Passing of Hall of Famer Jay Bob Bickford

Blair Setford • July 27, 2022

Bickford was 1980 MVP & Top Pitcher

The ISC is saddened to hear of the passing of Hall of Famer Jay Bob Bickford.


Jay Bob pitched from 1962 to 1987 for some of Arizona’s finest teams. He played on 13 Arizona State Championship Teams and was voted to the ASA All- American Team in 1971. He was named to the ISC All-World Team in 1977 and 1980 and was named as the ISC Most Outstanding Pitcher as well as the Most Valuable Player in the 1980 World Tournament pitching for Phoenix, AZ 7th Avenue Auto Parts  He was also the Arizona State Travel League MVP in both 1977 and 1980. He was inducted into the Arizona Softball Hall of Fame in 2000.


Jay Bob was one of the most dominating fastpitch softball pitchers in Arizona history. He played for a number of years on the premier teams in the state and nation, including the Turquoise Kings from 1974-1978. During those years the Kings won five ISC Travel League championships and placed second at the ISC World Tournament in 1974. After the Kings, he played for the 7th Avenue Auto Parts, again finishing second in 1980.


We extend our condolences to the Bickford family.

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.
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.