16 Team – 2019 ISC Legends Tournament Schedule

July 18, 2019 – Findlay, OH – The largest field of teams in the history of the ISC Legends Tournament will be competing for the 2019 ISC Legends Tournament Championship in Denmark, WI. – Aug 15-17

The 16 teams making up the field will be: All Seasons Patriots – Allentown, PA > Alloy Construction – Midland, MI > Bay Area Merchants – Hayward, CA > Circle Tap Legends – Denmark, WI > Dieppe Ridge Legends, Toronto, ON > Eagle Pack- Mishawaka, IN > Frank Rogers B&L Plumbing, Colorado Springs, CO > Maccabi USA > Ohio Battery – Ashland, OH > Ottawa Spiders – Ottawa, ON > Portland CR Brewers – Vancouver, WA > R & L Kline Farms – Red Haw, OH > Savala Painters – Calgary, AB > Sudbury Relics – Sudbury, ON > Waterdown Hammer – Waterdown, ON > Waterloo Legends – Waterloo, ON

The schedule for this years tournament can be viewed at:           http://www.iscfastpitch.com/pdf/isc.legends.schedule.pdf

The passing of Bob Clark

July 17, 2019 – Findlay, OH    –      The ISC is sadden to learn of the passing of Bob Clark of Mishawaka, IN. Bob served as an the Indiana ISC Commissioner in 2002-2006, and was the long time (2014-2018) manager of the Eagle Pack Legends – Mishawaka, IN.

https://www.hahnfuneralhomes.com/notices/RobertBob-ClarkJr…

New York Gremlins Will Be #1 Seed for 2019 ISC World Tournament

For immediate release – July 16, 2019

Mississauga, ON – Defending Champions New York Gremlins will be the top seed at the 2019 ISC World Tournament.

The Gremlins are a unanimous #1 but there was movement up and down through the remainder of the top 16 which is as follows:

Rank (Prior Rank) Team
1 (1) Clifton Park, NY New York Gremlins
2 (2) Six Nations, ON Hill United Chiefs
3 (4) Kitchener, ON Hallman Twins
4 (3) Denmark, WI Circle Tap Dukes
5 (6) Ephrata, PA Bear Bottom Lodge
6 (7) Kitchener, ON Hallman Cubs
7 (5) Fargo, ND Kegel Black Knights
8 (9) Niagara Falls, ON Stompers
9 (10) Toronto, ON Batmen
10 (8) Agoura Hills, CA J&B Bombers
11 (11) New Hamburg, ON Nith River Monsters
12 (13) San Antonio, TX Titans
13 (12) Elmira, ON Expos
14 (15) Pueblo, CO Bandits
15 (14) Ostrander, MN Norsemen
16 (n/r) St. Paul, MN Tin Cup Tornado

Per a motion passed at the 2016 ISC Board of Directors meeting, only the Top 16 ranked teams are now published and are used as the basis for seeding at the ISC World Tournament subject to minor adjustments.

The schedule for the 73rd annual ISC World Tournament, to be held August 10-17, 2019 at Circle Tap Bar & Grill in Denmark, Wisconsin, will be released in the next week.

For additional information, please contact:

Blair Setford
ISC VP Operations
blairjs@gmail.com

2019 ISC World Tournament Bracket

Findlay, OH – July 14   –  The 2019 ISC World Tournament Bracket can be viewed at: 

 http://www.iscfastpitch.com/pdf/isc.world.touranment.bracket.pdf

The field is set for the 2019 ISC World Tournament in Denmark, Wisconsin.

 

July 10, 2019  – Findlay, OH  – There will be 36 teams competing for the Carrol Forbes Memorial Trophy, emblematic of the ISC World Tournament Champions. Below is a complete list of teams.

New York Gremlins are the defending champions and are the top ranked team heading into the 73rd ISC World Tournament, which will be played August 10-17, 2019 with games at John Miller Field at Circle Tap Bar & Grill and additional games at Memorial Park in Denmark.

The ISC World Tournament is the top men’s fastpitch softball club team championship and players from more than a dozen countries on five continents – North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Oceania – will be in competition, including first-time international participant Universidad Nacional De La Matanza, from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Games start Saturday August 10 at 2 pm. The ISC World Tournament Championship game is scheduled to start at 7:30 pm on Saturday August 17.

For additional information, contact:

Larry Fisher
ISC Executive Director
iscfastpitch@gmail.com 

 

 

Kitchener will host 75th Anniversary ISC World Tournament in August 2021

July 8, 2019 Findlay, OH – The International Softball Congress (ISC) is pleased to announce that the 2021 ISC World Tournament, its 75th Anniversary, will be played in Kitchener, Ontario.

“This is a milestone event for the ISC and Kitchener is one of the premier destinations on the fastball calendar with a great facility at Peter Hallman Ball Yard, a terrific and knowledgeable fan base and a strong group of volunteers,” said Larry Fisher, ISC Executive Director. “We believe that our 75th Anniversary will be an event to remember.”

“Kitchener Fastpitch Promotions is very excited to be hosting the 75th anniversary of the International Softball Congress World Tournament in August of 2021. KFP has hosted this tournament 5 times previously.

2018 Committee Chair Bernie Burnett, will once again head a very experienced group of volunteers, to ensure the best experience for competitors and fans alike.

Jim Hallman announced as well, that the Kitchener Hallman Twins will once again be the host team, and will be gunning for an ISC World Tournament Championship on home soil, after coming close in previous tournaments.

The location will be at the Peter Hallman Ballyard in Kitchener, which is a favorite facility for many.“

The ISC is planning a number of events in conjunction with its 75th Anniversary tournament which will be announced in the lead-up to the 2021 ISC World Tournament. Look for additional information to be added to the ISC web site at www.iscfastpitch.com.

The ISC World Tournament is the annual men’s fastball (fastpitch softball) world club team championship. Players from more than a dozen countries compete in the week-long event to crown the ISC World Tournament Champion. New York Gremlins, from Clifton Park, NY, are the defending champions and will look to win their second straight title in Denmark, WI in August 2019. Moline, IL will host the 74th Annual ISC World Tournament in August 2020, their 5th time as host.

For more information, please contact:

Larry Fisher
ISC Executive Director
iscfastpitch@gmail.com

2019 Carrol Forbes Foundation Youth Tournament

June 8, 2018  –  Frankenmuth, MI Heritage Park is the site of this years tournament, for 12 – 14 – 16 – 18 and 21 and under age categories.  Last years champions were Frankenmuth Grasel Graphics in the 14 and under and Kitchener Waterloo Twins in the 18 and under division. 

 
The entry fee is $325 American.  We are hoping to have more interest this year because of the opportunity to represent the United States or Canada in the world games which will take place every two years now.
 
We are looking for teams, as well as individuals from across the countries that would like to be introduced to this great game.  
 
The tournament is being played during the first weekend in August, the 2nd through the 4th.  This is the dead period for all high school sports in Michigan at this time.  We are hoping some baseball coaches may involve their players or the entire team.

 
Any pitchers, or players from across the countries that may be interested in playing, please feel free to email me.  Thank you in advance, and if you would like to see some of the players involved in this great game, you can get a taste of it being streamed at the World Tournament being held in Prague, later this month.  Gary Compau will share the information on that also.
 
Thank you,
Any questions,
Please contact us
Tom Stasik tomstasik@gmail.com 
Scott Stasik scottstasik@gmail.com

ISC Announces January 2020 Tournament Dates

June 4, 2019 – The ISC is pleased to announce that the Fortune Road Softball Complex, Kissimmee, FL will be the site of their inaugural January tournament.

Dates for the 12 team tournament will be Jan 23-25, 2020, the entry fee will be $550.00(USD).

The ISC is also exploring the possibility of a Legends tournament, same dates.

 

Please direct all inquires to: iscfastpitch@gmail.com

New York Gremlins Unanimous #1 to Start the 2019 Fastball Season

May 28, 2019  –  Mississauga, ON – Riding high on their dominating run to their first ISC World Tournament Championship last year, the New York Gremlins are the unanimous choice as the #1 team to start the 2019 fastball season.

The Gremlins will be challenged by Hill United Chiefs, who have spent most of the past six seasons as the top-ranked team, our host team for this year’s ISC World Tournament and last year’s finalist Circle Tap Dukes, and last year’s host Kitchener Hallman Twins.

A strong contingent of teams will be pushing to break into the final four as several members of the rankings committee commented on the difficulty in ranking teams outside of the top four.

The pre-season top 16 is as follows:

Rank Team
1 Clifton Park, NY New York Gremlins
2 Six Nations, ON Hill United Chiefs
3 Denmark, WI Circle Tap Dukes
4 Kitchener, ON Hallman Twins
5 Fargo, ND Kegel Black Knights
6 Ephrata, PA Bear Bottom Lodge
7 Kitchener, ON Hallman Cubs
8 Agoura Hills, CA J&B Bombers
9 Niagara Falls, ON Stompers
10 Toronto, ON Batmen
11 New Hamburg, ON Nith River Monsters
12 Elmira, ON Expos
13 San Antonio, TX Titans
14 Ostrander, MN Norsemen
15 Pueblo, CO Bandits
15 Austin, TX Rio Grande Senators

Per a motion passed at the 2016 ISC Board of Directors meeting, only the Top 16 ranked teams are now published and will be used as the basis for seeding at the ISC World Tournament. Also receiving votes, in alphabetical order, were: Appleton, WI Bar on the Avenue Buzz, DuQuion, IL AWP Lumberjacks, Grande Prairie, AB Pirates, St. John’s, NL 3 Cheers Pub, Waterdown, ON Hammer.

The 73nd annual ISC World Tournament will be held August 10-17, 2019 at Circle Tap Bar & Grille in Denmark, Wisconsin.

For additional information, please contact:

Blair Setford
ISC VP Operations
blairjs [at] gmail.com

ISC Accepting Bids For 2021 ISC World Tournament

The INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL CONGRESS (ISCI) will be accepting bids for the 2021 ISC Men’s Fastpitch World Tournament, deadline for receipt of bids is JUNE15, 2019.

We anticipate a great deal of interest and excitement for the 2021 tournament as it will be the 75TH ANNIVERSARY of the INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL CONGRESS (ISCI).

The following is intended to provide prospective bidders with some pertinent information regarding the requirements to be accepted as the successful bidder: (A complete copy of the ISC World Tournament Contract is available on request).

  • OPERATING EXPENSES: The Organizer shall secure: the “Facilities”, grounds crew, cashiers, ticket sellers and takers, maintenance, publicity, advertising, announcers, scoreboard operators, balls and all other items which, in the sole opinion of ISCI, are necessary for the successful operation of the Tournaments.
  • ACCOMMODATIONS: Organizer agrees to provide “Rooms” for the exclusive use of ISCI, as specified in the ISCI World Tournament contract, including umpires, at designated World Tournament Headquarters Hotel located within reasonable proximity of the “Facilities”.
  • WORLD TOURNAMENT UMPIRES: The Organizer agrees to pay and/or provide the following for World Tournament Umpires and Associated Supplemental Tournament Umpires: Per Game Fee, ISCI umpire travel pool, per Diem to each ISCI out-of-town umpire. as specified in the ISCI World Tournament Contract.
  • WORLD TOURNAMENT FACILITY: The Organizer agrees to reserve (Facility) exclusively for the ISC World Tournament and Supplemental Tournaments. Each playing facility, minimum (3) lighted diamonds, is to be completely enclosed and meet the following minimum requirements.
  • PRIMARY FIELD: Seating capacity for at least 2000 spectators.
    • Outfield fence distance of 250 feet.
    • 46’ Pitching Distance – 60’ Bases
    • Lighting system with 50’ candlepower in infield, 30’ in outfield.
    • Electronic scoreboard (Home- Visitors- Innings-Score-Outs-Strike-Balls).
    • Tarpaulin capable of complete coverage of infield area for primary field.
    • Covered and enclosed dugouts with drinking water for players.
    • Adequate press-box with public address system.
    • Adequate pre-game warm-up area for each team.
    • Enclosed warm-up area for pitchers warm-up.
  • SECONDARY FIELDS: Seating capacity for at least 300 spectators.
    • Outfield fence distance of 250 feet.
    • 46’ Pitching Distance – 60’ Bases
    • Lighting system with 50’ candlepower in infield, 30’ in outfield.
    • Electronic scoreboard (Home- Visitors- Innings-Score-Outs-Strike-Balls).
    • Covered and enclosed dugouts with drinking water for players.
    • Adequate press-box with public address system.

CONTACT:

Larry Fisher

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL CONGRESS

iscfastpitch@gmail.com

 

Past Champions – Team Photo

In the long and storied history of the International Softball Congress, and it’s forerunners, the National Softball Congress and the International Softball League, the common denominator is a World Tournament Champion crowned at the end of the top men’s fastpitch tournament in the game.

Take a trip down memory lane to see the 1955 – 1956 & 1957 ISL Champion Nitehawks, Long Beach, CA, Fresno, CA.

http://iscfastpitch.com/past-champions-2/

2019 Canada East Qualifier Schedule

 

We are pleased to present the schedules for the 2019 ISC Canada East Qualifier in Ingersoll June 14-16. We look forward to seeing all of the teams, players, fans and officials in Ingersoll next month.!

Blair Setford  –  blairjs@gmail.com

Denny Bruckert – the passing of a competitor, a gentlemen and friend to all !

May 2, 2019 – The International Softball Congress was deeply saddened to hear of the death, this morning, of one of the truly great representatives of Men’s Fastpitch Softball – Denny Bruckert.   In addition to his many accomplishments on softball fields, all over the world, Denny will be remembered for his kindness, warmth, generosity and humor.

The ISC joins the rest of the Men’s Fastpitch world in offering our deep and sincere condolences, to Susan and the entire Bruckert family.

 

Inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame in 2008 , Denny’s Hall of Fame “bio” can be viewed at:                           http://www.iscfastpitch.com/bio/denny.bruckert.pdf 

 

 

Field set for 2019 ISC Legends tournament

The sixteen team field is set for 2019 ISC Legends World Tournament that will be held in Denmark Wisconsin August 15 to 17, 2019. This is the 10th year for the ISC Legends and is the most teams entered in this highly popular and competitive tourney that is held in conjunction with the ISC World Tournament that runs August 10 to 17, 2019.  

 

Teams returning are:
1. Sudbury Relics Sudbury, Ontario (2018 champions)
2. Bay Area Merchants Hayward, California (2nd 2018)
3. Waterdown Hammer Burlington, Ontario (3rd/4th place)
4. Eagle Pack Mishawaka, Indiana (3rd/4th place)

Additional teams from 2018 are:
5. Waterloo Legends Waterloo Ontario
6. Ottawa Spiders Ottawa, Ontario
7. Dieppe Ridge Toronto, Ontario
8. Calgary Painters Calgary, Alberta
9. Ohio Battery Ashland Ohio (winner in 2013 and 2017) ,
10. Alloy Construction Auburn, Michigan (last year Gushow Excavating)
11. All Season Patriots Allentown, Pennsylvania
12. Frank Rogers/B&L Plumbing Colorado Springs Colorado (returning after not playing 2018)

Four new teams entering are:
13. CR Brewers Portland, Oregon
14. R&L Kline Farms Redhaw, Ohio
15. MACCABI USA Scottsdale, Arizona
16. Circle Tap Legends Denmark, Wisconsin

The 2019 Tournament will be pool play with eight teams going on to single elimination championship game.

Keith Erkenbrack
Tournament Director
keithe39@centurylink.net

Past Champions – Team Photo’s

In the long and storied history of the International Softball Congress, and it’s forerunners, the National Softball Congress and the International Softball League, the common denominator is a World Tournament Champion crowned at the end of the top men’s fastpitch tournament in the game.

Take a trip down memory lane to see the 1949 NSC champion Hanford Kings, Hanford, CA – 1951 NSC champion Softball Club, Calvert, TX and the 1951 ISL Champions Hoak Packers from Fresno, CA.

http://iscfastpitch.com/past-champions-2/

ISC Announces appointment of Dave Parker

April 16, 2019 – ISC Executive Director, Larry Fisher is pleased to announce the appointment of Dave Parker  to the ISC Board of Directors as the Regional Commissioner for Texas/New Mexico.

Dave, who resides in Midland, Texas was quoted “I am honored to help with fastpitch in the great state of Texas. We have a great brand of ball in Texas and we have been hard at work for years in helping build and preserve the game.  I am looking forward to helping build the  partnership between Texas Fastpitch and the ISC.”  
 
Larry Fisher stated “I’ve know Dave for a number of years and think that he will be a great asset to the ISC in the coming years as we hope to re-establish a partnership in the Texas/New Mexico region “.

Past Champions – Team Photo’s

In the long and storied history of the International Softball Congress, and it’s forerunners, the National Softball Congress and the International Softball League, the common denominator is a World Tournament Champion crowned at the end of the top men’s fastpitch tournament in the game.

 
As the ISC builds towards its 75th Anniversary in 2021, we are showcasing photos of our championship teams on the ISC website at http://iscfastpitch.com/past-champions-2 on a new Past Champions page. Each photo is scanned from the original, which was originally housed at the ISC Hall of Fame, formerly in Kimberly, Wisconsin and now featured online.
 
Take a trip down memory lane to see the first NSC champions from 1947, Farm Fresh Market from Phoenix, Arizona and in the coming weeks we’ll be featuring a new championship team photo every few days. 

Pre-order Your 2019 ISC Guide

With the weather starting to look more and more like fastpitch-softball season, now is the time to put in your pre-order for the 2019 ISC World Championship Guide.

Paying tribute to our reigning ISC Most Outstanding Pitcher, Andrew Kirkpatrick, of the New York Gremlins, is featured on the cover. Andrew became just the 11th player in ISC history to make All-World 10 or more times. 

The 2019 ISC Guide features 148 pages of stories, statistics and photos from last year’s ISC World Tournament, held in Kitchener, ON as well as all-world players, all-time records, ISC Hall of Fame members, and much, much more. 

You can now order and pay for the 2019 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 2019 ISC Guide will also be available in a convenient and easy-to-read electronic format on the ISC website at www.iscfastpitch.com. 

Blair Setford

ISC VP Operations/Guide Editor

blairjs [@] gmail.com

 

The ISC announces the 17 tournament 2019 ISC World Tournament “Qualifiers” Schedule

February 9, 2019  –  The schedule for the 17 tournament 2019 ISC World Tournament “Qualifiers” can be viewed  at:

 

The 65th Annual International Softball Congress, (ISC), Iowa Qualifier

WHAT:  Iowa Area ISC Qualifier Fastpitch Softball Tournament, Walcott, Iowa

WHEN:  Friday, June 21 – Sunday, 23, 2019

WHERE:  The 65th Annual International Softball Congress, (ISC), Iowa Qualifier will be held at Victory and Wescott Parks in Walcott, Iowa Friday, June 21st through Sunday, June 23rd, 2019.  Walcott is located twelve miles west of Davenport, Iowa on I-80.  2019 marks the 35th consecutive year the ISC tournament will been held in Walcott.

The entry fee for this tournament is two hundred twenty-five dollars, ($225.00) which includes the cost of softballs and umpires.  The Qualifier tournament is a three game guarantee. The tournament will determine an area representative for the ISC World Tournament which will be held in Denmark, Wisconsin in August. The ISC representative for this tournament is Wayne Fisher.  

Please make check payable to Walcott Softball Organization, PO Box 163 Walcott, Iowa  52773.  Also include team name, manager, phone numbers and email address for contact.  Entry deadline for the tournament is May 27, 2019.  The qualifier entry fee will not be refunded after the entry deadline date.

Prize money for the qualifier is as follows:
1st place – $500          2nd place – $300          3rd place – $200  

Trophies will also be awarded to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd place teams, as well as for the most valuable pitcher and player of the tournament.

Thank you in advance for your interest in fastpitch softball.  If you have any questions, please contact me, email = lkoberg@mchsi.com, cell phone = 563-210-0935.

 

ISC Accepting Bids For 75th Anniversary Tournament

The INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL CONGRESS (ISCI) will be accepting bids for the 2021 ISC Men’s Fastpitch World Tournament, deadline for receipt of bids is July 1, 2019.

We anticipate a great deal of interest and excitement for the 2021 tournament as it will be the 75TH ANNIVERSARY of the INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL CONGRESS (ISCI).

The following is intended to provide prospective bidders with some pertinent information regarding the requirements to be accepted as the successful bidder: (A complete copy of the ISC World Tournament Contract is available on request).

  • OPERATING EXPENSES: The Organizer shall secure: the “Facilities”, grounds crew, cashiers, ticket sellers and takers, maintenance, publicity, advertising, announcers, scoreboard operators, balls and all other items which, in the sole opinion of ISCI, are necessary for the successful operation of the Tournaments.
  • ACCOMMODATIONS: Organizer agrees to provide “Rooms” for the exclusive use of ISCI, as specified in the ISCI World Tournament contract, including umpires, at designated World Tournament Headquarters Hotel located within reasonable proximity of the “Facilities”.
  • WORLD TOURNAMENT UMPIRES: The Organizer agrees to pay and/or provide the following for World Tournament Umpires and Associated Supplemental Tournament Umpires: Per Game Fee, ISCI umpire travel pool, per Diem to each ISCI out-of-town umpire. as specified in the ISCI World Tournament Contract.
  • WORLD TOURNAMENT FACILITY: The Organizer agrees to reserve (Facility) exclusively for the ISC World Tournament and Supplemental Tournaments. Each playing facility, minimum (3) lighted diamonds, is to be completely enclosed and meet the following minimum requirements.
  • PRIMARY FIELD: Seating capacity for at least 2000 spectators.
    • Outfield fence distance of 250 feet.
    • 46’ Pitching Distance – 60’ Bases
    • Lighting system with 50’ candlepower in infield, 30’ in outfield.
    • Electronic scoreboard (Home- Visitors- Innings-Score-Outs-Strike-Balls).
    • Tarpaulin capable of complete coverage of infield area for primary field.
    • Covered and enclosed dugouts with drinking water for players.
    • Adequate press-box with public address system.
    • Adequate pre-game warm-up area for each team.
    • Enclosed warm-up area for pitchers warm-up.
  • SECONDARY FIELDS: Seating capacity for at least 300 spectators.
    • Outfield fence distance of 250 feet.
    • 46’ Pitching Distance – 60’ Bases
    • Lighting system with 50’ candlepower in infield, 30’ in outfield.
    • Electronic scoreboard (Home- Visitors- Innings-Score-Outs-Strike-Balls).
    • Covered and enclosed dugouts with drinking water for players.
    • Adequate press-box with public address system.

CONTACT:

Larry Fisher

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL CONGRESS

iscfastpitch@gmail.com

 

ISC Announces 2019 ISC Legends Tournament Teams

 The 2019 ISC Legends Tournament will be a 16 team tournament in Denmark, Wisconsin in August.

Its my pleasure to announce 10 teams that played in 2018 tournament are returning including the champions Sudbury Relics and runner up Bay Area Merchants.

 
The rest of 2018 teams are third place Waterdown Hammer Legends,  Dieppe Ridge Legends, All Seasons Patriots, Ottawa Spiders, Ohio Battery, Calgary (Savala) Painters, Scout Logistics and Waterloo Legends. Returning after missing 2018 will be Frank Rogers B&L Plumbing team.  
 
The five new teams joining the tournament this year will be: Portland CR Brewers, K & L Kline Farms, CircleTap Legends, Maccabi USA and Tin Cup Legends.
 
The remaining teams who expressed an interest in attending the 2019 tournament will be put on awaiting list and extended an invitation should one of the initially invited teams be unable to attend.
 
The tournament will be round robin 3 game guarantee and then top 2 teams out of each division will advance into a 8 team single elimination championship play.  Details will be posted for all teams on our webpage.
 
This is the 10th year for the ISC Legends and the largest number of teams, for the highly popular and competitive tournament, that is held in conjunction with the ISC World Tournament.
 
Dates for Legends tournament will be August 15 (Thursday) to August 17 (Saturday).    
             
Keith Erkenbrack
ISC Legends Tournament Director 

Denmark releases initial list of hotels in Green Bay

January 12, 2019 – Denmark, WI – Please find attached the list of hotels in Green Bay that we have room blocks with regard to the 2019 ISC World Tournament.  The Host and Headquarter Hotel will be Country Inn & Suites located at 850 Kepler Drive in Green Bay.  Easy access to I43 which is a short 12 mile freeway drive to Denmark. 

If you have any questions please contact Dean Kane at deankane16@gmail.com.    

We look forward to seeing everyone in Northeastern Wisconsin this  August 10 – 17, 2019!

List is available by clicking the 2019 Denmark “logo” at the left.

“LEAVING A LEGACY” The passing of pitcher David Scott

The ISC is saddened by the passing of pitcher David Scott, who starred for Decatur in the 1980s and 1990s.
 
We are sharing a link to a wonderful memorial penned by Mark Tupper in the Decatur Herald Review.
 
 
 
 
 

2019 ISC Qualifying Tournaments

January 3, 2019 – “The International Softball Congress is currently looking to designate tournaments held in April, May and June as Qualifiers for the 2019 ISC World Tournament in Denmark, Wisconsin.

If you are interested in having your tournament serve as an ISC Qualifier, please contact either Chris Santos, USA Vice President at jcsantos25@msn.com or Todd McCabe, Canada Vice President at todd_mccabe23@hotmail.com as soon as possible.

We hope to have a complete listing of our Qualifiers available by the end of January.

ISC Hall of Famer KG Fincher Passes Away

January 1. 2019  –  The ISC is saddened at the loss one of its “All-Time” pitching greats, pitcher KG Fincher, who passed away yesterday, on New Year’s Eve. Fincher hailed originally from the San Diego area, and resided in Tuscon, Arizona.

Inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame in 1986 his Hall of Fame bio can be viewed at:  http://www.iscfastpitch.com/bio/k.g.fincher.pdf

 

 

2019 ISC Legends Tournament Bulletin

December 30, 2018   –  Not a surprise, but the number of teams expressing interest in participating in the 2019 Legends Tournament as part of the ISC World Tournament in Denmark, WI has already exceeded the maximum of twelve teams that can be accommodated.

With that in mind, we encourage any other Legends teams interested in participating, contact Legends Tournament Director Keith Erkenbreck prior to the deadline of Saturday, January 12, 2019.

After the January 12th deadline, the Legends Tournament committee will review the list of all teams that have expressed an interest in participation in the 2019 Legend Tournament and determine the twelve teams to be extended an invitation to the 2019 Legends Tournament.

Those invitations will be extended by the end of January 2019.

The remaining teams will be put on a priority list to fill any berths that might become available if one of the originally invited twelve teams is unable to accept the invitation.

The ISC is pleased with the response and success of our Legends Tournament and regrets that we are only able to extend an invitation to twelve teams for the 2019 
tournament.

Keith Erkenbreck

 keithe39@centurylink.net

 

 

ISC announces appointment of Steve Vail as UIC

December 19, 2018 –  The International Softball Congress is pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Vail (Cottage Grove,  MN) as ISC Umpire-in-Chief.

Steve is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin River Falls where he played football and baseball. While at River Falls he started officiating under the direction of Donald Page. He has umpired and officiated football, basketball, baseball and fast pitch softball for the past 54 years.

Officiating is not a job to Steve , it is a passion, His umpiring has taken him all over the US, Canada and other parts of the world.

Steve is looking forward for the opportunity of being the UIC for the ISC allowing him to remain in an active roll with fast pitch softball at the highest level in the world.

 

Bob McGowan appointed to ISC Board of Directors

December 7, 2018  –  ISC Executive Director, Larry Fisher is pleased to announce the appointment of Bob McGowan to the ISC Board of Directors.
 
Bob is rejoining the ISC, having served on the ISC Board of Directors 1996 to 2006. He was the driving force behind the development of the ISC II program and served as the first ISC II VP from 2002 to 2006.
 
Bob, who resides in Freelton, Ontario, quoted ” I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return to the ISC, thanks to Larry Fisher”.
 
Larry Fisher stated “I am extremely happy Bob has agreed to once again rejoin our organization, I believe his experience and enthusiasm will be of significant value to us”.
 
Welcome back to Bob McGowan !!
 
Thank you, Keith Erkenbrack
ISC Vice President Communications

.

 

The 18th Annual Boys of Summer Open – Update

Denmark, WI  –  12/4/18      The 18th Annual Boys of Summer Open will be held July 12-14 in Denmark, Wisconsin.  This year’s field will be increased to 16 teams.  Confirmed teams are:
 
1. AWP Lumberjacks—Du Quoin, Illinois
2. AHI Reapers—Kimberly, Wisconsin
3. Bandits—Pueblo, Colorado
4. Bar Buzz–Appleton, Wisconsin
5. Circle Tap Dukes—Denmark, Wisconsin
6. Dolan & Murphy Shamrocks—Aurora, Illinois
7. Hallman Twins—Kitchener, Ontario
8. Irma Tigers—Irma, Alberta
9. J&B Bombers—Los Angeles, California
10. Kansas City Monarchs—Belleville, KS
11. Kegel Black Knights—Fargo, ND
12. New York Gremlins—Clifton Park, NY
13. Norsemen—Ostrander, Minnesota
14. Orangemen—Rice Lake, Wisconsin
15. Tin Cup Tornado—St. Paul, Minnesota
16. USA Futures
 
 If you have any questions about this tournament or the ISC 2019, please contact Dean Kane at deankane16@gmail.com    The hotel list and other information with regard to the ISC 2019 are coming in early January.

INFORMATION – 2019 ISC LEGENDS TOURNAMENT

November 30, 2018 –  Denmark, WI., will be hosting the ISC Legends Tournament, August 15-16-17, 2019.  A field of ONLY 12 teams will make up the field for the 10th edition of this highly competitive event.

In order to not be left out of this popular event, teams interested in being considered for an invitation to participate in this “invitational event” are encouraged to immediately contact ISC Legends Tournament Director Keith Erbenkbrack at keithe39@centurylink.net.

Complete ISC Legends Tournament rules can be viewed Here.

 

 

 

CARROL FORBES FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS

El Paso, TX – November 14, 2018  –    Reminder to any eligible ISC players that the Carrol Forbes Scholarship Foundation is accepting scholarship requests for 2019.

     The closing date will be January 5, 2019. Interested applicants can find form and details on ISC website : www.iscfastpitch.com. Click on Forbes Foundation section.

      The information on the ISC website provides the requirements. Any male fastball players who have participated in any ISC youth tourney or other ISC event, completed their secondary or high school and will be continuing their academic carrier at a recognized post secondary institution are encouraged to apply. 

      Interested applicants please send to Charlie Smith, CFF Scholarship Chair at  www.csmith2@elp.rr.com

The Boys of Summer – 2019

November 1, 2018 – Denmark, WI –  The Boys of Summer Open is looking to expand to 16 teams in 2019.  We have received a lot of interest from teams that have not previously attended and would like to accommodate 16 teams this year instead of 12.  We ran the tournament with 16 for several years before scaling back.  The tournament will be held at the host sites for the 2019 ISC World Tournament.  The dates are July 12-14, 2019.  The Circle Tap diamond will be the main diamond and the two diamonds in the Village of Denmark Memorial Park will serve as the two others.  We have used these diamonds several years ago and are thrilled to be back.   They are much improved and have new scoreboards and regulation fastpitch size.  All three diamonds have permanent fencing which we believe everyone will appreciate.  The entry fee is $200 as it has been since 2001 when the tournament started.  Here is the list of committed teams and there are a couple of others that have expressed interest:
 
• The Bar Buzz
• Tin Cup Tornado
• Circle Tap Dukes
• Ostrander Norsemen
• Dolan & Murphy Shamrocks
• Kegel Black Knights
• Kansas City Monarchs
• Reapers
• Rice Lake Orangemen
• Pueblo Bandits
• Imra Tigers
• Bare Bottom Lodge
• Hallman Twins
 
Please contact Dean Kane at deankane16@gmail.com or Darren Derricks at 920.676.2448 for any questions or to enter the tournament.
  
Dean Kane
CT Fastpitch
Deankane16@gmail.com

Rule Changes for 2019

Page 42  –  ISC HALL OF FAME RULES:
A motion was approved that voting shall be based upon the Person’s; Record, Playing Ability, Integrity, Sportsmanship, Character and Contributions to the ISC Organization.

Page 143 – PLAYING RULES:
A motion was approved that an exception be made that says that the “trapper glove” can only be used by first basemen and catcher.

Page 144 – FOREIGN SUBSTANCE RULE:
A motion was approved that when a ball gets too dirty the Umpire can throw out the ball at his discretion with no penalty to the pitcher.

Page 145  –  ALL WORLD TEAMS:
Beginning in 2019 Twelve (12) players shall be named to the 1st & 2nd ISC All World Teams: three (3) pitchers, one (1) catchers, four (4) infielders, three (3) outfielders, and one (1) designated hitter.

Page 146  –  OUT OF REGION PLAYERS:
A motion was approved that All ISC teams who have four (4) or more approved Out-of-Region players must have their Out-of-Region players play in at least one approved ISC qualifying event or on an invitational tournament in both June and July with their current years team to be eligible for the current years ISC World Tournament. Exceptions to the preceding for rostered national team players and rostered junior national team players may be requested through the appropriate national Vice President.

Each team with four (4) or more approved Out-of-Region players will be allowed one (1) exception to the requirement that Out-of-Region players must play in an  approved ISC qualifying event or on an invitational tournament in both June and July. That exception must be declared and marked on the ISC Roster by June 15 and resubmitted to the Executive Director. This exception is subject to PRAWN rules and Out-of-Region form, June 15th deadline and fees.”

Aug 14, 2018 – Kitchener, Ontario

Richmond fastpitch standout named MVP at world tourney

OCC Schedule Update

 
August 11, 2018   –  Mississauga, ON:    
We had a team drop out and unfortunately we were unable to replace them.
Revised ISC Canada East OCC schedule is below:
 

ISC Canada East Ontario Challenge Cup fall qualifier !

 
 
Date: September 14-16, 2018
Location: Innerkip Sports Park, Innerkip, Ontario
Berths: 1 for 2019 ISC WT – we will pay winner’s entry fee
Teams: 12 – schedule attached
UiC: Ed Otterman – cc’d on this email
ISC Reps: Blair, Joe, Kyle
 
 

ISC II Final a battle of Newcomers featuring East vs West

August 30, 2018 – By Joe Todd

When Tuesday morning rolled around at the 2018 ISC World Tournament, 12 teams had positioned themselves into the ISC II Championship Tournament. If we fast forward to the ISC II Championship game late Thursday afternoon, it featured two teams that were making their ISC debuts. Both Irma Tigers from Alberta and 3 Cheers Pub from St. Johns, Newfoundland had shaky and nervous starts in their opening games, but when they regrouped and settled down, they played some excellent and entertaining fastball to carry them into the ISC II Championship game.

3 Cheers Pub suffered a tough 1-0 extra-innings loss in their first game of ISC II play then reeled off five straight victories outscoring their opponents 38-10 in less then 36 hours of play to propel themselves into the ISC II Championship game. The Boys from the Rock rode the strong arm of South African newcomer Tidima Kekana, who finished with a 4-2 record and had 53 strikeouts in his 36 innings of work

Leading the attack for the 3CP squad were Shane Kelly, 10-21 .476 with 3 HRs and 6 RBIs, and Justin Gill, 10-24 .417 with 2 triples and 4 stolen bases.

Irma Tigers had a perfect 3-0 record and had allowed only one run against in their three games while pounding out 28 runs of their own. Steven Normand finished with three wins and Michael Roote picked up the other victory sharing time on the mound for the Albertans. The Tigers with the unblemished record took the direct route to Championship game while the team from St. Johns had the harder route coming all the way through the loser’s bracket.

The well rested Tigers pounced on the 3 Cheers Pub who played two games early on Thursday morning and a came away with the 5-1 victory to clinch the Gord Newman Memorial ISC II Championship Trophy

Normand picked up the ISC II Most Outstanding Pitcher Award. Tigers outfielder Nicolas Potskin was the Leading Hitter, going 8 for 10 .800, with one home run and three RBIs. Tigers infielder Taylor Schubada won the Bob McGowan Most Valuable Player Award, showing some great defense in the Tigers infield and contributing with a .500 batting average 5 for 10 with 3 runs batted in.

The ISC congratulates both newcomer teams, the 2018 ISC II Champions Irma Tigers and the ISC II finalists 3 Cheers Pub for making a great run. We look forward to seeing both of these fine teams in Denmark, Wisconsin for the 2019 ISC World Tournament.

Sudbury Relics capture 2018 ISC Legends Title

Deer Park, WA  –  The 2018 ISC Legends World Tourney held in Kitchener Ontario on August 16-18 has a new champion; Sudbury Relics. Sudbury relics won the Legends WT with Bay Area Merchants second and Eagle Pack and Hammer Down Legends sharing 3rd.
 
Pitching was dominate with 10 shut out games in the 3 day ISC Legends Tourney.  Ward Gosse (Most Valuable Player award winner) had 4 wins, 49 strike outs and .52 era. Ward also drove in the winning and only run in the championship game as well as pitching a shutout victory for Sudbury Relics.
 
David Beets (Outstanding Pitching Award winner) finished tourney with 4 wins, 24 strike outs and .52 era.
 
Tim Neill with the Waterdown Hammer Legends and Kevin Kammueller with the Eagle Pack also each had 3 wins.
 
Leading hitter was Dennis Brownfield with .750 batting average for Ohio Battery team.
 
Three players with 6 rbi’s: Brian McGuire (Dieppe Legends), Darren Hunt (Midland Explorers) and Michael Makowiec (All Seasons Patriots).
 
Randy Potskin had only 3 at bats with 2 home runs to share most home runs with Jeff lane and Eddie Roy.
 
The all star team featured 12 players from six different teams:
 Dennis Brownfield (Ohio Battery)               
 Eric Linnell (Bay Area Merchants) 
 Pat Brennan (Sudbury Relics)                           
 Roddy Wetherell (Scout Logistics)
 Terry Challis (Scout Logistics)                          
 Joel Belanger (Sudbury Relics)
 Keith Peterson (Eagle Pack)                             
 Pete Kucharuk (Waterdown Hammer Legends)
 Kelly Wenstrom (Sudbury Relics)                      
 Ward Gosse (Sudbury Relics)
 Davis Beets (Bay Area Merchants)                   
 Tim Neill (Waterdown Hammer Legends)
 
 OUTSTANDING PITCHER; David Beets (Bay Area Merchants)
 MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Ward Gosse (Sudbury Relics)

Keith Erkenbrack
keithe39@centurylink.net

Quad Cities to “Host” the 2020 ISC World Tournament

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.

ISC Elects Five to Hall of Fame for induction in 2019

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

Iscfastpitch@gmail.com

ISC Network to broadcast 23 games from 2018 ISC World Tournament

ISC Network to broadcast 23 games from 2018 ISC World Tournament
 
August 8, 2018 Kitchener, ON – The International Softball Congress will be streaming 23 games from the 2018 ISC World Tournament being played at the Peter Hallman Ball Yard in Kitchener, Ontario through the ISC Fastpitch YouTube channel.
 
Starting Sunday August 12 with full coverage of four games, the ISC Network will showcase the best teams and players in men’s fastball, culminating in the ISC World Championship Game at 7 pm on Saturday August 18.
 
The ISC Network commentary team includes Kyle Smith, Blair Setford and Joe Todd as primary broadcasters and will feature a number of guest commentators throughout the week, including Lance Winn, Steve Sabourin, John Thompson, Erin Durant, Vahram Matoesian, Allan Etmanski and others. ISC Network is partnering with SportsCanadaTV to produce the games.
 
To watch a game, click on the ISC Network logo on the ISC Fastpitch website home page at www.iscfastpitch.com. 
 
With the generous support of our sponsors, all of the broadcasts from the 2018 ISC World Tournament will be presented free-of-charge for this year. 
 
We gratefully thank our sponsors: Skelton Truck Lines, ISC Canada East,  Jukasa Radio 93.5FM, Corbetts Source for Sports, Mr. Ned Custom Tailor, Peligro Sports, Circle Tap, Jack Fireman, Kelly’s Pub, 3 Cheers Pub, Lumberjack Sports and Exit Speed Swing.
 
The full schedule of games is as follows:
Sunday August 12 1pm, 3pm, 5pm Opening Ceremonies, 6pm, 8pm
Monday August 13 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm
Tuesday August 14 5pm, 7pm
Wednesday August 15 5pm, 7pm
Thursday August 16 4pm, 6pm, 8pm
Friday August 17 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 7pm
Saturday August 18 11am, 130pm, 7pm
 
For additional information, please contact:
 
Blair Setford
ISC VP Operations
blairjs [@] gmail.com
 

2018 ISC World Tournament “Blue Crew”

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 

 

2018 ISC Hall of Fame Media Release

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

2018 ISC World Tournament – Bracket & Schedules

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

2018 CARROLL FORBES ISC BOYS 19 & UNDER TOURNAMENT

2018 CARROLL FORBES ISC BOYS YOUTH 14 & UNDER TOURNAMENT

Field of teams set for 2018 ISC World Tournament in Kitchener

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 total of 36 teams will battle for the ISC World Championship starting Saturday, August 11, 2018, culminating with the ISC World Championship Game on Saturday, August 18 at 6:30 pm at the Peter Hallman Ball Yard in Kitchener.
 
The top 16 ranked teams are:
 
1 Six Nations, ON Hill United Chiefs
2 Clifton Park, NY New York Gremlins
3 Los Angeles, CA J&B Bombers
4 Kitchener, ON Hallman Twins
5 Denmark, WI Circle Tap Dukes
6 Kitchener, ON Hallman Cubs
7 Bloomington, IL Stix
8 Kansas City, KS Monarchs
9 Ephrata, PA Bear Bottom Lodge
10 Toronto, ON Batmen
11 Kingston, ON Axemen
12 Elmira, ON Expos
13 Fargo, ND Kegel Black Knights
14 Ostrander, MN Norsemen
15 Grande Prairie, AB Pirates
16 Pueblo, CO Bandits
The remainder of the 36-team field includes:
Alvinston, ON Aces
Appleton, WI Bar on the Avenue Buzz
Ashland, OH A’s
Aurora, IL Dolan & Murphy Shamrocks
Austin, TX Rio Grande Senators
Cobourg, ON Dirt Road Co.
Durham, ON Diamondbacks
Fenelon Falls, ON The Lakes
Frankenmuth, MI Brewers
Irma, AB Tigers
Kitchener, ON Bell Cartage Outlaws
Kitchener, ON Predators
New Hamburg, ON Nith River Monsters
Niagara Falls, ON Niagara Snappers
Ohsweken, ON Redmen
Puslinch, ON Kodiaks
St. Paul, MN Tin Cup Tornado
Shakespeare, ON Falcons
St. Johns, NL 3 Cheers Pub
Waterdown, ON FirstOntario Hammer 
 
For fastball fans that haven’t already done so, make plans very quickly to attend. Hotel and travel information is available on the Kitchener Fastball Promotions host committee web site at http://iscwt.teamsnapsites.com/. 
 
In addition to the ISC World Tournament, teams will compete in the ISC II Championship bracket as well as another 13 teams in the 50+ Legends division and 8 teams in a U23 junior men’s division.
 
For more information on the 2018 ISC World Tournament, contact:
 
Larry Fisher
ISC Executive Director
Findlay, Ohio

2018 Ontario Challenge Cup in Innerkip Sept 14-16

 
 
We are pleased to announce that the 2018 Ontario Challenge Cup (#2018OCC) will be held in Innerkip, Ontario on the weekend of September 14-16.
 
All men’s fastball leagues across Ontario, and into both Manitoba and Quebec, are invited to send a representative to #2018OCC. We are asking for affiliation confirmation now. Deadline for entry fee as final confirmation will be August 27.
 
The tournament will be a double knockout with a single championship game. The winner will receive a paid berth to the 2019 ISC World Tournament in Denmark, Wisconsin, being hosted by the Circle Tap Dukes fastpitch club.
 
Entry fee is $385. Our preferred method of payment is via Interac E-Transfer.
 
Players on teams that qualify in advance for the 2019 ISC World Tournament (ie teams that win either the ISC World Tournament or the ISC II Championship) are not eligible for #2018OCC unless they leave that team.
 
If you have any questions, please contact us. We wish the best to all teams on the remainder of their seasons, look forward to a highly successful ISC World Tournament in Kitchener and another competitive season-ending #2018OCC.
 
Cheers,
 
Blair, Joe & Kyle
 

Record-breaking number of teams part of ISC fastpitch tourney in Mitchell

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.