R. I. P. Alan Waffle, Royal York

A Tribute to Alan Waffle: Director, Past-President of Royal York Baseball League Inc.

It is with deep sorrow and immense gratitude that we remember Alan Waffle, who passed away on February 19, 2025. His legacy, built on the foundation of dedication, hard work, and a genuine love for the sport, will continue to resonate for generations to come. From his vision in establishing the Royal York Baseball League (RYBL) in 1984 to his pioneering efforts for girls’ and women’s baseball, Alan's contributions were transformative.

In 1984, Alan laid the foundation for what would become the largest baseball league in Ontario. By uniting various local baseball clubs, he created RYBL, a league that has touched the lives of thousands, fostering a love for the game in both boys and girls. He was a pioneer, advocating for girls’ and women’s baseball long before it was in the spotlight, and his efforts paved the way for countless female athletes to take the field.

Alan’s passion for the game wasn’t confined to just the diamond. He built lasting partnerships with organizations like the Jays Care Foundation, Humber College, and Toronto Parks and Recreation. Together, they brought Alan’s dream of Connorvale South to life—a dream that became a reality in 2018, when his “Field of Dreams” application was approved for the construction of a beautiful new facility. Alan was beyond proud to see this vision come to fruition, a testament to his determination and unwavering belief in the power of sports and community.

As an Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame inductee and the recipient of Toronto and Etobicoke Baseball Association’s Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Awards, Alan’s impact was recognized far and wide. Yet, it was his dedication to the kids, the volunteers, and his unwavering belief in the power of the sport that defined him.

Through all the challenges and chaos that come with managing a league, Alan never lost sight of why he did it. Whether organizing equipment and uniform distributions from his garage or tirelessly working behind the scenes, his words were always the same: “Isn’t this fun? I do it for the kids.” His love for the game, our league, and the young athletes it serves was apparent in everything he did.

Royal York Baseball League owes its very existence to Alan. A visionary and a true champion of the sport, Alan’s impact on RYBL and the baseball community will never be forgotten.

Home Run, Alan!