In Loving Memory

FCU remembers DJ Breighner, born April 26, 1969, beloved and respected umpire, whose talent, approachability, and good hearted nature made him a legend within the South Florida community.  With over 25 years of experience, DJ touched so many lives, and was a shining example of hard work, dedication, and integrity.  DJ passed on April 22, 2021.  As we process the sudden loss of such an integral part of our umpiring family, we extend condolences to all who are mourning.

Randy Harvey umpired NCAA baseball for over 20 years, helping many fellow umpires, coaches, and players along the way.  In addition to umpiring for Florida Collegiate Umpires (FCU), he umpired for 16 years in the SEC and ACC.  He also umpired in Conference USA, the Sun Belt and the Atlantic Sun.  Randy worked eight ACC tournaments, six SEC tournaments, and one Sun Belt tournament.  His NCAA post-season accolades include eleven Regionals, six Super Regionals, a Division II World Series, and the College World Series in 2006.

Randy valiantly battled a rare kidney disease since 2015, getting dialysis treatments three times per week.  In January 2018, Randy ran into some complications and had to be rushed to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville.  After a few days, Randy was given a choice by the doctors.  They told him the only way they had a chance to save his life was if they amputated both of his legs.  This is devastating news to anyone, especially Randy, whose life on the baseball field would have to end, if he chose to have his legs removed.  After some praying, Randy told the doctors he wanted to live.  His legs were removed a few days apart in late January 2018.

As Randy continued his fight, he ran into more complications, including a diagnosis of multiple myeloma, a type of blood cancer.  In September 2019, doctors had to remove both of his arms above the elbow.

Throughout his battle, Randy was always in great spirits.  He had a wonderful support system from his family and his umpire family.  When umpires stopped by, or talked to Randy on the phone, he always asked how their games were going and where they were traveling to for the season.  He would tell great stories of how he got along with coaches.  Randy was extremely grateful to his umpiring family for the fundraising that Dennis McComb championed, which raised enough money to purchase a wheelchair, multiple stays in rehab facilities, and many other medical necessities.

Randy will be deeply missed.