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By: Gordon Wise - - - ISC Information Officer
Lest anyone should fear, the future of the great game of fastball is in good hands - - - although those hands may come with a few sticky fingers!
Take a close look at the bright, young, enthusiastic faces on the attached photo.
That shot captures several members of the ZAK'S KANDY HAUS team from Frankenmuth, Michigan (that's where the sticky fingers come in).
These lads were taking a break from playoff action in the 2001 International Softball Congress 19 and under tournament to watch action in the ISC World Tournament in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
It is no secret that getting an early start is a key to developing good fastball talent. The ISC's Development Tournaments and programs, coordinated by Developmental Vice President Wayne Fisher
(wfisher@mchsi.com) is reaching out to young men all the way down to 12 and under with the gospel of fastball.
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The payoff is found in teams like ZAK'S KANDY HAUS comprised of youngsters who have been given a nudge in the direction of fastball by someone older than themself.
With few exceptions, such young fastballers as the KANDY HAUS kids have cut their teeth on other sports before being introduced to the sport of fastpitch softball.
Consider CODY HARDING. The 19 year old outfielder from Fenton, Michigan, now a pre-law sophomore at Michigan State, played 'em all in high school where he competed in soccer, golf, cross country, wrestling, and tennis (where he made the all-conference team). His introduction to fastball went all the way back to age 5 when his college coach dad exposed him to the game.
Or consider JARED STASIK of Frankenmuth, Michigan, another 19 year old who came out of a high school background as a tight end in football and a standout in baseball. Honored as a member of the 1st team all-state academic unit in football, Jared took up the game of fastball at age 16. His entry into the game was influenced by his dad, Tom, a long-time ISC Commissioner. Young Stasik is now a Business major at University of Michigan.
Cody and Jared will be facing each other next spring from opposing dugouts as both are involved with the women's fastball team at their universities.
And then there's DAVID BERTHIAUME, a 17 year old high school senior from Roseville, Minnesota. Introduced to fastball at age 12 by his dad and older brother, he plays hockey for his school team and is a standout baseball player who pitched and won the 2001 state championship baseball game as a sophomore.
Or consider the legacy status of 19 year old LANE BENDER who is well on his way to perfecting a Kiwi hop as he pitches for his 19 and under team - - a pitching style he DIDN'T learn from his dad, Darrell Bender, long one of the nation's premier southpaw hurlers. As to his exposure to fastball, young Bender says, "I've been around it since I was two DAYS old!" Lane started to throw underhand at seven years of age, played baseball in high school in Goshen, Indiana, where he received honorable mention all-state honors, and now is playing baseball while a student at Glen Oaks Community College.
And there are more: 19 year old BRIAN JAMMER from Reese, Michigan, an all-conference football player now attending Lansing Community College - - - and 20 year old BLAINE NICHOLSON, from Illinois, a mainstay of Zak's team during the '01 season; and 19 year old JONATHAN WILLIAMS who is now pitching for his college baseball team.
The emerging generation of fastballers - - - young, bright-eyed, talented, and eager to make their mark in the sport of fastball.
Bring 'em on!!!!!
(Left to Right in attached photo: Nick Rodammer, Jared Stasik, Mike Marvosh, Cody Harding, Lane Bender, Brian Jammer, and Blaine Nicholson.)
Gordon Wise - - - ISC Information Officer
Mailto:sgwise@woh.rr.com
http://www.iscfastpitch.com
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