New Britain herald., 1924-02-27
I. J. Lynch, Ex-President of National
 League; Dies After 6 Weeks Illness;
 Brought Many Theatrical Stars Here
Rose From Sandlot Catcher to Highest Office in Major
 Baseball Organization-Was 65 Years Old =

Thomas J. Lynch of 202 Chestnut street, national figure in the base
 ball world for many years. one of the founders of the Lyceum theater and
 the man who was personally re- sponsible for the appearance here oi
 many of the country's leading per fcrmers and some of the worlds best
 shows of 20 years ago. died this morning at the Hartford hospital.
 Mir. Lynch was operated upon six weeks ago today. Death came shortly after midnight after a period of what appeared to show indications of recovery that was followed by gradual failing.
 He was born in this city 65 years ago. the son of Mir. and Mrs. Patrick His early education he received in the old town school. and when still boy he took job with the Stanley Rule X Level Co.,, where he was employed for number of years.
 In his early years he proved adept as a baseball player and was one of the star performers in several Of the tovn teams that were highly regarded among the amateur hines of the state. He was a catcher. From a player. he turned 10 be an umpire. His services in, that capacity were in de- mand for several years about the state. and his ability to "call them together with his absolute impar- tiality. attracted the attention of the big leagues.
 Becomes National League Umpire
 In 1888 he was given chance to umpire in the National league, He took the offering and made good For about 15 years thereafter he was given permanent assignments on the umpring squad.
 About the year 1893 there was a demand for n playhouse In the city that would bring the leading road shows and the hest performers in the country before New Britain audiences. Mir. Lynch yisualized the possibilities of a thcater that would serve such u purpose and with this end in view arranged with J. C. Gilbert for the opening Of the Lyceum. He tried out his policy of the best in theatri- calls with great success and for a Of years the theater drew drawn not only from New Britain but also from the surrounding cities and towns
 If was under the management Of Lynch & Gilbert that such stars as Dustin farnum. William Farnnm. Mary Miles Minter Mary Pickford and numerous other stars who later turned to the silpcrshect were brought before New Britain audiences
 For little less than quarter of . century. Mir. Lynch was connected with the Lyceum. Of this time. MT. Gilbert was with him for about 10 years.
 During the early days Of his thea trical cndeavors Mr. Lynch divided his time between baseball and the later being assisted by W. ]. Nickerson as manager Of the play 1 tonse. Aboupt 20 years ago he es- abiisbed the New Britain Poster Ad. i Co. with which business he vas connected up to the time of his leath.
 President Of National League
 About 10 years ago. Mir. Lynch was ,lected to the presidency of the Ma | ional Baseball league. He held that , office for four years. Tn 1917 he . discontinued his activities in the ! heatrical world and enlarged his | poster advertising plant. Since that | ine he has been devoting his atten- ions entirely 10 this business.
 Mir. Lynch was married 3S years lgo to Miss Minnie Holmes, the laughter of Mir. and Mrs. George I. Holmes. The ceremony was per- ormed at St Mary's church by the ate Bishop Michael Tierney.