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Thomas Francis Flynn

By Mike Macchione, 12/16/23, 8:30AM EST

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December 13, 1957 – November 23, 2023

It's with a very heavy heart that we announce to the New York State American Legion Baseball Community the passing of Tommy Flynn.  Tommy was a fixture in the New York State 6th District Baseball Community every summer.  His love for the game of baseball was only exceeded by his joy of being around the many friends he kept close, because of Legion baseball.  Tommy had a great sense for the game.  He had a way of watching a game, keeping track of the good and bad plays, and recalling the play years after it had happened.  He was a man of many questions, which, he already knew the answers to.  With his smoking pipe in hand and one elevated eyebrow, everyone knew that Tommy was deep in thought and getting ready to ask another one of his "Jeopardy" type of questions testing your memory. The questions were endless.

Tommy will be missed by many, not only for his own goodness shared with anyone he encountered but for his long close friendship with his coaching partner Gil Wood that impacted all of us as human beings.  In the summer the two of them become one at Conlon Field. They were the 6th District’s Starsky and Hutch, Martin and Lewis, and Abbott and Costello. Tommy knew exactly what would "trigger" Gil.  All the opposing managers and coaches marveled at the brotherly love they both shared for one another that added another dimension to every tournament played at Conlon Field over the years. 

Returning players to any Binghamton tournament would inevitably ask, "Where is Tommy? " Gil never let Tommy out of his sight and included Tommy in all things 1645 Baseball.   

Tommy had a sincere love for two very important things in his life; Post 132 Sons of American Legion, 143 South Lemon Street, Orange, CA 92866 and Brooke County Animal Shelter, 797 Mac Barnes Drive, Beechbottom, WV 26030, where donations in Tommy's memory can be sent.

RIP, Tommy.