V.), Drey Wargo (Tioga, W.V.), Tommie Ann Cole (Summersville, W.V.), Hunter Wargo (Summersville, W.V.), Jacklynn Settle (Tioga, W.V.), and Piper Cole (Mt. Nebo, W.V.). He also leaves behind one brother, Mark Cole, a special cousin, Phil Dye (Bridgeport, W.V.), one brother-in-law, Mike and his wife Ginger Greene (Weirton, W.V.), and two nephews, Richie and Jonathan Greene.

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Little League® International mourns the passing of Steven Lefler, 73, Assistant District Administrator for Arizona District 5.

Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Mr. Lefler moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he spent his entire adult life with his wife, Linda, his two children, Heather and Brian, and eventually, his three grandchildren – Tyler, Andrew, and Madison. Mr. Lefler worked for several decades in the commercial construction business before his retirement.

A dedicated Little League volunteer for more than 40 years, Mr. Lefler most recently served as an Arizona District 5 A.D.A. for more than 30 of those years. In this position, Mr. Lefler played a key role in raising funds to help build new fields, acquire essential equipment for leagues, and provide additional resources to the District’s Challenger Division.

Mr. Lefler’s impact was felt in every event and tournament he volunteered for, including the Junior League Softball West Region Tournaments. Mr. Lefler was always the first one at the park, ensuring that the fields, equipment, and resources were ready for the umpires, district officers, volunteers coaches, and Little Leaguers®.

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Little League® International mourns the passing of David Viers, 78, a former Florida District 19 Administrator.

Born in DeLand, Florida, Mr. Viers served in the United States Air Force before returning home to work for in the Viers family nursery for 20 years. Mr. Viers was also a certified fair executive for 24 years, serving as the fair manager since 1990 until his retirement and as the executive director of the Volusia County (Fla.) Fair since 2002.

A passionate Little League supporter, Mr. Viers volunteered as the Florida District 19 Administrator for 29 years. When Mr. Viers was not working hard to support the Little Leaguers® and volunteer umpires across the district, he could be found participating in another aspect of the Little League program that he loved – pin trading.

Mr. Viers is remembered by his surviving family members including his wife of 52 years, Paulette; his son, Davy; his daughters, Tanya Wright (Chris Lawrence), and Connie Rickert (Justin); his brothers, Jimmy Viers and Louis Fournier (Kathy); his sister, Daun Olsen; 11 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

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Little League® International is saddened to hear about the passing of Dick Hauser, one of the first-ever Little Leaguers® from the inaugural 1939 season’s Lycoming Dairy team.

Mr. Hauser, who just recently turned 98, had the opportunity to live out one of his dreams on Friday afternoon, throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at the 2024 Little League Baseball® World Series surrounded by his family and friends.

“His last day was spent surrounded by his family doing his favorite thing,” said the Hauser Family. “He will be forever missed.”

Mr. Hauser got his start as a Little Leaguer more than 80 years ago, thanks to a simple question – “Do You Play Ball?” – by the organization’s founder, Carl E. Stotz. After his playing time was over, Mr. Hauser later had the pleasure of then watching Mr. Stotz coach his own children as they went through the Little League program.

Following his Little League career, Mr. Hauser went on to play semi-professional baseball, all while coaching his children through the Little League program and made sure to find a way to gather the family together each summer in Williamsport during the Little League Baseball World Series.

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Little League® International mourns the passing of Patrick Dottellis, a former South Carolina District 5 Administrator and Little League World Series Umpire Association Treasure, who passed away at the age of 75.

Born in Flemington, West Virginia, Mr. Dottellis served as a U.S. Marine during Vietnam, was a member of the South Carolina State Guard, and was a member of both VFW Post 10420 and the American Legion Post 178 in Murrells Inlet.

In addition to serving as a volunteer District Administrator in the Little League program, Mr. Dottellis also served as an Umpire-in-Chief for his District.

Mr. Dottellis was predeceased by a brother, James Daniel Dottellis, Jr., a step brother, Michael Reynolds, and a niece, Nikki Weaver. Surviving are: his wife, Marlene Dottellis of Murrells Inlet; one Son, Anthony Dottellis (Tonya) of Conway; one daughter, Angel Owens (Bo) of Murrells Inlet; one grandson, Joshua Owens of Charleston, SC; two brothers, Nickie Eugene Dottellis (Linda) of Golden Beach, Maryland and John Edward Dottellis (Donna) of Galena, Maryland; one half brother, Doug Allen Dottellis (Debra) of Madonna, Georgia; one step sister, Charlotte Tucker (Dale) of Toms Brook, Virginia; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

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