Blaine Milheim: Building Wins Through Grit, Growth, and Gameday Focus

At 28 years old, Blaine Milheim is no stranger to the grind. A tenacious competitor, sharp third baseman, and respected presence in the Northeast Drillers’ lineup, Milheim brings more than just raw talent to the fastpitch diamond—he brings purpose.

Whether he’s flashing leather at the hot corner or delivering clutch at-bats, Blaine is driven by one goal: helping his team bring home an ISC World Tournament championship. And after already tasting victory with the Hallman Twins in 2022, he knows what it takes to get there.

From Family Ballparks to ISC Podiums

Milheim’s fastpitch story began in Eaton Rapids, Michigan, rooted in family tradition. “I grew up watching my dad play the men’s game, my sister play softball, and eventually my brother after college,” he shares. “Once I was old enough, I jumped in.”

He started at 15, playing for the Wrightway Tree company, l and quickly found that fastpitch offered the adrenaline, pace, and global camaraderie that made it irresistible. “I loved the pace. It’s intense and quick. And the friendships you form through this sport are unmatched.”

Adapting to the Game—and Rewriting His Swing

Transitioning from baseball wasn’t easy. One of the biggest hurdles Blaine faced was learning to hit the rise ball—especially after spending nearly two decades with a baseball swing. “It took a complete overhaul,” he admits. “But it’s been worth it.”

As a former catcher and college outfielder, Milheim has also had to embrace a new role at third base. “It was a steep learning curve, but I’ve always been a utility guy,” he says. “Now I’m doing what it takes to help the team wherever I’m needed.”

Driven by Mentors and a Never-Settle Mentality

Blaine credits a long list of mentors for shaping his game. His dad and brother laid the foundation. His high school coach taught him the mental side, especially base running. And former USA standout Tyler Dudley played a crucial role in Milheim’s early softball career.

“He believed in me before I even deserved it,” Blaine laughs. “He introduced me to the right people and gave me confidence.”

Another major influence is Zac Shaw, who entered the game around the same time as Milheim. “We’ve always held each other accountable. Zac helped me change my approach at the plate, which changed everything for me.”

A Superstitious Gamer with a Team-First Focus

Like many athletes, Blaine admits to being superstitious. “Whatever’s working, I stick with it until it doesn’t anymore,” he says with a grin. That dedication has served him well, especially in pressure situations.

But individual accolades don’t interest him much. “I just want to do whatever it takes to help us win. Personal awards mean nothing without team success.”

As for 2025? It’s all about getting back to the ISC championship game. “That’s the mission. Mata gives us a chance every night from the circle. It’s up to us to deliver at the plate.”

Mental and Physical Prep—On and Off the Field

When it comes to preparation, Blaine has developed a philosophy: train faster than the game itself.

“I hit year-round and practice at speeds we’d never see in an actual game. It forces you to adapt and stay sharp.”

That same commitment applies to his mental game. “You don’t need hours. Even 30 minutes of focused work is better than going through the motions. And if you only get 10 reps—make them count.”

He’s also built a tight local training group with other softball players. “It’s fun. It keeps the energy up and helps us all improve.”

Memories and Milestones

His proudest moment? Winning the 2022 ISC title with the Hallman Twins. “That tournament meant everything. The energy, the pressure, the celebration—it was unreal.”

And recently, Blaine got the chance to play alongside his father for the first time. “It was one of those full-circle moments I’ll never forget.”

The Future of the Game—and a Vision for Growth

Looking ahead, Blaine believes the ISC circuit will remain elite, even if fewer teams remain. “What Softball Premier TV is doing is huge. It’s helping grow awareness around the world.”

But he hopes for one change: spreading the talent. “It’d be great to see the money distributed so there are 10 real contenders, not just three. That would elevate the entire sport.”

For the next generation, Blaine’s advice is simple:
“Hitting. Softball IQ. Base running. Master those and you’ll be a nightmare for any defense.”

Keep Up With Blaine Milheim

📍 Hometown: Eaton Rapids, MI
🧢 Team: Northeast Drillers
📲 Instagram: @milslime
💼 Profession: Sales at Wrightway Tree Company

From his first at-bat as a teenager to standing atop the ISC podium, Blaine Milheim represents the hustle, evolution, and love of the game that fastpitch is all about. And as 2025 approaches, he's more determined than ever to help the Drillers bring home another title.

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Megwan Muswaggon – Pride of the North on the Mound

By Brian Eradus • April 29, 2025

At 25 years old, Megwan Muswaggon has already become a household name in fastpitch circles across Northern Manitoba. Pitching and playing first base for the Can-West Thunder , Megwan brings power, precision, and pride to the game every time he takes the field—carrying the hopes of his hometown, Cross Lake , wherever he goes. Carrying on a Family Legacy For Megwan, fastpitch isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. “I was about 7 or 8 when I started pitching,” he says. “My father, David, was a pitcher himself and introduced me to the game. I grew up watching him and always wanted to be like him.” That influence became even stronger over time, with Megwan also spending three summers training under Canadian fastpitch legend Darren Zack . Fastpitch has deep roots in his community. “It’s the top sport in Cross Lake. We have over 25 youth teams, eight women’s teams, and up to 18 men’s teams. Fastpitch is alive and well in Northern Manitoba.” From Local Diamonds to the World Stage Transitioning from community games to the global fastpitch scene hasn’t always been easy. “Early on, learning the mechanics of pitching was a challenge. But later, the biggest test became mental—adjusting from reserve ball to the world stage,” Megwan explains. Now entering the prime of his career, Megwan sees himself as a key piece of the Can-West Thunder roster. “Without pitchers, your team falls apart,” he says candidly. “So I know I’ve got a big job—keeping the score close and giving my team a chance to win.”

Mathieu Roy: A Force in Left Field

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.