ISC Welcomes New Personnel

Blair Setford • February 9, 2025

Three New Commissioners, Three Player Reps & One Specialist

 The ISC is pleased to welcome three new commissioners, three player reps and a new specialist to the organization as we continue to evolve to make the ISC World Tournament better than ever.


Chris Hopewell, Elmsdale, NS, joins us as Regional Commissioner for Atlantic Canada. Chris is currently president of Softball Nova Scotia and is active in the men’s game with the Shooters Bar & Grill Men’s League, the top league in the province, and also coaches the Nova Scotia Mastodons, the 2017 Canadian Champions. In his spare time, he co-hosts the popular Outside the Chute podcast.


Ferdi Nelissen, Portage La Prairie, MB, re-joins the ISC as a Canada West Regional Commissioner after serving a 17-year stint as a commissioner and VP through 1990s and 2000s. Ferdi, who was elected to the ISC Hall of Fame in 2018, is an active volunteer in Manitoba Hockey and in other organizations in his home province.


Scott Perry, Oshawa, ON, is joining the ISC as a Regional Commissioner in Canada East. Scott has previously been the coach of the Toronto Batmen and currently suits up for the Cobourg Force Legends team. Well known in one of the game’s hotbeds in Ontario, Scott will work with closely with Canada East personnel to continue the pipeline of teams in ISC.


Brian Eradus, Vancouver, BC, comes aboard as Communications Specialist and will apply his top-notch talents to expanding the ISC’s presence even further on social media, conducting additional out-reach to players and teams. If you saw any of the social media presence from Softball City for the 2024 ISC World Tournament, then you’ve seen Brian’s excellent work!


Shane Boland, St. John’s, NL, is the newest player representative from Atlantic Canada. Shane, currently a member of the defending ISC World Champions Hill United Chiefs, has been playing in the ISC since 2012.


Jeff Lyons, Glencoe, ON, joins as a player representative for Canada East. Jeff, who played with Bear Creek Express in 2024, has participated in the ISC for the last decade with multiple Ontario teams.


Chris Norris, St. George, UT, is joining the ISC as a player rep in US West. Chris has played for the Pueblo Bandits for many years and is the Director of Player Development for the softball team at Utah Tech.


Welcome aboard to all of our new personnel – we look forward to your contributions!


You can find all of the ISC commissioners, specialists and player reps on the ISC website Contact page at: www.iscfastpitch.com




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.
By Blair Setford April 20, 2025
**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