Carolyn Fitzwater (October 10, 1935 – May 3, 2014) was another standout member of Erv Lind Florist softball teams playing infield positions. She went on to career as beloved teacher and coach.
Fitzwater graduated from Portland’s Washington High School in 1953, already having reached the top of the softball world. She joined the Florist team in 1950 and remained on the roster until the team disbanded following the 1964 season. Fitzwater played a significant role in the infield as second baseman in the 1950s, and shortstop in the ‘60s. She played shortstop on the 1964 National Championship squad, hitting 6 for 13 with two runs batted in for the tournament. Carolyn was selected for the ASA Softball All-Star series in 1963-65. She toured with the team when it visited the Far East in 1959. Fitzwater continued playing on summer teams in California and Oregon until 1974.
Carolyn earned a degree from Oregon State in 1958 and became a teacher. She would teach and coach at Gresham, Centennial and Grant High Schools until her retirement in 1990. She coached softball teams for most of those years.
In 1979, the Oregon Athletic Coaches Association named her Softball Coach of the Year in honor of her years of service and having led Grant High to the semifinals of the first OSAA softball state championship tournament.
Fitzwater served on state, regional and national committees regarding rules and physical education and was a long-time basketball official.
Carolyn Fitzwater was inducted into the American Softball Association Hall of Fame in 1992. She is also a member of the PIL Hall of Fame.