Thoughts From The New Commissioners
by Merle Brendeland

There are eight new commissioners in the ISC this year. After they have gone through the 2000 tourney in their role as a new commissioner, I have asked them some of their thoughts and observations. Historically, there has been little turnover in the roster of the commissioners, so perhaps the class of 2000 has some thoughts on the duties and opportunities as a commissioner. Following are excerpts from the interviews.

Keith Erkenbrack
Keith represents the Washington/Oregon/British Columbia area. He has been a manager and player for over 20 years in the Seattle area. He was the first Norwest Travel League commissioner and was the League director from 1979 to 1993. After dropping out of fastpitch in 1994, he agreed to return to the ISC. He has remained involved with the Seattle fastpitch scene so obviously not a newcomer to the game.

A key emphasis is to revitalize the ISC programs in the Pacific Northwest and help develop some teams that would be a perennial participant in the world tourney. Last year was very disappointing that there were no teams from the area. The area has long been a stronghold of competition in fastpitch but now needs a boost. Keith hopes to hold a qualifying tourney this year and present one solid team to Eau Claire. The travel required for the teams in the area to play high-level competition was a contributor to not having a league in 2000. Presently trying to rework the league and have the opportunity for 2001.

Keith observes there is little youth play in the Pacific Northwest with the exception of British Columbia, where there is strength in the programs there. The intent this year would be for Seattle to sponsor a clinic for boy's fast pitch this next year.

The largest challenge will be to rebuild, recruit and revitalize top-level fast pitch. This will require some work from the commissioner in attracting teams to the travel league with the capability and desire to go to the ISC tourney and compete against the best.

Dave LeBlanc
Dave is the newly appointed commissioner for Wisconsin. He agreed to be a commissioner to strengthen the fastpitch softball in the Kimberly area. (By the way, many people consider this to be a stronghold of fastpitch) Dave has been involved in the game at many levels for 25 years now and is currently a member of the Farm Tavern team.

Dave feels that the responsibilities of a commissioner is to organize, recruit and solicit teams to play in the travel leagues with the ultimate goal of qualification in the ISC world tourney. He also feels that commissioners should be active in recruiting potential players from Little League and other youth baseball games. The future growth in fastpitch softball will be directly related to recruiting younger players before they fall prey to slow pitch. .

The ISC needs more visibility with teams, potential players and fans. This can be assisted by the commissioners meeting with teams around the state and suggesting to established teams that they recruit some of the younger potential players. Obviously, the commissioners have the first and best opportunities to recruit and promote.

Dave feels that the largest potential changes to the ISC would be for the tourney to go to a 2 or 3-division format. This would give more teams a chance at competition among peers and provide more opportunities for a championship.

Larry McKinney
Larry is the area commissioner from Utah. He assumed the position from Fred Tamagawa, a long-term ISC commissioner while also being Sports Manager for Salt Lake County Recreation. What is amazing is that Larry has never been a fast pitch player, however there is an effect from the gene pool. His father was a long time pitcher in Texas and naturally, Larry grew up at the ballpark.

Larry feels that the duties and responsibilities of commissioner should have significant attention to the grass roots of player development and recruitment. He cites rising travel costs, accommodations, and player salaries as major detriments toward top-level competition. A key point is to develop fast pitch players early rather than go through the conversion process from baseball. He also feels that the commissioners should play an active role in the development of youth leagues. This is not only a task for the ISC youth commissioner, but a grass roots effort to develop locally. Because of Larry's role in the recreation department, he will have the opportunity to develop some youth leagues.

For increasing visibility of the ISC, Larry will try to recruit teams from the neighboring states, specifically Idaho and Northern Nevada to enter the area tourney for a chance to qualify for the world tourney. As far as promotions, many newspapers offer free advertising for recreational purposes. All it takes is someone to provide the information to hopefully generate player interest, fan interest and sponsor interest.

As far as changes to the ISC, Larry feels that fast pitch softball needs a real transfusing of domestic players into the game. This will ultimately strengthen the game and will help the low budget teams compete in the game.

Writers note: This is a summary of the responses from these commissioners. I appreciate the rapid responses (and some lengthy) from the commissioners. I would encourage you fast pitch fans to approach any commissioners in a positive way and ask how can we all help the change.

Merle Brenderland
mbrendeland@sauer-danfoss.com