Meet Eddie Lacher: Hotlanta Hitter and Compassionate Coach
by Wyndi Kappes, Photography by Elle Wood
Eddie Lacher | Age: 31
Sport: Softball
Hotlanta Softball League, Wet Demons Second Baseman and Dirt Qweens Coach
When it’s the seventh inning, and you are down by one, you want Eddie Lacher stepping up to the plate. A team player with LGBTQ softball league Hotlanta for over four years, Eddie recently was the leadoff hitter for his team when they won the 2019 C Division North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alliance Championship. From championship winner to assistant recreation coordinator for the City of Acworth, the title Eddie is most proud to earn is coach.
Q: Why do you love playing with Hotlanta Softball League?
Eddie Lacher: Obviously, it being an LGBT league was a great aspect. Just being around people that get it matters. I also love that it’s very competitive and has allowed me to meet people from around the world. We have played teams in Portland, Canada and more.
Q: What are some common injuries you see when playing and how do you combat them?
EL: We see a lot of people pulling their hamstrings or back muscles, so I put a huge emphasis on stretching to help prevent these injuries or soreness.
Q: What do you do outside of Hotlanta to stay in shape?
EL: I love the mixed variety of workouts that Orangetheory Fitness provides. From running the bases to throwing a player out, they have an exercise to tune up my gameplay. I also enjoy taking my Rottweiler-black Lab out for a walk at Sweetwater Creek State Park.
Q: Why are you so excited to coach a team for the first time this year?
EL: Watching players develop and get better as the weeks go on encourages me, but I really enjoy seeing the team bond. Everyone on the team has started to build relationships, and the camaraderie and connections are really the best part for me.
Q: What else do you enjoy doing outside of softball?
EL: When not playing, I am usually traveling or working out. I also love giving back to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue.
You can sign up to join a Hotlanta team at hotlantasoftball.org or give back to the organization by shopping through AmazonSmile.
