A view from behind the plate: Preston Lucas reflects on 30+ years in Reading Little League
Updated May 19, 2025 to correct a misspelled name and noted Bob Weiden’s position as Director of Umpires.
(3-4 minute read)
Preston Lucas, long-time Reading Little League volunteer, recognized for his many years of service and honored with the home plate of recently renovated Hunt Field. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
For Preston Lucas, what began as a way to support his son’s Little League team turned into a lifelong commitment to the community - and to the game of baseball.
“I started as a coach when my son was playing,” Lucas recalls. “Once he moved onto high school, I still wanted to be involved.” That desire led him to become a state-certified umpire, kicking off a 25-year journey with Reading Little League that would include decades of leadership, mentorship, and unforgettable memories.
Sal Mercurio, Reading Little League Board of Directors, and Preston Lucas. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Over the years, Lucas didn’t just call balls and strikes - he helped shape the league. He served as an officer in nearly every capacity, from coach to manager to treasurer and Director of Umpires. During his 36-year tenure in leadership, he also created and led an umpire training course that continues to this day, with more than 100 graduates going on to become state-certified umpires themselves.
“It’s still going on now,” Lucas says with a proud smile. “One of my former students, Jimmy Falkenstrom, started umpiring in sixth grade. He’s now running the course and Bob Weiden serves as Director of Umpires. I feel like I’ve left it all in good hands.”
While the structure of the league has evolved - especially in how parents engage with the game - Lucas notes that the heart of Little League remains unchanged. “The parents today are much more respectful. There’s a zero-tolerance policy for heckling, and that’s helped create a really positive environment,” he says.
“Lucas’ favorite memory on the field comes from coaching a summer travel team that went on to win the state championship as 10-year-olds. “It was special. Some of the teams we played had real dugouts, and the kids were so excited - just seeing their faces light up was unforgettable.”
But it’s not just about wins. One of the most cherished memories came when a younger player, who hadn’t managed a hit all season, finally connected - and accidentally ran straight to third base. “We let him go,” Lucas laughs. “The smile on his face was unbelievable. You don’t ruin a moment like that.”
Beyond the funny stories and championship memories, Lucas sees his role as an opportunity to model integrity, calmness, and fun. “I tell new umpires, don’t be sensitive. Coaches might disagree with a call, but as long as it’s not personal, it’s part of the game. The important thing is to have fun. That’s what we teach the kids - and that’s what I teach my umpires too.”
(Left-to-right): Jeanne Lucas, Preston’s sister; Madison Musgrave, Preston’s granddaughter; Preston Lucas; Chris Lucas, Preston’s son; Stephanie Musgrave, Preston’s daughter; and Nathan Samuels, Preston’s son-in-law. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
When asked what his walk-up song would be if umpires had them, he doesn’t hesitate: “Celebrate by Kool & The Gang. Celebrate good times - that’s what it’s all about.”
After a quarter-century behind the plate, Lucas’ legacy in Reading Little League is clear. He’s not just an umpire - he’s a teacher, a leader, a champion of community spirit. The legacy was recently honored in a ceremony recognizing his decades of service, where he was invited to throw the ceremonial first pitch - an emotional and fitting tribute to a man who’s given so much to the game. Watch the full video of the ceremony and first pitch below.
Reading Little League honored Preston Lucas for his 30+ years of volunteer service and recognized that he played a key role in shaping the organization into what it is today. Speakers include Sal Mercurio of the Reading Little League Board of Directors and Preston Lucas, a dedicated RLL volunteer. Video by Taylor Gregory, recorded Saturday, May 17, 2025.
