FORMER Jamaica wicketkeeper/batsman Renford “Pinnie” Pinnock, who died on Friday at age 82, was regarded as an outstanding cricketing figure and influencer in a number of capacities.

“He was my coach from way back. I can remember the days at the community cricket level right up to St Catherine Cricket Club, and he taught us so much. I have never seen him upset, and he always had kind words to give everybody,” veteran coach and national selector Ephraim McLeod told the Jamaica Observer yesterday.

“When I decided to go into coaching he told me I could do it because of my temperament. ‘Uncle Pinnie’ was my mentor for years. In my coaching life I always used him as my bouncing board. I’m really sorry to lose him,” he added.

Born in Spanish Town, Pinnock went through the St Catherine club set-up before gaining national selection.

A free-scoring right-hand batsman and stylish wicketkeeper, he set himself apart during his playing days for Jamaica in the 1960s and 1970s.

He played 44 first-class matches, scoring over 2,600 runs, while notably averaging a shade over 40. He struck six hundreds — including a best of 176 — and 16 half-centuries.

Aside from coaching, he served as an umpire. He was the recipient of the West Indies Players’ Association (WIPA) Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015.

Pinnock had been ailing for several months, and was said to have been diagnosed with prostate cancer early this year. He was also said to have recently suffered two strokes.

“I’m surprised he didn’t play for West Indies; he was a very good batsman. If he was playing cricket now he would be one of the top batsmen in the world, as far as I am concerned,” McLeod told the Observer.

McLeod said Pinnock’s attention to detail was remarkable. He recalled Pinnock preparing to face rampaging fast bowling legend Michael Holding for a clash between St Catherine and Melbourne CC decades ago.

McLeod said that at the time he was curious when Pinnock practised table tennis and went through skipping routines. Pinnock later explained that the drills were meant to ready his co-ordination for the expected pace barrage.

Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA) President Wilford “Billy” Heaven praised the effect Pinnock had on the sport.

“The JCA is saddened by the passing of Renford Pinnock. We express sincere condolences to his family at this time of great loss.

“He was a true stalwart of the game, and he distinguished himself both as a batsman and a wicketkeeper. He did it his way and he leaves a legacy that will continue to impact cricket in Jamaica at different levels,” said Heaven.

WIPA President Wavell Hinds hailed Pinnock as a lifelong servant to cricket.

“We would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Renford Pinnock’s family and friends, as well as to the cricket fraternity. Renford lived a life of service to the sport, and again we would like to acknowledge his tremendous contribution. We are indeed saddened by his passing,” Hinds said in a statement issued by WIPA.