ISC Announces 2025 Hall of Fame Nominees

Blair Setford • October 18, 2024

Six To Be Inducted at 2025 Hall of Fame Breakfast

 The International Softball Congress is pleased to announce the players, administrator and three recipients for the Bob Welby Dedication Award that have been nominated for induction into the ISC Hall of Fame at the 2025 ISC World Tournament in North Mankato, MN.


Congratulations to pitchers Jeremy Manley and Brent Stevenson, long-time ISC administrator Keith Erkenbrack as well as Robert (Bob) Otto, Jon Kegel and the Hill Family.


Jeremy Manley arrived in Pueblo, CO with the Bandits in 2001 as a young man and instantly elevated the Bandits. A power pitcher with terrific movement on his pitches, Jeremy was a threat to beat any team single-handedly. He was named to three ISC All World First Teams and one ISC All World Second Team during his 16 ISC World Tournaments. He notched 33 wins, which places him in the top 20 all-time. Always a high strike-out pitcher, he fanned 27 in one 12-inning game and took 37Ks in one 16-inning game.


Previously announced in 2023, Brent Stevenson was a star for the Decatur ADM teams in the 1980s making ISC All World First Team in 1984 and 1985 and ISC All World Second Team in 1987 with Decatur Pride. He won 12 games in a row at the World Tournament from 1981-1984 and finished with 23 career ISC wins. Brent went on to star in the Legends division with another 20 career wins.


Keith Erkenbrack, Deer Park, WA, first joined the ISC as a commissioner for three years in 1980-82, before returning for a 10-year stint from 1999-2008 and most recently has served as a commissioner and then U.S. Vice President from 2013 to present. Keith was a key man in the strong NorWest league, creating a presence for the ISC running qualifiers and affiliating the league. Today, he serves as the Tournament Director for the ISC Legends 50+ division which has grown both in stature and quality under his direction. In total, Keith has been active in the game for more than 50 years and continues to give his time to promoting fastpitch.


Originally hailing from Minnesota, Robert (Bob) Otto, Yucaipa, CA, is a longtime fastpitch pitcher, photographer, writer and newspaperman. In the late heyday of the game in 1990s through the early 2000s, Bob was fastpitch’s most prolific writer, and published articles and game photos regularly at his own website Otto in Focus. His photos have graced the cover of the ISC Guide and many websites, including FastpitchWest and Al’s Fastball. In 2011, he published a book of fastpitch memoirs entitled “We Play It Fast”.


Jon Kegel, Fargo, ND, has been managing and sponsoring men’s and youth teams in North Dakota for more than 35 years - among them the Kegel Black Knights and Kegel Signs - winning multiple state and regional championships along with a coveted national championship in 2020. His U23 teams also won multiple ISC Development tournaments in the 90s and 2000s. Jon was instrumental in bringing the ISC World Tournament to Fargo in 2004 and for many year’s was the tournament director for the Holme Classic and Memorial Day Classic tournaments, also in Fargo.


The Hill Family, Ohsweken, ON, founded the Hill United Chiefs in 2012 and nearly won the ISC World Tournament in their inaugural season. Since then, the Chiefs have become one of the most successful teams in the history of the ISC. The extended Hill family helps to support local teams and tournaments across southern Ontario to assist in promoting the sport. Their love of the game goes back many years prior to the Chiefs and their support of athletics in the Six Nations community expands beyond fastpitch to include lacrosse and hockey as well as the Dreamcatcher Foundation which assists aboriginal families and communities across Canada.


The annual ISC Hall of Fame Breakfast and Induction ceremony will be on the first Sunday of the 2025 ISC World Tournament in North Mankato, MN. A reminder that the 2025 ISC World Tournament dates are July 26-August 2 to accommodate men’s fastpitch being a medal sport at the World Games.

Mathieu Roy: A Force in Left Field

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.

Yusuke Morita: Zen-Focused and Ready to Compete for Bear Creek Express

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.