ISC News
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.
**Tournament Details:** Clark Evans Memorial Tournament Date: Memorial Day weekend (May 24-25, 2025) Location: Darnell Wright Sports Complex, 303 W Foothills Dr, Newberg, OR Host Team: NW Braves Shayne Arndt 541-561-1613 Tournament Director: Zak Hedgecock UiC: Rich Silva and four other umpires have committed. ISC Rep: Keith Erkenbrack This is a US West Qualifier for the 2025 ISC World Tournament Team Update: 1 NW Braves of Oregon - Shayne Arndt 2 Montana Young Guns - Bob Shaffer 3 Seattle K-Club - Brandon Dixon 4 Grants Pass Falcons - Mike Duffy 5 Westside Jacks - Jeff Hannan 6 Grass Valley Greens - Bobby Alvara 7 PNW Naturals - Mark Seward 8 CR Brewers - Roger Jones 9 California LUFTSHOOTSEED - Eric 10 Renegades 11 CA Wololok - Kenneth Swearinger Jr 12 Free Agents - contact Shayne Arndt to be added to the roster. Considering: 13 Seattle Interbay Door - Charlie Bendock 14 Boise Riverdogs - Greg Alder 15 MT Pinebettles - Frank Hendrix III
Travel Suggestions for Players Coming Into the US
At 28 years old, Blaine Milheim is no stranger to the grind. A tenacious competitor, sharp third baseman, and respected presence in the Northeast Drillers’ lineup, Milheim brings more than just raw talent to the fastpitch diamond—he brings purpose. Whether he’s flashing leather at the hot corner or delivering clutch at-bats, Blaine is driven by one goal: helping his team bring home an ISC World Tournament championship . And after already tasting victory with the Hallman Twins in 2022 , he knows what it takes to get there. From Family Ballparks to ISC Podiums Milheim’s fastpitch story began in Eaton Rapids, Michigan , rooted in family tradition. “I grew up watching my dad play the men’s game, my sister play softball, and eventually my brother after college,” he shares. “Once I was old enough, I jumped in.” He started at 15, playing for the Wrightway Tree company, l and quickly found that fastpitch offered the adrenaline, pace, and global camaraderie that made it irresistible. “I loved the pace. It’s intense and quick. And the friendships you form through this sport are unmatched.” Adapting to the Game—and Rewriting His Swing Transitioning from baseball wasn’t easy. One of the biggest hurdles Blaine faced was learning to hit the rise ball—especially after spending nearly two decades with a baseball swing. “It took a complete overhaul,” he admits. “But it’s been worth it.” As a former catcher and college outfielder, Milheim has also had to embrace a new role at third base. “It was a steep learning curve, but I’ve always been a utility guy,” he says. “Now I’m doing what it takes to help the team wherever I’m needed.”
22-Man Blue Crew for #ISCWT2025
Tournament Name: Tijuana Fast Pitch Location: Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico Dates: May 16,17 and 18 Entry fee: 350 Dollars Tournament format: 2 Groups A and B, 5 teams each group, Round Robin easy group, 4 games each team, the first 3 in the standings of each group plays on Sunday Championship Bracket, the first place of each group goes ahead to play the semifinals, the winner between 2 Group A and 3 Group B plays number 1 of group B, and the winner between 2 group B and 3 group A plays number 1 of group A and the winners go ahead to the finales. UIC Name and contact information: Renzo Ruiz Tournament Director: Jesús Montero Jorge Marquez ISC Representative: Chris Santos
At just 21, Tane Mumu is already making waves in men’s fastpitch. When he’s not patrolling the middle infield for the New York Gremlins, you’ll find him representing Hutt City United back home in Wainuiomata, New Zealand. A dynamic shortstop and second baseman (wearing jersey #2), Tane has quickly become a reliable force for one of the most competitive teams in the sport.
At 33 years old, Shane Boland has already left an indelible mark on men’s fastpitch. As the shortstop and vocal leader for the Hill United Chiefs, he wears jersey #91 and boasts a storied career filled with clutch hits and championship moments. Yet, when he isn’t patrolling the infield, you might find him enjoying a midday meal and hot tub session, playing hockey, or spending quality time with family. A native of Goulds, Newfoundland and Labrador, Shane proudly represents his roots, both on and off the field. Off the diamond, he’s a Police Officer—nicknamed “Sarge.”
At just 24 years old, Matej Ryšavý has already made his presence felt on the international fastpitch scene. Donning jersey #00 for the Georgian Bay Giants, the Prague, Czechia native is entering his third consecutive ISC World Tournament, bringing energy, grit, and a relentless work ethic behind the plate. Off the field, Matej is a student with a love for hiking, cars, and exploring new places—always keeping life as exciting as his game.
At just 21, Jack Besgrove has already carved out a name for himself in the fastpitch world. Pitching for the Gremlins (both in 2024 and continuing into 2025), this Australian phenom hails from Orange, New South Wales—where he first picked up a softball at the tender age of four.
Men's fastpitch softball will be one of the featured sports at this year's Masters Indigenous Games being held in Ottawa, ON August 14-17. The Masters Indigenous Games (MIG) provides Indigenous adults, aged 20 years and older, the opportunity to compete against their peers in a variety of contemporary and traditional sporting activities. MIG is an opportunity to get physically active, engage with community and participate in competition. The Games bring together thousands of Indigenous athletes from around the world to compete in sport competitions, celebrate Indigenous wellness and showcase the rich diversity of cultures and traditions of the world’s Indigenous Peoples. For more on MIG25, see their website at the link below. https://mastersindigenousgames.com/
With a baseball background and a hockey stick in one hand, Tony Wark stumbled onto the fastpitch diamond at age 12—and hasn’t looked back since. Now 25, he’s a mainstay at 1B for the Midland Explorers, where he proudly wears jersey #18. Hailing from Reese, Michigan, Tony’s early days with the Munger Firemen youth team have led him to the heights of men’s fastpitch, fueled by an unmistakable passion for the game.
At just 23, Marco Diaz is already one of the fastest pitchers on the planet, throwing blazing fastballs topping 83 mph! From his roots in Ensenada, Baja California, to his rise with the Hill United Chiefs, Marco stays grounded, focused, and hungry for victory. Learn more about Marco’s journey, his rituals, and his goals on the global stage as he gets ready to dominate at the ISC World Tournament!
Our new ISC Communications Specialist Brian Eradus is already hard at work finding ways to up our game on social media and for the ISC Network. One of his new initiatives is creating ISC Player Profiles - see the above sample - to be ready for #ISCWT2025 We're asking all players and coaches to complete the interview form at the link and Brian will be able to create profiles for all of those who do. https://forms.gle/CaAQgzwqHAXMUei49 Thanks in advance!
#ISCWT2025 Logo
Hotel List for #ISCWT2025
At the 2024 ISC World Tournament #ISCWT2024 at Softball City in Surrey, BC on Championship Saturday, Alan Peker, Hill United Chiefs, had a day for the ages going 6-9 with four 2-run home runs, scoring 5 times in total and driving in eight to lead the Chiefs to their sixth ISC World Championship since 2013. Originally produced by Softball Premier TV. Royalty free music courtesy Purple Planet Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
We hope you're all well and are looking forward to the beginning of the fastball season as much as we are! Due to the unique nature of 2025 with the compressed season and the desire to have as many competitive club team tournaments as possible, we're changing up our typical ISC Canada East qualifier format for this year to be round robin with single-elimination bracket playoffs. All games will be at Keterson Park in Mitchell June 13-15. Softball Premier will be streaming all games on the main diamond again this year. There will be multiple divisions to ensure a competitive balance and provide opportunites for additional paid berths for the 2025 World Tournament in North Mankato starting July 26. WIth the increased number of guaranteed games, the entry fee will be a bit higher this year at a max of $695 CAD. It may be less but will not be any more than that. We will be including a four-team Legends division again, too. We recommend booking your hotels early to ensure your space. There's the Quality Inn in Stratford - 25 minute drive - as well as the Listowel Country Inn - about 35 minutes away. At this point, we're asking teams to please confirm their intent to enter the tournament. As always, we thank you for your support and look forward to a top-notch event this June. Contact Blair Setford or Joe Todd
Three New Commissioners, Three Player Reps & One Specialist
The ISC is excited to announce the 2026 World Tournament will be returning to Kitchener, ON! “It will be eight years since we last visited Kitchener and we’re looking forward to returning to such a hotbed for our game,” said ISC Executive Director Larry Fisher. This will be the sixth time as host for Kitchener, with the World Tournament previously visiting in 2002, 2006, 2007, 2014 and 2018. “All of us at Kitchener Fastpitch Promotions are happy to be able to host the ISC World tournament again in 2026,” said Jim Hallman. “We look forward to welcoming the best teams and the best fans to the Peter Hallman Ballyard complex in Kitchener.” There will be 36 teams competing for the ISC World Championship and the ISC II Championship with another 12-16 teams playing in the ISC 50+ Legends division. “Kitchener has been a mecca for fastball teams, fastball players and fastball fans for many years,” said host committee chair Kirk Lackenbauer. “None of these events would be possible without our key volunteers on the Kitchener Fastball Promotions committee and their knowledge and connections, the community volunteers who step up to cover all the various duties required to run these tournaments and our community sponsors who provide the needed financial and technical support to make these events a success.” “We have an excellent group of people that are more than ready and able to put our best forward,” Hallman said. “With the help of our many volunteers and supporters, we are confident that the 2026 tournament will continue in the great tradition of the past ISC World Tournaments that we have hosted.” The 2026 ISC World Tournament will be played from August 8-15, primarily at Peter Hallman Ball Yard. The 2025 ISC World Tournament is being hosted at Caswell Park in North Mankato, MN July 26-August 2, earlier than usual to accommodate men’s fastball being a part of the World Games in Chengdu, Sichuan China. For more information on the ISC, please visit www.iscfastpitch.com.