Bill Miller was very proud of his Etobicoke roots.

His dedication and passion for the sport of slo-pitch has been enjoyed across Canada by slo-pitch players, young and old.

Bill had a simple vision, to create a Canadian Slo-Pitch organization that allowed the worst to be the best for a moment in time. He co-founded the Centennial Slo-Pitch of Etobicoke in 1975 with twenty teams, and the league still exists today with 110 teams and will carry on honouring his legacy.

Miller worked passionately organizing the sport of slo-pitch, beginning with a local Etobicoke league of twenty teams and growing into 12,000 teams Canada-wide. His efforts also included writing a National Rulebook and developing a National Officiating Program.

His significant achievements go hand in glove with his personal characteristics and values. His major contribution was to provide the opportunity for anyone to play the sport of softball. To accomplish that goal, Bill used his marketing expertise to create a desire to enjoy the sportsmanship, camaraderie and healthy exercise that are hallmarks of the sport. That accomplishment spread from Etobicoke to Ontario to Canada and Internationally.

Bill’s values reflected a simple premise; everyone should be able to enjoy the sport – as long as they followed the rules and were good sportsmen and sportswomen. He could be tough when necessary but more often quieted the conflict with humour. He understood that authentic leadership required vision for the future, willingness to take risks, and empathy and understanding of those he served.

Bill Miller | 1950 – 2020