Conrad Margolis & Larry Kancs are inducted to 2026 Hall of Fame - Sponsor Category

Conrad Margolis & Larry Kancs are inducted to 2026 Hall of Fame - Sponsor Category 

Conrad Margolis - Profile and Contribution:

Conrad Margolis was born in Nanaimo in 1960 and obtained a Law Degree from UBC in 1985. His lengthy career in off-field management and sponsorship at the Sr. A/Open level began in 1998. Early Sponsorship Success: Prior to his tenure with the Grey Sox, Margolis was the primary sponsor and Operations Manager for the Vancouver Magicians from 1990 to 1992. The Magicians competed in the NorWest League, capturing the NorWest League Championship in 1990 and achieving a #3 overall World Ranking for Men’s FP Club Teams in 1992. Key Sponsorship and Leadership Role with the Vancouver Grey Sox (2000–2009):

• Conrad Margolis joined the Grey Sox in 2000 as an Executive member and sponsor. From 2000 to 2009, he was a co-sponsor of the Grey Sox and a Director.
• He alternated the role of Club President with his close friend Larry Kancs.
• Margolis was committed to providing top BC men's fastpitch coaches and players opportunities to participate in the sport’s biggest events.
• He is very proud to have helped recruit outstanding BC players and coaches out of local leagues and assisted their journeys to the top of the Men’s FP world. Grey Sox players who later played or coached for the
• Canadian National Team include Nick Underhill, Rick Smith, Derek Mayson, and Kevin Schellenberg. Grey Sox Field Manager John Stuart became Head Coach for the Canadian National Team, leading Team Canada to become ISF World Champions and Pan Am Games Champions in 2015.
• He was publicly recognized for supporting player retention and development, such as the Rick Smith extension in 2006.

Ongoing Legacy: Following the Grey Sox, Mr. Margolis continued his sponsorship efforts, including sponsoring the Vancouver Giants from 2010 until 2020. For the past 15 years, he has also been a sponsor of an accomplished Sr. B team, Richmond Stealer/A’s. He supports various minor softball organizations, the Canada Maccabi Legends Men’s FP team, and provides strong financial support to the Canadian Men’s National Team program.

Larry Kancs - Profile and Contribution:

Larry Kancs was born in Vancouver on September 1, 1949, and practiced Law in Vancouver until his retirement in July 2018. His involvement in fastpitch began in the 1970s, playing with teams like Vancouver Cablevision and Reliable Parts. He transitioned into coaching,administration, and partial sponsorship with the Regent Communications/Ravens Fastball Club in the 1980s and early 1990s, where he first met Conrad Margolis. Key Sponsorship and Leadership Role with the Vancouver Grey Sox (2000–2009):

• Larry Kancs served as a co-sponsor and executive leader of the Vancouver Grey Sox from 2000 until the team ceased operations in September 2009.
• He often served as President of the Grey Sox, a role he alternated with Conrad Margolis.
• Larry Kancs was instrumental in building and sustaining the Grey Sox program at the Open level, overseeing the team’s participation in 7 Canadian Championships and 5 ISC World Tournaments.
• His leadership culminated in the team’s crowning achievement: winning the 2007 Softball Canada Senior Men’s National Championship in St. John’s, Newfoundland. This victory was historic, marking the first time a Vancouver-based team had won the Nationals in 41 years.
• Together with Margolis, Kancs helped secure funding and resources that enabled the
  Grey Sox to compete at the highest level in Canada and ISC events, ensuring competitive performance nationally and internationally.

Ongoing Legacy: After the Grey Sox concluded operations, Mr. Kancs continued his dedication to the sport, serving as a co-sponsor of the Vancouver Giants Sr. A Fastball Team for approximately 10 years starting in 2010, alongside Margolis. He has also been a strong financial contributor to the Canadian Sr. Men’s National Team program.

Joint Impact on BC Softball

Together, Conrad Margolis and Larry Kancs were pivotal in elevating the Vancouver Grey Sox to national prominence and helping to maintain elite-level fastpitch on the West Coast despite rising costs. 

Their shared contributions include:

• Championship Success: Leading the Grey Sox to a Gold Medal at the 2007 Canadian Championship. The Grey Sox also achieved Bronze (2003) and Silver (2004) at the Canadians.
• Community Development: They supported local ball, regularly running minor clinics, and co-hosting the popular Vancouver Challenge Tournament at South Memorial Park, which attracted top teams and boosted local fastpitch visibility.
• Player Pipeline: They successfully developed BC-based players and coaches for the Canadian National Team. 

In September 2009, when the Grey Sox ceased operations due to rising costs, Larry Kancs and Conrad Margolis released a joint statement expressing regret but pride in having sustained elite fastpitch for nearly a decade. Their sustained financial and managerial commitment to the Vancouver Grey Sox from 2000 to 2009, coupled with their long-term subsequent support for other BC teams and the National program, confirms their lasting legacy as outstanding sponsors in British Columbia softball.