ISC Saddened by Passing of Two-Time Legends MVP Ward Gosse
Blair Setford • January 20, 2025
Ward Gosse 1968-2025

The ISC is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Newfoundland native Ward Goss and we offer our deepest sympathies to Ward's family, teammates and friends.
Ward had a long and distinguished fastball career, being inducted into the Softball Newfoundland & Labrador Hall of Fame in 2014. At the National level, Ward played on 15 Provincial teams winning 6 Medals: 1 Gold, 3 Silver & 2 Bronze and was named to the All-Tournament Team on three occasions.
Internationally, he was named to the ISC Second All-World Team as a Pitcher in 2006 with Kegel Black Knights and in 2007, he was named Second Team All-American at the ASA National Championship. In 2012, he was a member of the Parry Island Hawks team that captured the ISC II Championship and was named Tournament MVP and Most Outstanding Pitcher.
In the ISC Legends 50+ division, Ward was the MVP in both 2018 and 2022 as a member of the championship-winning Sudbury Relics team.
His accomplishments in the St. John's Men's Fastball League are legion, including Rookie of the Year in 1988, Sportsmanship & Ability in 2003, 1 Triple Crown of Batting, 2 Triple Crowns of Pitching, 7 Regular Season MVPs, 10 Playoff MVPs and 11 All-League Team Selections.
Ward was a multi-sport athlete and during the fastball offseason he demonstrated a love and talent for hockey. He played for 17 years in the Senior A St. John’s Senior Hockey League and was a member of 5 Herder championship teams in 1990, 1995, 1996, 2002, and 2005. He was top defensemen in the West Coast Senior Hockey League for the 2002-2003 season. In 2019, he was inducted in the Sport Newfoundland Hall of Fame.
Outside of his stellar athletic career, Ward served in municipal government and spent more than 20 years in the Real Estate and Financial Services industry after graduating from Memorial University. He grew up in Bay Roberts and lived in the scenic town of Torbay. Ward is survived by his wife Karen of over 28 years, and was a proud father of three beautiful children Cassidy, Samuel and Makay.
Ward's presence will be missed greatly on ballfields in Newfoundland, in Ontario and across North America.

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.”