The New Hampshire Softball community would like to have Wolfe Park on Harvell Street in Manchester NH changed to be named Luther Cooper Park in honor of our fallen friend who was the very definition a Softball Umpire.

"Coop" as he was known to all of us, has been part of NH Softball for as long as anyone can remember. I refer to him in present tense, because he is with each and every one of us every time we step on the field and he always will be. His softball career spanned 50+ years. He battled many health issues over the years, but the one thing that we all could count on was that Coop would be on that field the second the season started NO MATTER WHAT. His involvement lasted right up until he entered the hospital this past April for what would be his last fight. We all knew that this time he was not going to come back to the field, but he never gave up. In his last days he told his sister that he was getting back on that field even if it was in a wheelchair and he could only watch.

Coop's life was softball and many of the amazing umpires we have today were recruited by Coop. His fellow umpires will tell you he was "An umpires, umpire". He always made sure that all of his umpires were treated fairly and with respect.

On the field, the players will tell you he was a fair umpire that had a lot of heart. You didn't need to know Coop to see how much he loved the game, the players and his umpires. The joy and pride he felt simply radiated from him.   

Please sign our petition, so we can get Coop honored in the way he deserves!