A fixture for more than 20 years in the Wrigley Field press box, the Chicago Cubs today announced the news that longtime Chicago radio reporter Craig Lynch passed away after a brief illness:

Known for his legendary knowledge of Chicago Cubs and baseball history, Lynch was a mainstay in the press box hallways, dining rooms and press room, making friends with all he met, and never shy to pose a Cubs trivia question, often stumping even the most knowledgeable members of the press. 

Blind since birth, Lynch was an inspiration to all he met as he covered nearly every Cubs home game over the years, and would also travel to select road parks, listening on the radio from his perch in the press box and following on TV and radio when at home. 

Marquee Sports Network broadcaster Jim Deshaies, who met Lynch nearly 10 years ago during his first season in the Cubs booth, reflected Wednesday on the loss of his friend:

“Losing Craig is heartbreaking news. At a time when we’re all excited for the start of the baseball season, he was the biggest baseball fan and Cubs fan. He lived a truly remarkable life and we’ll miss him every day at the ballpark.”

“He was always quick to make a joke and loved interacting with everyone in the press box. At a time when everybody is so guarded, there was just such an openness about him with everyone and we should all try to mirror that.”

The responses on social media have flooded in from the media that Craig interacted with over the years: