Softball Field to be Dedicated in Memory of its Chief Supporter

Due to the transformative work of a former booster for softball at Central High School in the early 1990’s, the softball field at the school will now bear the name of its chief supporter – Dennie Lynn.  The Dennie Lynn Field at Central High School will be dedicated at noon, on Saturday, April 12.  Speakers from EVSC, EVSC Foundation, Atlas World Group and the Lynn Family will address the crowd prior to the Central Lady Bears varsity girls softball game that day. The event is open to the public.

Lynn, who passed away in January 2013, was instrumental in bringing girls fast pitch softball to Evansville. He, along with other parents and supporters, built the first Central Bears softball field and played a fundamental role in creating the Central Softball Booster Club.

Andy Owen, athletic director at Central said, “Our boosters prepare the field for the team, assist us to raise money to support the team, and improve the field. Without Mr. Lynn’s leadership and many of our other supporters’ help, Central’s Lady Bears Softball would not be the strong and talented program it is.”

Donations made to EVSC Foundation by friends, family, and former co-workers of Lynn at Atlas World Group will go toward a new state-of-the-art electronic scoreboard, a new sign for the field and a bronze plaque describing Lynn’s contributions to softball.  Owen added that a new press box behind home plate is also planned.

According to Owen, before the 90’s softball was a much different sport than it is today.
Fast-pitch softball was just making its way into the area, and Lynn was determined to provide Central girls with an opportunity to play on their own field.

David Smith, EVSC superintendent, said of Lynn, “his passion to improve girls athletics raised the level of play for girls softball and his vision of a competitive girls softball program opened new opportunities to Central girls softball.

“An inspiration for many people, Dennie had the ability to motivate people to achieve their personal best in every endeavor, not just on the field, but in life.”

EVSC School Board President Chris Kiefer added that “because of Dennie’s determination, Central High School had their first girls softball field. And once Central had its own girls softball field, other local high schools built softball fields of their own – helping to expand the program throughout the area.”

Kevin Hammett, EVSC Foundation president, said that dedicating the field in Lynn’s honor, is a very fitting way to recognize Lynn and other parents like him; as well as donors at Atlas World Group – who have changed the school for the better. Dedicating this field ensures that Dennie Lynn’s legacy for excellence and opportunity for Central High School’s female athletes will never be forgotten.”