WATSONVILLE >> Similar to the devastation left by a massive earthquake, word of Rick Stubblefield’s death rocked a region over the weekend. The 73-year-old, a volunteer at sporting events throughout the city for more than five decades, impacted a lot of lives.

Stubblefield, a heavyset, gregarious man who was battling diabetes, was found dead in his apartment by a friend on Saturday. Officials believe he passed away from natural causes a day earlier. The cause of death isn’t yet known.

“He was everywhere. Everyone knew him and everyone loved him, ” said MerriLou McGrath George, his close friend. “He did a lot for Watsonville sports. Even though he never got married or had children, he left quite a legacy.”

A 1969 Watsonville High alum, Stubblefield, a semi-retired bookkeeper, served as a volunteer at Little Leagues and high schools, primarily serving his beloved Wildcatz, in the city for more than 50 years. He did so in nearly every capacity possible. He did it not just for the benefit of the area’s young athletes, but because it fulfilled him.

“He loved what he did and he did it incredibly well,” said Ed Kelly Sr., who worked in the press box with Stubblefield for nearly three decades.Little League players from past and present often visited Stubblefield in the press box, and he enjoyed that to the fullest. He updated his Facebook account regularly with pictures of him alongside young athletes, and longtime friends. He also kept his friends abreast on his dining exploits throughout the region on his social media account.

Stubblefield never met a meal he didn’t like.

“To Rick, it was always fine dining. It doesn’t matter where it was,” McGrath George said.

He counted Cowboy’s Corner Cafe, Cadillac Cafe, and Beach Street Cafe among his in-town favorites, but also frequented Daddy’s City Diner in Marina and Black Bear Diner in Salinas.

Stubblefield often enjoyed ‘dining night’ with friends each week, including joining McGrath George and her husband Barry, and James and Alice Gomez, when they lived in town.

The Gomezes are scheduled to return to town from Las Vegas this week and they were supposed to deliver Stubblefield some of Alice’s cherished tamales on Wednesday.

James Gomez, a former Wildcatz athlete and coach, said Stubblefield had no idea of the number of lives he impacted.

“We used to have Sunday meals at our house and, one time, I told him that he was a mentor to me,” Gomez said. “He looked at me like I was crazy. He had no idea. He affected lives in such a positive way. You never saw him in a bad mood. He was always happy.”

At Pajaro Valley Little League, where a field is named in his honor, he’s a legend.

“He got charged up when the kids came up to visit,” Kelly said. “He loved to shoot the breeze with them. It didn’t matter if they were good or bad players.”

Stubblefield first became a Little League coach as a teenager, and later held titles of manager, scorekeeper, board member, and ultimately, Pajaro Valley L.L. president. Last year, he served as the league’s vice president of baseball operations.

He also served as a clock operator and later as an announcer at Watsonville football and basketball games. He lent his services to Pajaro Valley and St. Francis highs, as well.

Stubblefield, often clothed in Watsonville Wildcatz garb or other casual wear, was the consummate professional behind the microphone. He often showed up to games early to check in with coaches and make sure he pronounced each name correctly.

“He made sure to mention more than the same four names,” said Rob Cornett, Watsonville track and field head coach, who served as a spotter for Stubblefield when they worked the booth at the Central Coast Section Division III football championship in Salinas on Nov. 29. “On defense, it wasn’t just guys who made tackles, he mentioned assisted tackles too. He was a hit with all the parents.”

Cornet and Kelly praised Stubblefield for his knowledge. He knew all of the officials signals. All the rules, too.

“He’s so good at it,” Cornet said.

The only area Stubblefield struggled came when he sang. He turned out hundreds of memorable renditions of the national anthem. His close friends razzed him, but he could take a ribbing and remained confident in his singing abilities.

“He was totally dedicated,” Kelly said. “His knowledge of tournament play and Little League rules was phenomenal. Little League was his passion.”

When Stubblefield wasn’t in the press box or at the diner, he was often at the movie theater or enjoying watching films on streaming services Netflix and Amazon Prime. He also enjoyed attending concerts.

“He had more than 50 T-shirts of country and western shows that he went to,” said McGrath George, who’d occasionally help Stubblefield with his laundry.

He was also a huge fan of two of San Francisco’s professional franchises, the 49ers and Giants. He took part in multiple “Giants Vacations” packages and rooted on his favorite ball club with like-minded fans at several out-of-state ballparks. He relished in the fact that he was afforded an opportunity meet Giants legend Willie Mays.

Stubblefield made a life of supporting those around him. Many community members plan to pay tribute to him in some capacity in the near future. Right now, his passing is still too recent, too painful.

“When I heard, I was just shocked,” Kelly said.

Stubblefield, who was born and raised in Watsonville, was one of five children. Three of his brothers, Bill, Mike, and Ronnie have passed. His lone surviving brother, Larry, lives in Montana. He also has a nephew, James, who lives in town.