The results are in! After a record-breaking number of ballots cast by fans around the globe, the International Softball Congress is proud to announce that Mark Sorenson has been voted the ISC Player of the Decade for the 1990s.
Sorenson dominated the polls with a massive 45.4% of the total vote, surging ahead of an elite field of finalists that included fastpitch legends Billy Boyer (13.4%), Brian Paton (9.4%), Tim Wahl (7.7%), and Adam Smith (6.9%).
A Global Surge from New Zealand
The race was highly competitive until the final stretch. While Sorenson led throughout much of the window, a monumental late push from his home country of New Zealand in the final five days of voting solidified his victory. The “Kiwi Connection” proved that Sorenson’s impact on the game transcends borders, as fans from the Hutt Valley and beyond rallied to honor their favorite son.
The Standard of Excellence in the 90s
Mark Sorenson’s performance in the 1990s wasn’t just good—it was historic. Throughout the decade, the catcher/infielder was a fixture on the ISC All-World Team, earning the honor an incredible eight times between 1991 and 1999 alone.
Whether he was suited up for Penn Corp, NHCD, All Car, or the Travelers, Sorenson was the ultimate dual threat. Known for his tactical brilliance behind the plate and his explosive power in the batter’s box, he remains one of the most feared hitters to ever step into an ISC circle.
Sorenson’s 1990s Accolades:
- ISC All-World Selections: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999.
- Power Hitting: Ranks 2nd all-time in Grand Slams at the ISC World Tournament (including back-to-back years in ’97 and ’98).
- Defensive Mastery: Famously caught the perfect game in the 1996 World Final.
A Legacy Cemented
Inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame in 2010, Sorenson’s career spans 18 seasons of excellence. From his debut as a teenager to captaining the Black Sox to multiple World Championships, his “software” for the game—his IQ and leadership—matched his physical “hardware.”
“Mark Sorenson didn’t just play the game; he controlled it. Whether he was calling a masterpiece from behind the plate or delivering a clutch RBI, he was the gold standard of the 90s.”
Stay tuned tomorrow as we reveal the winner of the 1990s Pitcher of the Decade!
