2024 Pre-season ISC Rankings

Blair Setford • May 30, 2024

New York Gremlins Pre-season #1

The ISC Ranking Committee is releasing the 2024 pre-season rankings. Defending ISC World Tournament Champions New York Gremlins open the season ranked #1 with 18 points, with Hill United Chiefs and Bear Creek Express taking #2 and #3 spots separated from each other by only 7 points. Rounding out the top 5 are NorthEast Drillers & Circle Tap Dukes. 

 

Our Rankers see a highly competitive ISC World Tournament with a lot of teams capable of big wins throughout the season. Hopefully they are correct and we will see not just a competitive World Tournament but a compelling ISC season on the North American tournament circuit.


The 2024 Pre-season Rankings are below. In the photo are the rankings from each of the 15 committee members.

 

1. Clifton Park, NY New York Gremlins   

2 Ohsweken, ON Hill United Chiefs   

3 Chippewa on the Thames, ON Bear Creek Express   

4 Richmond, VA NorthEast Drillers   

5 Denmark, WI Circle Tap Dukes   

6 Toronto, ON Toronto Batmen   

7 Grande Prairie, AB Pirates   

8 DuQuoin, IL AWP Lumberjacks   

9 Agoura Hills, CA JB   

10 Fargo, ND Kegel Black Knights   

11 Ensenada, Mexico Glowworm   

12 Lake Crystal, MN Ostrander Norsemen   

13 Santiago, Nuevo Leon Mexico Omma Tigres   

14 Chase, BC STK Fastball   

15 Midland, MI Explorers   

16 Waterdown, ON Waterdown Hammer   

17 Ohsweken, ON Redmen   

18 Pueblo, CO Bandits   

19 Olympia, WA Lacey A's   

20 Wiarton, ON Georgian Bay Giants   

21 Sydney, AU Tropics   

22 Prince George, BC River Kings   

23 Qualicup Beach, BC Parksville Red Sox   

24 Vanderhoof, BC Rippers   

25 Winnipeg, MB Peguis Redmen   

26 Victoria, BC Emery Electric Chargers   

27 Surrey, BC Rebels   

28 Tacoma, WA Westside Jacks   

29 Walton, ON Brewers   

30 Steveston, BC Canadians   

31 Townsend, ON Tide   

32 Richmond, BC Rays U23 

 

The Rankings committee is overseen by Greg Nydick, Rich Haldane and Bill Berkenpass. We selected 15 committee members from across North America. The committee is made up of Players, Coaches, Administrators and Associates. We hope this diverse selection balances each other out and allows for all teams to have rankers that see them.


By Brian Eradus April 25, 2025
At 36 years old , Mathieu Roy stands as a seasoned presence in left field—sporting jersey #16 . Having played for the New York Gremlins in 2024 and playing for the newly named Bear Creek Gremlins next season, this St-Gervais, Québec native has crafted a storied career that’s still going strong. Off the field, he’s a strength and conditioning coach , as well as a baseball and softball coach, using his expertise to guide the next generation of athletes. Early Start and Family Ties Mathieu’s fastpitch journey began at an incredibly young age—he was swinging at a tee by 18 months old and playing organized softball by the time he was four. The main inspiration? His dad, Jean Roy , who played fastpitch and passed on his love for the game. Growing up in a hotbed of softball, Mathieu quickly discovered his passion for the sport’s high intensity and sense of community. Rising Through Challenges When Mathieu first started playing in ISC-level competition, he noticed a significant gap in pitching velocity during local practices—few pitchers could throw over 75 mph. Still, he found ways to adapt. “I worked on my arm strength in the offseason, and I gained two or three miles per hour,” he explains. “At my age, that’s a big win.” He also aimed to increase his hitting power, recognizing that consistent performance at the plate would help anchor the top of his team’s lineup.
By Brian Eradus April 22, 2025
At 36 years old , Yusuke Morita is an experienced outfielder with a sharp mind, a calm presence, and a competitive spirit that runs deep. Now a member of Bear Creek Express , after suiting up for Glow Worm in 2024, Yusuke continues to prove that age is just a number when you play with heart, preparation, and purpose. Born and raised in Susaki, Kochi, Japan , Yusuke has grown into an international competitor while staying true to his roots—and his deep respect for the game. A Lifelong Commitment to the Game Yusuke’s fastpitch journey began in elementary school , when he joined his local softball team. With few other options for sports in his area, fastpitch quickly became his focus. His father, who also served as a coach, helped instill a strong work ethic early on. “He taught me the importance of thinking through the game and practicing with intention,” Yusuke says. That foundation served him well—both as a player and as a person. “There were never any major problems when I started,” he says. “It was always about learning, improving, and enjoying the sport I loved.” Leading with Focus and Family Values While many athletes get pumped up with noise and energy before a game, Yusuke takes a different approach: meditation . “I imagine myself in the game—both succeeding and making mistakes—so I can focus completely. It helps me give my best in training and stay centered during competition.” Outside of softball, Yusuke spends his time with his family. That balance—between intense athletic focus and peaceful personal time—has shaped him into the calm and consistent player he is today.