Bert Flynn was born in Toronto and began playing baseball in the sand lots.  In 1908, he was recruited to the Grant Central junior baseball team for his speed and hitting ability.  He was later signed to the Toronto Maple Leafs ball team, but was first required to play in the Hamilton farm league.  He remained with the farm league for three years, during which his superiors refused to promote him to the Toronto team because of his short stature - he was only 5'5" (165.1 cm).  He accepted an offer to play class C professional baseball with a team in Cobalt as part of the Temiskaming and Northern Ontario League.

In 1915, Flynn was recruited by Copper Cliff's baseball team in the Nickel Belt Baseball League and was provided with a job at INCO.  He was known for his great knowledge and skill of the game and also for baiting his opponents, the umpire, and hostile fans with his quick tongue.

During the 1920's and 1930's, he was responsible for importing talent from the United States and other parts of Canada and would often help young players to develop their skills.  Flynn became manager and short stop player for Copper Cliff's team in 1925 and he led them to three straight N.B.B.L. championships and two Ontario Amateur Baseball Association championship wins. 

Bert Flynn is considered the most famous player in the history of Nickel Belt baseball.

Material compiled from Homegrown Heroes: A Sports History of Sudbury.