The ultimate local supporter of sports, Erv Lind (1906 – 1964) was a sponsor, coach and nurturer of softball in Portland for three decades.
Erv Lind Florists were a force of nature in fastpitch women's softball. Erv was their sponsor, recruited and coached players and paid their way to tournaments. Normandale Field in Northeast Portland was the place to be and the Florists delivered.
From 1937 to 1964, Erv's teams won 1,113 games and took part in all but two national championship tournaments. He developed 18 All-America athletes and reached the national championship game seven times, winning it all in 1944 and again in 1964. He did a lot of the heavy lifting himself but also allowed for partners. Seley Pomery co-sponsored the team in early years including the 1944 champs.
The Florists moved to the National Softball Congress from 1951-54 and won the championship tournament in '54 before returning to the ASA ranks. The team traveled to the Far East for six weeks at the invitation of the State Department in 1959. Oregon Sports Hall of Famers Margaret Dobson, Carolyn Fitzwater, Betty Evans Grayson and Jackie Rice were all longtime standouts on the team. The two national championship teams are also OSHOF inductees.
Erv Lind passed away due to a heart attack following the 1964 title and the team folded soon afterward. But his legacy continued to power softball in the city. Normandale Field was re-named Erv Lind Stadium in 1965 and has hosted Portland State University softball and OSAA state championships.
The Erv Lind Award honors the outstanding defensive player at the American Softball Association national tournament each summer.