INTERNATIONAL SOFTBALL CONGRESS
CARROL FORBES LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP FOUNDATION
By Milt Stark, ISC Executive Director Emeritus 

Displeased with what he believed to be oppressive and suffocating rules, a young and energetic Greeley, Colorado tire merchant, who promoted softball as a sideline, decided to bolt from The Amateur Softball Association of America (ASA) and form another governing body for the sport. 

That happened over 55 years ago. Today, 20 years after his death, Carrol Forbes's dream has definitely come true - his exclusive little men's fastpitch tournament has become the most prestigious event in all of softball. The annual winner of the ISC World Tournament is recognized as the best team in men's fastball - ISC World Champions!

To honor Forbes and to provide funding for special projects, umpire/commissioner Les Novak of Minnesota suggested during the ISC Board of Directors meeting in Summerside, PEI in 1994 that the Carrol Forbes Lifetime Membership Foundation be formed. A year later the foundation was established, and Novak became the initial charter donor with a $1000 contribution. 

To date nearly $20,000 (US) is in the foundation account. All monies donated stay in that account - only earned interest will be spent for special projects. Seventy-five percent of this is earmarked for the ISC Developmental (Youth) Program. In the U.S. the ISC enjoys 501C3 tax-exempt status, and all donations are tax deductible. Membership information can be found on page 62 of the 2002 ISC World Championship Guide or by contacting any ISC official.

No more worthy charitable institution exists in the sport of softball, and it could not bear a more deserving name. Carrol Forbes was a generous man who gave not only his tremendous energy but also his personal resources to promote softball. 

In the late 40s, while traveling North America at his own expense to promote the sport and his new organization, he was also busy building a ballpark on his own land with his money in Greeley. The new Forbes Field was the site of the next three world tournaments. Known as "The Finest Little Park in the West," Forbes Field housed crowds in excess of 5000 numerous times during the three-year span and helped put his new organization on its financial feet. 

Forbes was the mastermind and the ramrod of the ISC for 35 years. He devoted his life to his wife Vera, their family, his church and softball. His "by the book" leadership has become the foundation of the International Softball Congress. 

May the Carrol Forbes spirit smile on this 56th Annual International Softball Congress World Fastpitch Tournament!