The icon of Hong Kong softball: Johnny Lau’s journey from pitching in his hallway to the Hall of Fame
Johnny Lau Kwok-yip reflects on his 28-year career as he looks to give back to the game after receiving the ultimate honour
When Johnny Lau Kwok-yip fractured his foot more than 35 years ago, his dream of becoming a top-tier footballer came to a standstill. Little did anyone know the same boy living in a To Kwa Wan government housing estate would go on to be the greatest softball player to grace the Hong Kong fields.
“Football players were a bit wild back then, especially in the small districts,” recalled Lau, watching on as the new generation of Hong Kong softballers took their places at the Asian Junior Men’s Softball Championship last weekend.
“I couldn’t kick a ball, so one of my neighbours brought me to watch some softball. They were more civilised so my family was more accepting.
“Every time school finished, I dropped by the field and trained by myself,” added Lau, pointing out the short distance between his home and what is now known as the Hong Kong Softball Association (HKSA) stadium.
“I didn’t come from a rich family. I pitched 200 balls every day, and in my spare time I’d practise on the basketball courts or even the corridors of my building.”