August 15, 2018 – The ISC Board of Directions has selected the Quad Cities, IL/IA as the site of the 2020 World Tournament.
This will mark the fifteenth (15) time; Rock Island, IL (10), Quad Cities, IL/IA (5), that this area has played Host to the ISC World Tournament.
The tournament will once again be played at the Green Valley Softball Complex, Moline, IL, August 8th – 15th.
August 14, 2018 – Kitchener, ON – The International Softball Congress is pleased to announce that five individuals have been elected to it’s Hall of Fame, including three players, one field manager and one sponsor.
August 14, 2018 – Kitchener, ON The International Softball Congress is pleased to announce that five individuals have been elected to it’s Hall of Fame, including three players, one field manager and one sponsor.
Korrey Gareau, of Cobble Hill, BC,is among the top 10 pitchers in wins in the ISC World Tournament with 40. He was named to seven ISC All World teams and was the winner of the Leroy Zimmerman Most Outstanding Pitcher Award in 2007, winning the ISC World Tournament with The Farm Tavern team from Madison, WI.
Patrick Shannon, of Auckland, NZ, is a 10-time ISC All World player and a four-time ISC World Champion with Marathon, WI County Materials in 2005-06 and with Kitchener, ON Rivershark Twins in 2008-09.
Jimmy Wana, of Wellington, NZ, pitched for the powerhouse Penn Corp teams of Sioux City, IA in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A three-time ISC All World pitcher, Wana (formerly Seaman) won four ISC World Tournament championships and won the Leroy Zimmerman Award as Most Outstanding Pitcher as 19-year-old in 1988.
Terry Baytor, of London, ON, managed teams in 11 seasons in ISC World Tournament play, compiling a 61-16 record for a .792 winning percentage, winning four championships, three with the Toronto Gators and one with the Tampa Bay Smokers.
Darren Derricks, of Green Bay, WI is a longtime sponsor of the Circle Tap Dukes team based out of Denmark, WI. Darren has been involved in ISC events for almost 30 years as a player and team sponsor, for a time sponsoring two teams. Circle Tap is the host organization for the 2019 ISC World Tournament. Darren will receive the Bob Welby Memorial Recognition of Service Award.
All five individuals will be inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame during the annual Breakfast and Induction Ceremony which will be held in Denmark, WI at the 2019 ISC World Tournament.
For more information, please contact
Larry Fisher
ISC Executive Director
July 26,2018 – Ayr, Ontario – Congratulations to the 19-man crew selected by Umpire-in-Chief Bruce Bierman for the 2018 ISC World Tournament to be held this August in Kitchener, ON.
With input from Deputy UIC Lou Davis and Les Novak, the Blue Crew for the 2018 ISC World Tournament is as follows:
1- Alan Blanchard – Lodi, CA
2- Brandon Bluhm – Chehalis, WA
3- Dave Selden – Reese, MI
4- Ed Otterman – Woodstock, ON
5- Fred Malatches – Cambridge, ON
6- Gary Johnston – Eau Claire, WI
7- Jan Hora – Cherny Vul, CI
8- Jon Hand – Maple Park, IL
9- Justin Van Horn – Chatham, ON
10- Kevin Wallace – Shipman, IL
11- Lou Davis – Truro, NS
12- Mike Morrissey – Peterborough, ON
13- Paul Verheye – Kitchener, ON
14- Rob Deakin – Wodstock, ON
15- Rob Straetmans – Bracebridge, ON
16- Robert Durand – Osceda, WI
17- Serge Laflamme – Levis, Quebec
18- Tony Dickson – Oro-Medonte, ON
July 18, 2018 – On Sunday morning August 12, the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame will host its annual induction breakfast at the Holiday Inn Ballroom, 30 Fairway Road South, Kitchener.
The Class of 2018 induction will be held as part of the ISC Championships and build on the successes of the previous Hall of Fame celebrations that have been held annually since the initial induction in 1965. This is the 5th time that the event will be hosted in Kitchener, ON.
The complete Media Release can be viewed at: http://iscfastpitch.com/pdf/ISCHoF2018MediaReleaseTickets.pdf
July 16, 2018 – Brackets and schedules for the 2018 ISC World Tournament, August 11-18, Kitchener, Ontario, are now available for viewing at:
ISC World Tournament http://www.iscfastpitch.com/pdf/isc.world.touranment.bracket.pdf
ISC II Tournament http://www.iscfastpitch.com/pdf/isc.2.bracket.pdf
ISC Legends Tournament http://www.iscfastpitch.com/pdf/isc.legends.schedule.pdf
ISC U23 Torunament http://www.iscfastpitch.com/pdf/2016.u21.schedule.pdf
July 11, 2018 Kitchener, ON – The field is set and the top 16 teams have been ranked for the 72nd annual ISC World Tournament.
A record-breaking field of 37 teams will visit Keterson Park in Mitchell the weekend of June 15-17 for the 2018 International Softball Congress (ISC) Canada East Qualifier, the U23 championship and the inaugural Legends (50+) championship.
And it’s anybody’s guess who will come out on top.
At least that’s the view of one of three Canada East Commissioners entrusted to organize the tournament, Blair Setford, in conjunction with the Mitchell Mets intermediate club.
“With the field of teams that we’ve got and for what’s at stake it’s going to be a super competitive weekend across the board,” Setford said, adding the fact that the ISC world championship is being held in Kitchener in August helps draw teams to this qualifying event.
“I think it’s going to be a dogfight in all three divisions.”
Twenty-four men’s teams are vying for what Setford guesses will be 12 berths to the world championships, while five teams will fight for an Under-23 berth at the worlds as well. Adding to the fun, and showing that high level fastpitch softball still is near and dear to many people’s hearts, an inaugural Legends division for players 50-years and over will be held as well, and eight teams have entered seeking that first championship.
“It’s just wonderful to see these guys who literally were legends of the game in their own time and still continue to play,” he said. “They are still out there competing but mostly they are out there to have fun.”
The commissioners met with the Mets last fall about the possibility of hosting this qualifier, recognizing that with the world championships in Kitchener that there would be a lot of teams showing interest and they needed a place with at least four diamonds.
“We’ve got a history of the qualifier being in Mitchell (as recently as 2014) and we know the people there are great ball fans,” he said. “It was a mutual effort where the Mets were interested and certainly where we knew we could be accommodated.”
The defending champion Toronto Batmen will be a contender once again, Setford notes, plus a young up-and-coming squad such as the Nith River Monsters and veteran teams like Elmira Expos, Shakespeare Falcons and Kingston Axemen to keep an eye on. New teams setting foot in the ISC program, such as Milverton and Dundalk as two examples, will get their collective feet wet in the program and look for experience for the future.
“The Toronto Batmen are the defending champions but there’s a half a dozen teams that could upset them,” he said.
Setford commented on the state of the game, as rising numbers of baseball players take to the field with the popularity of the Toronto Blue Jays.
“I like to think it’s holding its own,” he said. “There are pockets in small towns where it’s doing great and there are big cities where it’s not. What we need to do is get the game into the schools and get more people playing.
“It’s an effort but you can say the same for all sports. It’s a challenge to get the young kids off of devices and out on a playing field.”
The host of this qualifying tournament is the Mitchell Mets, who are in their 41st consecutive season of competitive men’s fastpitch softball, a feat that Setford called “impressive.” Although the Mets per se aren’t playing in the qualifier, a handful of their players are playing for various teams, including AJ Moses, Kevin Ward and Scott Lealess (Elmira) and Tyler Pauli (Nith River) while Mitchell-area residents and natives Andrew Medhurst (Shakespeare) and Joe Harris (Ponsonby) are also scheduled to make an appearance. Local teams from Monkton, St. Pauls and Milverton are also entering teams.
Some true legends are also expected to participate, including former all-world pitcher Darren Zack (Sudbury). Longtime Met Jeff Pauli is also playing in this division, suiting up with Waterloo.
Monkton will also host some games in this tournament, primarily the Legends, rekindling some memories for many as the village hosted their own prestigious tournament from 2004-2009.
Action begins on all four Mitchell diamonds, plus Monkton, on Friday, June 15 at 6 p.m., and continues Saturday, June 16 at 8 a.m. and goes all day as well as Sunday. The Legends final is set for 1 p.m. Sunday in Monkton while the U23 championship will be played at 3 p.m. Sunday in Mitchell. The men’s championship game is scheduled to take place at 6:30 p.m. Sunday.
“We think we’ve got the best of both worlds here – the best players, the best umpires, the best sponsors…and it’s that team effort that makes a successful tournament,” Setford said, adding getting involved at the ISC level along with Joe Todd and Kyle Smith as commissioners “is a labour of love.”
Members of the organizing committee have reached out to various organizations for help in running the tournament including the Mitchell Jr. C Hawks (refreshments), Mitchell Legion, br. 128 (food), Mitchell Curling Club (gate/admissions) and the Mitchell Jr. Mets (grounds crew). More volunteer help is still needed in a number of areas. If interested, contact Moses (ajmoses44@gmail.com or 519-348-4600).
“I hope there’s some surprises and I know we’ll have an absolutely terrific weekend of ball,” Setford said.
Admission will be $5 for the day or $10 for a weekend pass.
April 25, 2018 – Hoyt Park in Saginaw, MI, will once again play host to the newly-named ISC/Carrol Forbes Foundation Youth Tournament. With 26 games in three age groups, the 2017 Tournament was considered an outstanding success in the first attempt in providing these young players with some International Competition.
The 2018 event will take place July 20-22 and entry fee will be $325. Teams will compete in 12-under, 14-under, 16-under, 18-under and 21-under divisions.
12U DIVISION (Player must be “12” in the calendar year)
14U DIVISION (Player must be “14” in the calendar year)
16U DIVISION (Player must be “16” in the calendar year)
18U DIVISION (Player must be “18” in the calendar year)
For more information, please contact ISC Regional Commissioner Tom Stasik at: tomstasik@gmail.com or Scott Stasik at: scottstasik@gmail.com to express interest or for additional information.
The ISC is saddened to share details on the passing of long-time commissioner Royce Heath. Royce, 91, from Iredell, Texas, joined the ISC in 1953, only six years after the founding, and served in various roles for 59 years prior to retiring in 2011.
Among his many accomplishments within our organization, Royce was the driving force behind the inauguration of the ISC Hall of Fame, and served as chairman of the Hall of Fame Committee for over three decades.
“We hope that the sorrow for the Heath family is lightened by the knowledge that the ISC fastpitch softball family mourns with them,” said Larry Fisher, ISC Executive Director. Royce will be commemorated at this year’s Hall of Fame Breakfast on the opening Sunday of the 2018 ISC World Tournament in Kitchener, ON.
Royce’s ISC Hall of Fame bio can be viewed at
As the calendar gets set to turn to April, now is the time to pre-order your 2018 ISC World Championship Guide.
Findlay, OH – The International Softball Congress is thrilled to announce it’s virtual Hall of Fame is now open for visitors!
The 2018 Boys of Summer Open Fastpitch Tournament will be held July 6-8, 2018. The main field will be at Circle Tap Bar and Grill just outside of Denmark, Wisconsin. Diamonds 2 and 3 will be in the Village of Maribel about 7 miles away. This will be the final year for using the Maribel diamonds as beginning in 2019 the Village of Denmark will play host to diamonds 2 and 3 for the Boys of Summer as well as the ISC World Tournament. This year’s Boys of Summer will play host to some of the best teams from across the US with players from all over the world. The teams include:The ISC Legends tourney is entering its 9th year, started in 2010 by Larry Fisher, ISC Executive Director for the masters teams. It continues to be a very competitive and attracts 12 premier 50 + masters teams from North America each year.
The tourney offers great experience for the masters players and teams to play competitive games and renew past friendships with each other.
Cobourg Ontario Force won the first tourney and repeated in 2012 and 2014. Ohio Battery Ashland Ohio won the tourney 2013 and 2017, the only two teams winning multiple titles. The other winners are Cuba City WI Hindu’s/Sand Prairie 2011, Whitby Ontario Durham Bulls Legends 2015 and Toronto Ontario Toronto Gators Legends in 2016.
December 7, 2017 – Findlay, OH – Recent action by the Executive Committee of the International Softball Congress provides some relief to teams with youth or junior players on their rosters. According to Dean Oscar, ISC President and Executive Committee Chair the Committee voted to empower the appropriate VP, on a case by case by basis, to rule on any exception requests for younger or “junior” players to the ISC rule that requires ‘Approved out-of-region players on all ISC teams to play in at least one approved ISC Qualifying event or in invitational tournaments in both June and July, with their current year’s team to be eligible for World Tournament play.
November 1, 2017 – Mitchell, ON – ISC Canada East and the Mitchell Mets fastball club are pleased to announce that the 2018 ISC Canada East Qualifier Tournament will be held in Mitchell at Keterson Park on the event’s traditional Father’s Day weekend of June 15-17, 2018.
“With the 2018 ISC World Tournament in Kitchener in August, we’re expecting a large contingent of teams will be on hand looking to earn a spot,” said ISC Canada East Regional Commissioner Kyle Smith.
It will be a very busy weekend at Keterson Park with 24 teams or more expected to be on hand. Mitchell last hosted the ISC Canada East Qualifier in 2014, also when the World Tournament was in Kitchener, and there were 16 men’s teams and 8 U21 teams that participated.
As has been the case for the past several years, the event will include the ISC Canada East U23 (formerly U21) Championship. “With the Junior Men’s age category returning to U23, we are going to reflect that in our event,” said ISC Canada East Regional Commissioner Joe Todd.
New this year will be the inaugural ISC Canada East Legends Championship for teams in the 50+ age bracket. “This division is quite popular at the ISC and we’re happy we can provide the teams in our region an opportunity to play together in June, to go along with the events that they have in July and August,” said ISC Canada East Regional Commissioner Blair Setford.
“We’re excited to have teams of all age ranges playing in Mitchell,” said AJ Moses, head of the Mets host committee. “It will be a great opportunity to see up and coming players, today’s stars and Legends of the game all in one place.”
Each winning team will earn a paid berth to the 2018 ISC World Tournament in their division along with travel money. Additional berths and invites to the ISC World Tournament will be available to entered teams.
For further information, please contact:
Blair Setford blairjs@gmail.com
Joe Todd ftode739@rogers.com
Kyle Smith kyle.smith@ballparkradio.com
AJ Moses ajmoses44@gmail.com
September 9, 2017 – Road to #ISCWT2018 in Kitchener starts in Innerkip for the 2017 ISC Canada East Laverne Reichert Memorial Ontario Challenge Cup September 22-24. Fourteen teams from 11 different men’s fastball leagues across Ontario will battle for a paid berth to the 2018 ISC World Tournament in Kitchener next summer. All games will be at Innerkip Sports Park 104 Blandford St, Innerkip, ON N0J 1M0
https://goo.gl/maps/4CTfehH5d7p
Opening round games are as follows:
Gm 1 Fri 7 pm Innerkip Expos vs Huron County League rep Gm 2 Fri 715 pm Glanworth Gators vs St. Thomas Storm Gm 3 Fri 915 pm Elmira 37s vs Hamilton Pirates Gm 4 Fri 9 pm Innerkip Eagles vs Kitchener Diamond Jaxx Gm 5 Sat 830 am Ohsweken Redmen vs Grand Valley Expos Gm 6 Sat 830 am Mitchell Mets vs Waubaushene Dodgers Gm 7 Sat 830 am Wiarton Nationals vs winner Gm 1 Gm 10 Sat 1030 am The Lakes vs winner Gm 6
Games continue all day Saturday and resume Sunday at 8:30 am with the championship game scheduled for approximately 2:30 pm Sunday afternoon. See the attached schedule.
For additional information, please contact:
Blair Setford – blairjs@gmail.com
Joe Todd – ftode739@rogers.com
Kyle Smith – kyle.smith@ballparkradio.com
2017 ISC LEGENDS TOURNAMENT
Aug 17 – 19
Art Van Sports Complex – Rockford, MI
FIRST PLACE:
Ohio Battery – Ashland Ohio
SECOND PLACE:
Bay Area Merchants – Haywood CA
THIRD PLACE:
Waterloo Legends – Waterloo, On
Waterdown Legends – Waterdown, On
FINAL STANDINGS:
1 Ohio Battery – Ashland OH
2 Bay Area Merchants – Hayward CA
3 Waterloo Legends – Waterloo ON
3 Waterdown Legends – Waterdown ON
5 Midland Explorers Legends – Midland MI
5 Calgary Painters – Calgary AB
5 Scout Logistics – Toronto ON
5 Eagle Pack – Mishawaka IN
9 Frank Rogers/B&L Plumbing
9 Toronto Barracks – Toronto ON
9 Roberts Steel Erections – Vicksburg MI
9 Gushow Plumbing – Auburn MI
ISC LEGENDS ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM
PITCHER:
Terry Luster – Ohio Battery
CATCHER:
Fred Killings – Waterdown Legends
INFIELDERS:
Ken Veitch – Waterloo Legends
Rob Watson – Scout Logistics
Mark Linnel – Bay Area Merchants
John Dry – Frank Rogers/B&L Plumb
Todd Schultz – Midland Explorers Legends
OUTFIELDERS:
Bill Fairman – Waterdown Legends
Mike Cavender – Ohio Battery
Ray Biagini – Bay Area Merchants
Kelly Wenstrom – Waterloo Legends
DESIGNATED HITTER:
Reggie Barrau – Ohio Battery
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:
John Melchiori – Ohio Battery
OUTSTANDING PITCHER:
Brent Stevenson – Ohio Battery
2017 ISC II Tournament Awards
Aug 15 – 17
Art Van Sports Complex – Rockford MI
FIRST PLACE:
Page Brake – Salt Lake City, UT
SECOND PLACE:
Pueblo Bandits – Pueblo, CO
THIRD PLACE:
Ashland A’s – Ashland, OH
FINAL STANDINGS:
1 Page Brake – Salt Lake City, UT
2 Pueblo Bandits – Pueblo, CO
3 Ashland A’s – Ashland, Ohio
4 Frankenmuth Brewers – Frankenmuth, MI
5 Oetman Excavating – Wayland, MI
6 Durham Diamondbacks – Durham, ON
7 daHoggs – Six Nations, ON
8 S&B Wranglers – Frankemuth, MI
9 Reese A’s – Reese, MI
10 St. Paul Generals – St Paul, ON
11 Rice Lake Orangemen – Rice Lake, WI
12 Shakespeare Falcons – Shakespeare, ON
ISC II ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM:
PITCHER:
Erick Chapparo Page Brake
Melvin Batista – Pueblo Bandits
Jonas Mach – Ashland A’s
CATCHER:
Tyrone Sandoval – Pueblo Bandits
INFIELDERS:
Randy Wheelock – Oetman Excavating
David Krafft – S & B Wranglers
Trent Pell- Frankenmuth Brewers
Gin Barnes – Page Brake
Randy Barnes – Page Brake
OUTFIELDERS:
Albert Spena – Durham Diamondbacks
Andy Triest – Durham Diamondbacks
Alex Phillips – Ashland A’s
Pablo Figuerio – Pueblo Bandits
Riley White – Page Brake
DESIGNATED PLAYER:
Ryan Nicholls – Frankenmuth Brewers
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:
Gin Barnes – Page Brake
OUTSTANDING PITCHER:
Erick Chapparo – Page Brake
2017 ISC WORLD TOURNAMENT
Aug 12 – 19
Art Van Sports Complex, Rockford, MI
FIRST PLACE:
Hill United Chiefs
SECOND PLACE:
J&B Bombers
THIRD PLACE:
NY Gremlins
FOURTH PLACE:
Toronto Batmen
FRANK PORTH SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD:
Wiarton Nationals
KEVIN HERLIHEY NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR:
Reily Makea – Bloomington Stix
BEST DRESSED TEAM:
Elmira Expos – Elmira,ON
LEADING HITTER:
Tyler Pauli – Nith River – .636
MOST RBI’s: (8)
Nicolas Carril (Hill United) – Peyton Hall (Topeka) – Cam Schiller (J&B)
1st TEAM ALL WORLD:
DESIGNATED HITTER:
Mark Johnson – Hill United Chiefs
CATCHER:
Fred Carmona – J&B Bombers
Jason Sanford – Hill United Chiefs
OUTFIELDER:
Brad Ezekiel – Hill United Chiefs
Zenon Winters – NY Gremlins
Blake Hunter – J&B Bombers
Nicolas Carril – Hill united Chiefs
INFIELDER:
Nick Shailes – Hill United Chiefs
James Toddhunter – Hill United Chiefs
Manuel Godoy – Circle Tap
Cam Schiller – J&B Bombers
Scott Leblanc – Waterdown Hammer
PITCHER:
Adam Folkard – Hill United
Caleb Keeshig – Toronto Batmen
Devon McCullough – J&B Bombers
2nd TEAM ALL WORLD:
DESIGNATED HITTER:
Andrew Kirkpatrick – NY Gremlins
CATCHER:
Kallan Compain – KW Cubs
Bryden Arcand – Grande Prairie
OUTFIELDER:
Riely Makea – Bloomington Stix
Matt Ratliff – A1 Power
Justin Krulick – Toronto Batmen
Ben Wideman – Hill United Chiefs
INFIELDER:
Travis Jones – Toronto Batmen
Ladislao Malarczuk – NY Gremlins
Tyler Dudley – J&B Bombers
Tyson Bartorillo – Bloomington Stix
Juan Cruz Zara – CanAm Twins
PITCHER:
Jorge Segura – A1 Power
Sean Cleary – CanAm Twins
Duane Weiler – Bear Bottom Haymakers
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:
Nicolas Carril – Hill United Chiefs
OUTSTANDING PITCHER:
Adam Folkard – Hill United Chiefs
ISC HALL OF FAME –
CANADIANS DOMINANT FOR CLASS OF 2018
By John Thompson
The International Softball Congress Hall of Fame Selection committee is pleased to confirm that the ISC Board of Directors approved a slate of six outstanding Canadian nominees for induction into the International Softball Congress as the Class of 2018. The inductees include three players, an umpire, an administrator and a recipient of the Bob Welby Memorial Recognition of Service Award.
Four of the inductees were born in Ontario, while the others have origins in Manitoba and Newfoundland.
PLAYERS
Rob Gray – Vaughan ON
Rob Gray, 43, resides in Vaughan ON and had his ISC debut in 1996 with the Toronto ON Gators. Possessing a keen batting eye, Rob carved a career spanning 15 seasons that resulted in an impressive .339 batting average that included 17 home runs. Rob suited up for eight different club teams, with his prominence primarily with the Madison WI Farm Tavern (2004-09). He played in six ISC Championship games and was a three-time ISC Champion with the Tampa Bay FL Smokers (1998), Marathon WI County Materials (2005) and Madison WI Farm Tavern (2007). Rob earned All-World status four times with Portage WI County Classics (2001), Marathon WI County Classics (2003), and twice with the Madison WI Farm Tavern (2004 and 2005). Rob retired following his 2010 season as a member of the Kitchener ON Rivershark Twins. .
Sean O’Brien – Brockville ON
Sean O’Brien, 46, was born in Newfoundland and made his inaugural ISC appearance as a member of the Owen Sound ON Selects in 2000. His decade long career ended in 2010 as a member of the ISC Champion Jarvis ON Travelers. During his eleven year career, Sean was also a member of the back-to-back champion Amsterdam NY Broken Bow Spirit. He earned ISC All-World honors on five occasions – 2002 and 2003 with Amsterdam NY Spirit; 2008 and 2009 with Saskatoon SK Aspen Interiors, and in his final 2010 season with the champion Jarvis ON Travelers. During his illustrious career, Sean batted .304, including four tournaments when he batted .400 or higher.
Paul Rosebush, Bakersfield CA
Paul Rosebush, 42, originally from Ontario, started his ISC career in 1999 as a member of the Oshawa ON Gators and quickly established himself as a feared top-of-the order hitter with a career .330 batting average. In 2000, he joined the Madison WI Farm Tavern for the first of nine seasons where he earned ISC All-World laurels at three tournaments (2001, 2003 and 2008), helped his team to seven top four finishes, played in three championship games and was a member of The Farm Championship squad in 2007. Paul finished his ISC career in 2011 as a member of the Bakersfield CA Angels.
UMPIRE
Bruce Bierman – Ayr ON
Bruce Bierman of Ayr ON has enjoyed a lengthy career in softball as an umpire and official. Within the ISC he has served for twenty years, and assumed the role as the Umpire in Chief for ISC qualifiers in 1987 and was the UIC for the inaugural ISC II in Kitchener in 2002 and again in 2006. In 2006, he also assumed the role of UIC for the ISC and has held that position for twelve years, including the 2017 championship in Grand Rapids MI. Bruce was recognized as a “Legend” in the Officials category of the Kitchener-Woodstock based Legends tournament in 2008, and was inducted into the Softball Canada Hall of Fame in Winnipeg MB in 2015.
ADMINISTRATOR
Ferdi Nelissen – Portage LaPrairie MB
Concurrent to a lengthy career during which Ferdi Nelissen of Portage LaPrairie MB played and coached in 15 ISC World Tournaments from 1988 to 2002, he also served as an ISC volunteer commencing in 1993. For 17 years until 2009 Ferdi was an ISC Area Commissioner for Western Canada. In addition he served on, and eventually chaired the Rules Committee for 14 years, and was elected as the ISC Canadian Vice-President and a member of the Executive Committee in 1999. With an obvious passion for the sport, Ferdi spent huge amounts of time at the ball park during ISC Championship tournaments, including many hours as a member of the broadcast crew for the internet streaming of games, helping to promote the ISC world-wide.
BOB WELBY MEMORIAL RECOGNITION OF SERVICE AWARD
Jim Hallman- Kitchener ON
Jim Hallman and his family have had a long-time love affair with softball as local players, corporate sponsors and team/league administrators. At the ISC level, Jim became a co-sponsor in 2002 of the Waterloo Twins who at that time were one of the longest participating senior teams in Canada. In 2005, Jim assumed primary sponsorship creating the Kitchener Hallman Twins and was very supportive of Kitchener’s hosting of the ISC Championship in 2006 and 2007. In 2008, following an amalgamation with the Orillia ON Quaker Riversharks, the new look Rivershark Twins became just the 2nd Canadian team to win the highly competitive ISC Championship. The Hallman family was also instrumental in forming the Kitchener Cubs, a team that has also consistently competed in the ISC annual tournaments. Jim’s support and enthusiasm has been instrumental in keeping competitive men’s fastball alive in the Kitchener-Waterloo Community.
INDUCTION 2018
The ISC Hall of Fame Class of 2018 induction continues the tradition of casting a spotlight on outstanding individuals who have participated in or contributed to the International Softball Congress. The six new inductees will be honored in a fashion similar to previous recognition ceremonies that have been hosted annually since the initial presentation in 1965. The 2018 induction is scheduled for Sunday August 12, 2018 at 8 am (doors open at 7:30 am) as part of the 2018 ISC World Tournament hosted for the fifth time in Kitchener ON.
August 2, 2017 – The International Softball Congress announces the schedule for the 2017 ISC U21 Tournament. This years five team tournament will be made up with teams from; Alvinston Jr Indians, Chippewa Warriors, New Hamburg Mustangs, Port Perry Bulls and Richville, MI.
Complete schedule is available in the World Tournament ‘drop-down” menu
ISC HoF “Class of 2017” Induction – Ticket Order Form
Induction Breakfast Event – Sunday August 13, 2017
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI
7:30 am – doors open; 8:00 am – Breakfast; 9:30 – Program/Inductions
ADVANCE TICKETS
Individual tickets – $35 Reserved Tables of (8) eight – $250
___YES, please reserve ________ tickets @ $35 each, or a table of 8 for $250 = $_________
If reserved table, requested name on table ___________________________________________
Name __________________________________________________________________________
Company/Team/ISC position etc. ___________________________________________________
Address ______________________________________________________ Suite #___________
City________________________________ State/Prov_______ ZIP/Postal Code____________
Telephone_____________________ Email ___________________________________________
PAYMENT ___ VISA – OR – ____ MasterCard
Name on Card ___________________________________Expiry Date_______________
Name of Bank/Institution___________________________________________________
Number___________________________________ CVV (3 digit code on back of card)______
This year the Hotel has dictated that the final number attending be confirmed ten (10) days in advance, so I will require your request for a ticket(s) by Wednesday August 2nd or earlier
For tickets, e-mail this form, or a message with the required information to
John Thompson, Chair – Breakfast Event Committee sstj99@gmail.com
ISC Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Induction – Phone 519-884-4050
LIMITED NUMBER of tickets MIGHT be available for sale at ISC Registration-Sat. Aug. 12
ISC HALL OF FAME – IMPRESSIVE CLASS OF 2017
By John Thompson
The International Softball Congress Hall of Fame Selection committee is pleased to confirm that the ISC Board of Directors approved a slate of five impeccable nominees (four players and one umpire) for induction into the ISC Hall of Fame as the Class of 2017.
INDUCTION 2017 – The ISC Hall of Fame Class of 2017 induction continues the tradition of casting a spotlight on outstanding individuals who have participated in or contributed to the International Softball Congress. The five new inductees will be honored in fashion similar to previous recognition ceremonies that have been hosted annually since the initial presentation in 1965. This year’s event is scheduled for Sunday August 13, 2017 at 8 am (doors open at 7:30 am) as part of the 2017 ISC World Tournament hosted in Grand Rapids MI.
PLAYERS
Chris DeLarwelle – Denmark WI – Born August 13, 1967
From his first steps in Forestville WI in the 1970s, Chris was active and athletic. While playing as a three-sport athlete with the Eagles of Southern Door High School in Brussels WI, baseball was his focus. He played at the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh where as a member of the Titans from 1987-90 he earned the 1990 Division III Player of the Year honors and was a two-time (1989-90) 1st Team NCAA Division III All-American. With his obvious elite baseball skills, Chris spent three years as a member of Major League Baseball’s Minnesota Twins minor league system.
Having never played fast-pitch, in 1993 Chris joined the Denmark WI Dukes where he enjoyed four seasons. In 1997 Rod Peterson recruited Chris for the established Madison WI Farm Tavern team where he shared in winning ISC titles in 1997 and 1999, book-ended around a 2nd place finish in ’98. With Farm Tavern, Chris earned an All World 1st Team designation in 1998, sandwiched between 2nd team laurels in 1997 and 1999.
In 2002, Chris joined his good friend Darren Derricks and the Denmark WI Circle Tap squad, with the team making top four finishes back-to-back in 2003-04. Chris again earned ISC All-World 1st team accolades in 2003, 2004 and 2008. Following a brief retirement, Chris returned to Circle Tap as a veteran contributor in the ISC tournaments in 2012 and 2013.
Chris’ distinguished ISC career spanned 21 seasons during which he claimed a spot with the national Team USA from 1999 to 2009 winning a Pan Am silver medal in 1999 and an ISF bronze medal in 2000.
Keith Mackintosh – Saskatoon SK – March 26, 1968
Keith Mackintosh, born in Melfort SK, grew up in nearby Star City and played his entire minor league career under the tutelage of coach Doug Holoien whose son Dean is also an ISC Hall of Famer. Keith, with his younger brother Pat, and Dean Holoien won national midget and junior championships with the Melfort SK 222’s. Keith graduated to senior ranks with Camrose AB Merchants for five seasons, prior to suiting up with Victoria BC Legends in the NorWest league and being introduced to the annual ISC World Tournament.
In 1997, Victoria hosted the ISC event which was a highlight of Keith’s career- playing for the home team in a world tourney. Victoria made it to the Championship game before succumbing to perennial contender Madison WI Farm Tavern. Following stints with Owen Sound ON, Can-Am Windmillers and Calgary AB Diamonds, Keith enjoyed a memorable two seasons with the storied Farm Tavern in 2005-06.
After years of travel, Keith returned home to play in Saskatoon SK for the Kuryluk family-sponsored Aspen Interiors. 2008 was a “dream season” when Aspen won every tournament it entered… except for the ISC losing to Kitchener in Kimberly WI in one of the most memorable ISC championship tilts ever played. Following the 2009 season which featured a 3rd place finish with Aspen in Quad Cities, Keith hung up the playing spikes.
In a stellar 17 year career spanning 1991-2008, Keith was an ISC All-World selection five times – including 1st team with Victoria (1997) and Madison (2006) and 2nd team in Camrose (1991); Madison (2005) and Aspen (2008). While the ISC Championship has eluded him, Keith was a bridesmaid on three occasions with Victoria (1997), The Farm (2005) and Aspen (2008).
Internationally, Keith donned Team Canada Red/White from 1998-2009 capturing a Pan Am gold medal in 2003 in Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic and an ISF bronze medal in 2009 in his hometown Saskatoon SK.
Doug Middleton – Blue Springs MO – September 18, 1962
Doug Middleton grew up in Springfield MO and as a natural athlete enjoyed a multitude of sports. He started playing softball at age 10, where he learned the game from his father Chuck Middleton who coached Doug and his team-mates to four national championships in youth ball.
Doug entered ISC competition in 1984 and his entire career evolved around teams in the Missouri – Kansas area. A memorable 1988 ISC tournament, when Doug’s team – Harold’s Supermarkets of Lexington MO – was perfect in their first five games, clawing its way to the Championship final. En route, Doug hurled five consecutive wins, including shutouts over Nava Brothers, Hayward CA; Sioux City IA Penn Corp; Nothdurft Tool, Detroit MI and Owen Sound Canadian Tire (Brad Underwood) and a 2-1 win over Peter Finn and the Midland MI Explorers. Doug recalls his team having only 9 guys remaining for the championship game and Sioux City IA Penn Corp showed its prowess sweeping Lexington in the two game Sunday format.
During his quarter century career, Doug was named ISC All-World four times – three times on the first team with Harold’s Supermarkets, Lexington MO (1988); Topeka Travelers, Topeka KS (1995) and Meierhoffer, St. Joseph MO (2002). In 2002 in Kitchener ON Doug was named to the 2nd team with St. Joseph Frontier Casino when his team-mate and friend Michael White won the Outstanding Pitcher Award, as the pair combined to lead St. Joseph to a sterling 10-1 record and the ISC championship. Doug had four wins striking out 56 in 37 innings and posting a 0.72 ERA.
Overall, Doug ranks 9th in ISC career wins (38) spanning the period 1986 – 2002. Possessing a quiet disposition and obvious humility, Doug was a leader by example on rosters that featured many outstanding players.
Todd Schultz – Williamston MI – Born May 1, 1964
Todd Schultz launched his ISC career at the 1986 World Tournament in Sioux City IA with the Lansing MI Spartans. In the ensuing 23 years career, Todd displayed precision defense as a mid-infielder and was always a threat in the batter’s box.
Todd’s combined skills resulted in four All-World Selections, most memorably as a first team honoree in 2003 with Marathon WI County Materials when he batted .400 in leading his team to an ISC 2nd place finish.
Todd was a contributing member of County Materials’ back-to-back championships in 2005-06, being named to the 2nd All-World team in 2005. He also received All World 2nd team laurels in 1992 and 2009 with his home-state Midland MI Explorers and in 2010 with Chicago/NY Fastpitch of New York City, NY.
Noted for his soft hands and near-perfect fielding, he utilized a variety of skills in the batter’s box to be a complete two-way player. With 322 official ABs in ISC competition, Todd combined speed and savvy to carve an impressive .290 batting average, including 15 homers and 48 RBIs. In a memorable three-year stretch spanning 2003 to 2005, while batting in ninth position for County Materials, Todd socked an impressive seven home runs.
Todd also suited up for Team USA which was a huge thrill playing in his home park in Midland MI against Team Canada in 1996 and hitting a double and collecting a RBI off legendary Canadian pitcher Darren Zack.
UMPIRE
David Casso – Chandler AZ – May 30, 1948
David Casso was born in Whittier CA and spent his youthful years in Southern California enjoying participation in an abundance of sports through high school as well as college. Academically, he graduated from Fresno State University where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in history and physical education.
Sports became his passion and he dedicated a career to officiating – initially with high school football, basketball and baseball. In due course, David was arbitrating major college baseball in the Pacific Athletic Conference (PAC 12). It was while living in California that David was encouraged to umpire fast-pitch softball. His first assignment was a match between six-time world champions Long Beach Nitehawks and the 1973 world champion Lakewood Jets. David loved the speed and athleticism of the sport – and he was hooked! In 1977 he umpired the ISC World Tournament in Phoenix AZ, a start to a nineteen year career as a fast-pitch umpire at the highest level.
David diversified his career with work in Major League Lacrosse (MLL) and the International Hockey League (IHL). Recently David completed twenty seasons as an “off-ice” official in the National Hockey League (NHL), including some Stanley Cup games.
David’s sports officiating has now eclipsed four decades and what he remembers the most are not the games…but the players – the outstanding athletes who competed who were not only tremendously skilled, but also quality individuals.
July 29, 2017 – Waterloo, ON – ISC Hall of Fame Class of 2017 Induction Breakfast
On Sunday morning August 13, the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame will host its annual induction breakfast at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, 187 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 
The Class of 2017 induction will be held as part of the ISC Championships and build on the successes of the previous Hall of Fame celebrations that have been held annually since the initial induction in 1965. This is the 1st time that the event will be hosted in Grand Rapids, MI.
Doors will open at 7:30 am, with breakfast at 8:00 and the program and inductions at 9:30. The event will adjourn at 11:30 am, in advance of the Sunday scheduled games.
For more information about the 2017 Championship, please visit the following websites:
ISC Fastpitch – www.iscfastpitch.com Host Committee – www.iscgr.com
All breakfast attendees are required to have a ticket, available as follows:
TICKET SALES
ON-LINE and RESERVED TABLES OF EIGHT
Tickets, $35 each, and/or reserved tables of eight (8) for $250, may be purchased using the attached form or on-line using VISA/MC credit cards by contacting Breakfast Event Chair John Thompson at sstj99@gmail.com or 519-884-4050.
August 24, 2017 Individual brackets for; World Tournament, ISC II and Legends can be found in the “World Tournament” Menu.
July 15, 2016 – The International Softball Congress announces the schedule for the 2017 ISC Developmental tournament starting Friday July 21st. The 26 game schedule, consisting of team in the U14, U16 and U18 age classifications will be played at Hoyt Park, 1574 S Washington Ave – Saginaw, MI 48601.
July 14, 2017 – The following list of teams will be participating in the 2017 ISC World Tournament, August 11th – 19th at the Art Van Sports Complex in Rockford, MI. Rockford is approximately 10 miles North of Grand Rapids, MI.
June 21, 2017 – Mississauga, ON – Hill United Chiefs will spring into action this weekend at the Hallman Memorial Tournament in St. Clements as the top-ranked team. Joining them will be five other teams from the Top 12, making for a great test for all teams in the field.June 20, 2017 – Findlay, OH – For the second consecutive year, the ISC Executive Committee has approved an adjustment to the entry fee for the World Tournament and Legends 50+ for all Canadian teams, setting it at $350 USD.
At today’s currency exchange rates, Canadian teams will pay approximately $470 in Canadian dollars.
All other ISC fees, such as Out of Region player fees, remain unaffected and are payable in USD.
This same change was also made available last year, ensuring Canadian and U.S. teams pay essentially the same amount in their native currency.
Entry fees for the planned ISC U21 Championship tournament will be announced shortly.
For Canadian players and fans, it is also recommended to purchase out of country health insurance in advance to cover any unforeseen incidents that might occur on your visit to the United States.
The 71st ISC World Tournament will be held August 11-19, 2017 in Grand Rapids, Michigan at the Art Van Sports Complex.
Joe Todd
ISC VP Communications
Ingersoll, Ontario
Kelowna, BC – The scorekeepers at the Kelowna May Days tournament this past weekend did a great job compiling statistics for ISC World Tournament VP Craig Donaldson.
Full stats are available and you will note that a lot of world-class players journeyed to Kelowna this past weekend. KELOWNA DAYS STATS
South Hill Giants defeated Sooke Loggers 5-2 in the championship game late on Sunday afternoon, while Grande Prairie Pirates (formerly Lloydminister Dodgers) earned a berth to the 2017 ISC World Tournament in Grand Rapids, MI as the highest-finishing team with a complete ISC Roster.
We congratulate Craig and his Kelowna team of volunteers! “All for the Love of the Game”.
Joe Todd
ISC VP Communications
May 8, 2017 – Ayr, Ontario – Congratulations to the 20-man crew selected by Umpire-in-Chief Bruce Bierman for the 2017 ISC World Tournament to be held this August in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
With input from Deputy UIC Lou Davis and Les Novak, the Blue Crew for the 2017 ISC World Tournament is as follows:
1 Rick Boyd – Oro Medonte, ON
2. Glenn Brown – Oak Harbor, WA
3. Lou Davis – Truro, NS
4. Robert Durand – Osceda, WI
5. Steve Gallagher – Cobourg, ON
6. Roger Griffith – Goshen, IN
7. Jon Hand – Maple Park, IL
8. Jay Hart – Dunnville, ON
9. Steve Jannke – Caledonia, MI
10 Gary Johnson – Eau Claire, WI
11. Serge Laflamme – Levis, QC
12. Chris Lamer – Belleville, ON
13. Mathieu Leclerc – Donnacona, QC
14. Fred Malatches – Cambridge, ON
15. LeWayne Rogers – Altoona, IA
16. Dave Selden – Reese, MI (Designated by ASA)
17. Paul Squires – Goldsboro, NC
18. Trevor Topping – Kitchener, ON
19. Justin Van Horn – Chatham, ON
20. Kevin Wallace – Shipman, IL
To be considered for this prestigious assignment, every umpire that would like the opportunity to officiate an ISC World Tournament must complete an application in the fall of the prior year and submit it to Bruce Bierman and Lou Davis. From the many applications that are received every fall, each is scrutinized and evaluated for selection.
Just as the teams, players, and coaches strive to participate in the ISC World Tournament every August, the same can be said for the Blue Crew. Congratulations to all and we look forward to seeing you on the field in Grand Rapids.
Joe Todd
ISC VP Communications
Bruce Bierman
ISC Umpire in Chief
April 19, 2017 Mississauga, ON – What’s your favourite memory of the 2016 ISC World Tournament? Shane Boland’s championship-winning home run? Walk-off heroics by Nick Shailes or Wayne Laulu?
You can relive all of those moments and more with the 2017 ISC Digital Guide now available for your viewing pleasure online at the International Softball Congress website at www.iscfastpitch.com.
Simply click on the front cover of the 2017 Guide and you’ll be taken to a full-colour reproduction with more than 125 photos, links to all of the Pointstreak linescores and game stats and ISC Network broadcasts plus dozens of additional links sprinkled throughout. The ISC Digital Guide is a faithful reproduction of the hard copy ISC Guide which is now on sale.
This is the seventh year of publication for the ISC Digital Guide by Red Mat Media, led by Scott Standerfer and his team.
You can now order and pay for a hard copy of the 2017 ISC Guide online at the ISC website through the convenience of PayPal by visiting http://iscfastpitch.com/paypal-2/ and choosing the Guide option in the drop down menu.
We thank all of our ISC sponsors, including Cooper Tire and FirstOntario Credit Union, for enabling us to bring you the 2017 ISC World Championship Guide.
For additional information, please contact
Blair Setford
ISC VP Operations/Guide Managing Editor
blairjs@gmail.com
or
Larry Fisher
ISC Executive Director
iscfastpitch@gmail.com
Joe Todd
ISC VP Communications
Ingersoll, Ontario
ftode739@rogers.com
April 11, 2017 – Reedsburg, WI – The International Softball Congress has appointed a new slate of 12 player representatives.
“We want to thank all of these individuals who have stepped forward to be a voice for the players in the game,” said ISC President Dean Oscar.
1- Brad Pender – Canada East
2- Chris Diethert – US Central
3- Eric Fogel – US East
4- Jon Gwizdala – US East
5- Justin Schofield – Atlantic Canada
6- Kris Walushka – Canada West
7- Matt McLaren – Canada East
8- Nick Santos – US West
9- Scott Galenza – Canada West
10 – Tyler Dudley – US East
11- Sisco Sabate – International
12- Zennon Winters – International
US Player reps are appointed by US Vice President Chris Santos. In Canada, they are appointed by Canada Vice President Todd McCabe. International player reps are appointed by Dean Oscar. The player’s rep committee discusses business throughout the year via email and has the power to propose motions to the ISC Board of Directors on a wide variety of issues.
The ISC would like to thank the previous group of player reps, some of whom had close to a decade or more of service, for their time and commitment. The injection of new faces with new ideas and the fire of enthusiasm will be a plus for the game we all love.
Joe Todd
ISC VP Communications
Ingersoll, Ontario
March 29, 2017 –Mississauga, ON – Celebrate the arrival of spring and the imminent return of the North American fastball season by pre-ordering your 2017 International Softball Congress World Championship Guide.
Complete with a striking cover that features ISC MVP Brad Rona and Most Outstanding Pitcher Sean Cleary, of the Toronto Gators, along with the Gators’ Shane Boland and his World Tournament clinching walk-off home run, the 2017 ISC Guide has over 130 color photos along with 140 pages of stats and stories on the ISC World Tournament, ISC II Championship, ISC Legends 50+ Championship and the ISC U21 Championship from the Green Valley Sports Complex in Moline, IL.
You can now order and pay for the 2017 ISC Guide online at the ISC website through the convenience of PayPal by visiting http://iscfastpitch.com/paypal-2/ and choosing the Guide option in the drop down menu.
The 2017 ISC Guide will also be available in the near future in a convenient and easy-to-read electronic format on the ISC website at www.iscfastpitch.com.
We thank all of our ISC sponsors, including Cooper Tire and FirstOntario Credit Union, for enabling us to bring you the 2017 ISC World Championship Guide.
For additional information, please contact
Blair Setford
ISC VP Operations/Guide Managing Editor
blairjs [@] gmail.com
or
Larry Fisher
ISC Executive Director
iscfastpitch [@] gmail.com
February 10, 2017 – Findlay, OH – Greg Nydick, of Philadelphia, PA, and Bill Kunkel, from Eaton Rapids, MI, are both joining the International Softball Congress (ISC) as Commissioners-at-Large, the ISC announced today.
“In addition to having a passion for the game, each of these individuals have skills that we need in our organization as we continue to support men’s fastpitch softball,” said Larry Fisher, ISC Executive Director.
Fans of the game will be familiar with Greg due to his association with the New York Gremlins and statistician and social media director. Greg has been involved with the game since he was 13 years old and is a second generation softballer, his father Bob Nydick has been a team sponsor for a number of years. In his professional life, Greg is as an auditor for a public accounting firm.
“I am excited to join an organization that has meant so much to me growing up, and I look forward to helping promote and grow the game of fastpitch,” said Nydick. “I am looking forward to working with all the other Commissioners.”
“Greg’s experience, both in his fastpitch associations and his professional life, will be of great value to the ISC,” said Fisher.
Bill has been involved with the game since 1991 and has wide experience as a player, manager, sponsor and clinician. In 2016, Bill organized and ran training clinics for junior men’s national teams from countries such as Israel, Botswana and Denmark. Bill has also worked with the US junior men’s team members and was just announced as a member of the 2017-2020 USA Softball men’s national team coaching pool. He is currently working with the West Michigan Sports Commission in preparation for the 2017 ISC World Tournament.
“I would like to thank Larry Fisher and the ISC for including me in the organization. I hope to use this new position to help maintain the world class quality of fastpitch softball that ISC has provided for many years now,” said Kunkel. “I also hope to use my new role as a recruiting platform to attract the younger generation to fastpitch softball and the international level of completion that is so hard to find otherwise.”
“Bill’s strong involvement with, and passion for, the development of the sport will be extremely useful as we face the challenges of trying to grow the game,” said Fisher.
The ISC welcomes both Greg and Bill to the Board of Directors. Both are keen and willing to become important components of the ISC and it is felt that their energy and enthusiasm will be an asset to the organization moving forward.
For more information, please contact:
Joe Todd
ISC VP Communications
Ingersoll, Ontario
Larry Fisher
ISC Executive Director
Findlay, Ohio
