Lou Belcourt
Induction Award
Lou Belcourt is a legendary, lifelong Springwater multi-sport powerhouse and a cornerstone of Elmvale’s sporting history. Renowned as a premier all-star catcher and a devastating cleanup power hitter, Lou anchored eight championship fastball teams, highlighted by leading the 1977 Elmvale Merchants to a historic O.A.S.A. Intermediate "C" Provincial Championship—a feat unmatched by any other Elmvale men's team. An expert strategist who caught grueling 18- and 21-inning marathon games, he also famously mentored his brother Leo, a top-five Canadian pitcher, in perfecting his lethal rise ball. Lou translated this elite athletic instinct into four golf club championships, six holes-in-one, and a provincial curling final. A dedicated communityleader, he coached minor sports to Ontario titles and drove the modernization of the Elmvale Curling Club, serving as an active competitor and inspiring local figure well into his 88th year.
Member Details:
Category: Athlete
Year of Induction: 2026
Sport(s): Fastball (Primary), Hockey, Golf, and Curling
Nominator: Tim Belcourt
Date/Place of Birth: July 15, 1938 / Barrie, Ontario
Highlights:
Pre-1961: Won the Vespra Softball League Championship playing Junior and Senior fastball for the Edenvale teams.
1961: Formally joined the Elmvale team in the competitive Georgian Bay League.
...more highlights
Narrative:
Lou Belcourt's name is synonymous with competitive grit, leadership, and athletic longevity in Springwater Township. A lifelong resident, Lou spent his early years on the family farm located on the third concession of Flos Township before moving to Elmvale in 1961. Though he excelled on the curling ice and the golf course, it was on the fastball diamond where Lou solidified his status as an all-time local great.
...more narrative
Anecdotes:
The Marathon Man Behind the Plate: Catching a standard seven-inning fastball game is physically demanding, but Lou's durability was unmatched. In major O.A.S.A. competition, he caught two historic marathon games:a staggering 21 -innings battle in Meafort and a legendary 18-inning Southern Ontario final in Etobicoke where he hit the game winning RBI.
...more anecdotes
Quotations:
"On a cold, wet, snowy Thanksgiving weekend, Elmvale emerged as provincial champions...
though many Elmvale teams tried for many years, the '77 Merchants remain the only provincial
Elmvale men's team winner." — Excerpt from the 2026 Hall of Fame Nomination
Galleries:
Links:
Acknowledgements:
Springwater Sports Heritage appreciates receiving the material compiled from nomination papers submitted by Tim Belcourt, supplemented by Elmvale Curling Club historical records and O.A.S.A. archival footage.
