ISC Saddened by Passing of Hall of Famer Jim Doyle

Blair Setford • April 16, 2023

Jim Doyle Inducted into ISC Hall of Fame in 2021

The ISC is saddened by news this morning of the passing of Hall of Famer Jim Doyle.

Doyle, who was inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame in 2021, was the epitome of longevity in softball. Commencing his at age nine in 1943, the octogenarian displayed his pitching prowess at various levels of fastpitch competition primarily in and around his birthplace of Flint, MI for more than five decades.

Jim’s first league start was at age nine at the strong encouragement of his father Jim Doyle Sr. who inserted him into the lineup of an adult league team – McDonald’s Dairy Boys in Flushing, MI. It would be 36 more years when, in 1979 at age 45, Jim made his inaugural ISC appearance in Bakersfield CA. That was the first of six World Tournaments (others included Tempe AZ 1980, Saginaw MI 1981, Bakersfield CA 1983, Kimberly WI 1985 and Victoria BC 1990) spanning a dozen summers. All of the teams he competed with in the ISC were there only because Jimmy Doyle was pitching for them.

In his final ISC WT in Victoria, Jim established a record as the oldest pitcher, at age 56, to post a victory in an ISC WT game. Jim tossed a tidy five-hitter as his Ludington MI Schoenherr Investments team shut down the Shelbyville IN Sting 1-0 in eight innings. During Jim’s half-century of toeing the rubber, and competing in a variety of levels of fastpitch from local leagues to ASA Class “C” to the ISC and ASA national championships, Jim pitched in excess of 2,000 wins along with more than 200 no-hitters (his first one in 1956 in league play in Flint) and a very impressive 26 perfect games, including one in 1958 on the day that his son Jimmy was born. Losses totaled about 200, which resulted in a winning average hovering around .900!

At one time, Jim, the oldest of a family of ten athletic boys, played on the same Class AA team in Flint as his brothers Bill, Bob, Chuck, Ed and twins Joe and John. The team’s manager was their father Jim Doyle Sr. of course!

Jim also excelled in boxing, winning the middleweight championships of Flint and the state of Michigan in both 1955 and 1959. Another competitive outlet was driving stock cars on racetracks throughout Michigan.

We extend our condolences to the Doyle family at this time.

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.