Larry Lynch

Larry Lynch, born in St. Thomas, Ontario in 1954, has been a sports builder and enthusiast in Waterloo Region for nearly four decades. He was active in the local fastball community for more than 30 years as a player, coach, field manager, general manager, tournament organizer and community volunteer.

Teams that Lynch has guided have been dominant forces in local and international competition, competing for more than 20 years at International Softball Congress (ISC) tournaments. As well, teams that Lynch has coached and managed have won nine provincial, nine national and five ISC World Championships. He also won a Gold medal in the elite division of the 2013 World Masters Games in Torino, Italy.

In 2000, it was generally regarded in the sporting fraternity that Lynch was the “saviour” of men’s fastball at the elite level in Kitchener-Waterloo. His tenacity and resourcefulness resulted in the Waterloo CHYM’rs/Twins becoming the longest continuously operating men’s fastball team in Canada. The Twins ceased operation in 2015 ending a 48 year run.

Lynch was a driving force and instrumental in bringing the 2002 ISC World Tournament to Kitchener, resulting in the community hosting this prestigious event three more times. In collaboration with various groups, Lynch’s volunteer leadership has helped realize significant financial donations for many community groups and organizations. He has been a long-time volunteer and fund raiser for the local chapter of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.

Lynch was inducted into the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame in 2007. In its 68 year history he remains the only Canadian team manager ever so honoured by the ISC. He was recognized in 2010 with the Kitchener Sports Association Award of Excellence.

Larry, a professional engineering manager by vocation was employed for 30 years by the City of Kitchener, and was instrumental in countless streetscape and infrastructure enhancements throughout the community. He played an integral role in the development of the Peter Hallman Ball Yard, and the design and development of the formal entrance to Victoria Park.

Photograph courtesy of Highland Camera.