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February 12, 2003
By: Gordon Wise - - ISC Information Officer
http://www.iscfastpitch.com /
It's starting to happen - - - and it will be happening all across the continent this summer!
Rather than just talk about the lack of pitchers coming on the fastpitch softball ("fastball") scene, the International Softball Congress is doing something about it.
Under the capable direction of ISC Pitching Clinic Administrator, Kyle Beane, and Lead Pitching Instructor, Doug Gillis, a series of pitching clinics will be held during the 2003 season.
From Arizona to Ontario, world-class instruction will be available under the banner of the I.S.C. at tournaments throughout the U.S. and Canada. As of this date, there are 11 clinics set with many more to be added as more and more I.S.C. Commissioners and other tournament directors swing into action scheduling clinics for boys and men interested in learning the skill of pitching - - the lifeblood of the sport of fastball!
The ball has already started to roll. In late January, International Commissioner (and ace hurler) Bill Hillhouse conducted a very successful clinic for two days during the AAU Men's International Tournament held at Disney World in Florida. The clinic attracted more than 30 individual pitching prospects.
Kyle Beane, whose efforts are spearheading the outbreak of clinics, commented on the importance of developing pitchers, "This is THE KEY to keeping the sport alive and well. Pitchers = TEAMS. There sure aren't many developed pitchers who are looking for teams; it is quite the other way around."
World-class pitcher Doug Gillis noted that, "There are plenty of men and boys who have been position players in the sport - - or may still be playing baseball - - who may want to look at becoming pitchers."
Gillis, (douggillis@aol.com) who has 15 years experience in teaching young people how to pitch, has developed a series of videos on the subject. The I.S.C. is making those top-quality videos available to persons who conduct one of the clinics sponsored by the organization during the coming season.
Beane has been busy providing information and "how-to-do-it" suggestions to tournament directors (including some I.S.C. commissioners) who are planning to present a clinic.
He is hoping tournament directors and other I.S.C. personnel get involved with the clinic schedule. "The I.S.C. has asked each commissioner to hold a clinic this season. These can be held in conjunction with Area tournaments, Travel League events, or any other appropriate time."
He has a wealth of suggestions, tips, and other practical information dealing with organization, format and content, promotion, and suggested types of persons to seek out, which he is eager to share with anyone interested in conducting a clinic.
Beane urges any I.S.C. commissioner or tournament director who has not already begun planning to conduct a clinic to contact him for more information. He can be reached at: kbeane8@yahoo.com
(Phone: 810-813-5178).
With more clinics to be added (and reported here) the current lineup is as follows:
DATE
LOCATION
EVENT
CONTACT PERSON/EMAIL
May 17 Midland, MI
Michigan Open
Kyle Beane Kbeane8@yahoo.com
May 24 Erie, PA
Carpetowne Inv.
Dana Suppa dsuppa@eriesd.iu5.org
May 24 Tubac, AZ
Memorial Day Tour.
Herb Wisdom HerbWisdom@webtv.net
May 31
Kitchener, ONT. Peter Hallman Inv.
Larry Lynch Larry.lynch@city.kitchener.on.ca
June 7 Kimberly, WI.
Grafmeier Invit.
Dave LaBlanc Farm32@aol.com
June 20-28 Walcott, IO.
Iowa ISC Area Tour.
Pat Sullivan PatSullivanISC@AOL.com
July 5
Grand Island, NE Broken Bow Tour.
Steve Kooser skooser@ksdot.org
July 12
Salt Lake City, UT Pioneer Days
Ken Hackmeister KLSPORTS@aol.com
July 19
Orillia, ONT.
CasinoRama World Series of Fastball
Paul Barnetson pbarnetson@encode.com
July 26
Allentown, PA Bob Walsh Memorial
Mike Groves falcon@fedlock.com
Aug. 9
Kimberly, WI
ISC World Tourney
Tom Crouch dfsc@juno.com
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