PLANTSVILLE — There are many names synonymous with Newtown High School softball — none more notable than Lin Hertberg.

After all, the legendary fixture at Newtown High School games for two-plus decades, beginning in 2000, has been so much more than an assistant coach. His presence on the field included hitting batting practice grounders and his duties as a first base coach — but outside the lines and between the plays, the side of Hertberg that defines him is his player-first, ultra-supportive, caring demeanor.

“Mr Hertberg was my biggest cheerleader. He knew every stat you could imagine from my pitching,” said Lauren Wilcox, who helped the team win SWC titles in 2015 and ‘16.

“He always had a way of boosting your confidence. He is the reason Newtown softball is Newtown softball,” said Christina Wolf-Gallo, a standout with the Nighthawks in the early 2000s who continued to coach in the program alongside Hertberg in recent years.

Hertberg, for his above-and-beyond efforts with the Nighthawks, was chosen as an inductee of the Connecticut Scholastic & Collegiate Softball Hall Of Fame this fall. He was recognized during an induction ceremony and dinner at Aqua Turf Club as an Honorary Inductee.

Among the many attendees on hand in support of Hertberg was Joanna (Barry) Closs, who played under the direction of Hertberg and coached with him through the 2023 season, when the Nighthawks captured a South-West Conference Championship.

“We would not have been where we were without him,” Closs said. “It was an honor to play for and coach with him.”

“It’s long overdue and well-deserved. I’m so grateful to be a part of his legacy and to have met him,” said Emily (Woznick) Leisten, who played for the Nighthawks back in 2015, another conference championship season for the program.

In 2000, NHS Softball Coach Paul LaFrancesca was looking for an assistant coach and reached out to Hertberg — a former collegiate baseball player (Hofstra) who has three daughters, coached youth softball and basketball beginning in the 1970s, and helped start the NHS girls’ soccer program. Hertberg jumped at the opportunity and remained a key cog in the softball program’s success for 20-plus years; he stepped back only a couple of seasons ago.

Hertberg, a finance major who started L.A. Hertberg Associates Inc in 1965, retiring after 31 years, also made significant donations to the program. The scoreboard, outfield fence and its banners, and dugouts are all courtesy of the longtime coach. In 2021 the NHS field was named in his honor.

“When you think of Newtown softball you think of Coach Hertberg,” said Kate (Bowen) Kiernan, who played under the direction of Hertberg and Head Coach Bob Guerrera, leading the team to an undefeated season and SWC title in 2010, and was selected into the Hall Of Fame in 2024.

“His joy for our success was so genuine,” said Kiernan, who spoke on behalf of Hertberg during the ceremony.

Kiernan noted that Hertberg, in addition to his many contributions on the field, created a scholarship foundation for students.

“You have left a lasting impact on all of our lives,” she said.

Newtown High School Athletic Director Matt Memoli pointed out everything Hertberg has done for the program throughout the years, describing him as invaluable. “There’s no better human being than Lin Hertberg,” Memoli added.

Hertberg thanked his many friends and family — his guests for a tasty meal and the ceremony, which included other inductees and colorful stories of their softball careers, included yours truly. For many years, Hertberg made a weekly stop at The Bee to go over his notes and statistics to ensure each player was recognized. He arranged for photos of pitchers who threw no-hitters, or players who achieved various notable milestones.

First Selectman Jeff Capeci gave a proclamation in recognition of Hertberg’s service. Friends and family members showed their appreciation for Hertberg with thank you notes and photos which were printed in the Hall Of Fame ceremony pamphlet. The Goyda family — including NHS Coach Megan Goyda, who played for and coached with Hertberg — wrote “Congratulations! You will always be a 10 out of 10 to the Goyda family.”

“Your generosity, kindness, and dedication to the Newtown softball program is truly inspiring. You have made such a positive impact on my life, as well as everyone else who has had the privilege of playing for you,” former player Sienna Cummings said. “Thank you for everything you have done and go Nighthawks.”

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.