History of the NWRMSL
The NWRMSL was first organized nearly 40 years ago. In the early years it was very much a rural league as the larger urban centres were not allowed to affiliate. After a time larger towns and cities were included and the divisions were divided into A and B groupings to reflect the affiliated centres. populations. For years the general league meetings were held at the Maryhill Knights of Columbus. In 1999 the Knights hosted the 25 Year Anniversary celebrations for the NW. With the sale and closing of that facility the general meetings have moved to Hillside Park Clubhouse, Waterloo the past five years.
There have been numerous changes to the NW over the pat three decades. In the early nineties the NW fielded separate boys' and girls' divisions. The boys' divisions had A and B groupings. There were in excess of 70 teams playing in the NW in those days. By the end of the nineties the NW girls' division had ceased to exist and local girls. teams had joined into the Grand Valley League. On the boys' side there no longer were A and B groupings but all five minor divisions remained. (In early years there had also been a junior men's division in the NW.) Boys. teams from the Perth Minor League have joined for NW play the last number of years. In 2009 all Peewee, Bantam and Midget Perth boys' teams played in the NW. In recent years the number of teams in the NW has stabilized at a total of 40-45 teams. As much as possible new teams looking for a place to play are always welcomed into the NW.
Playing rules have changed over the years as well in the NW. Unlimited substitutions, mercy rules, playoff tournament formats and player release guidelines are examples of the game's evolvement and how it is played. Throughout its history the NW has produced excellent fastball players and teams. NW teams have garnered numerous OASA provincial awards plus there have been a number of Eastern Canadian Championships. The Elmira Laser Videos won National titles at the midget and junior levels.
The NW endeavours to offer a friendly and competitive level of play for its affiliated centres. Playing season runs from early May to August. At present divisions usually play an 18 game regular season with an opening day one day tournament, midseason all star game and season ending championship tournament. Affiliated centre reps meet four times a year to govern the league's operation. An appointed executive and divisional convenors oversee the day to day operations of league play. Many volunteer hands work diligently to make the North Waterloo Rural Minor Softball League an inviting place for our fastball athletes to play.
| Prior to 1984 Dave Rouselle, Bloomingdale Dick Osinga, Caledonia | |
| 1984-1985 | John Hammond, Elmira |
| 1986-1987 | Norm Wood, New Hamburg |
| 1988 | Rick Hendershot, Conestoga |
| 1989-1990 | Bill DeHann, New Hamburg |
| 1991-1992 | Jerry Elmquist, Centralia |
| 1993-1994 | Bruce Murray, Moorefield |
| 1995-1996 | Lloyd Latour, Arthur |
| 1997-1998 | Gerry Kempel, Kitchener |
| 1999-2000 | Brian Blaxall, Elmira |
| 2001-2002 | Nancy Gingerich, New Hamburg |
| 2003-2004 | Jennifer Lovsin, Guelph |
| 2005-2007 | Jamie Woodend, Stratford |
| 2008-present | Bruce Young, Waterloo |