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

Brian Eradus • April 18, 2025

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

  • πŸ“ Hometown: Eaton Rapids, MI
  • 🧒 Team: Northeast Drillers
  • πŸ“² Instagram: @milslime
  • πŸ’Ό Profession: Sales at Wrightway Tree Company


ο»ΏFrom 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.

By Brian Eradus August 3, 2025
πŸŽ‰ 2025 ISC World Tournament Champions – Hill United ChiefsπŸ† Second Place: Bear Creek Express Third Place: NorthEast Drillers Fourth Place: STK Fastball πŸ† ISC All World 2nd Team πŸ† OUTFIELD Jonathan Lynch - JDT First Energy Yusef Davis - Bear Creek Express Callum Beashel - Bear Creek Express INFIELD Lenny Villalvazo - Hill United Chiefs Manual Godoy - STK Fastball Ladislao Malarczuk - Bear Creek Gremlins Blaine Milheim - NorthEast Drillers Catcher Conredo Zanuttini - STK Fastball DP Jessin Potskin - STK Fastball Pitchers Devon McCullough - JDT First Energy Jorge Segura - STK Fastball Jack Besgrove - Bear Creek Gremlins πŸ† ISC All World 1st Team πŸ† OUTFIELD Thomas Enoka - NorthEast Drillers Bradley Ezekiel - Hill United Chiefs Alejo "Choco" Muñoz - STK Fastball INFIELD Luigar Pinto - Bear Creek Express Tony Gonzalez - Hill United Chiefs Fede Eder - STK Fastball Cam Schiller - NorthEast Drillers CATCHER Juan Zara - NorthEast Drillers DP Luchi Biondi PITCHER Marco Diaz - Hill United Chiefs Ty Sebastian - Bear Creek Express Huemel Mata - NorthEast Drillers πŸ† Best Dressed Team πŸ† Georgian Bay Giants πŸ† Frank Porth Team Sportsman Award πŸ† Kegel Black Knights πŸ† Kevin Herlihy Newcomer Of The Year Award πŸ† Ryan Bicknell - STK Fastball πŸ† Leroy Zimmerman Most Outstanding Pitcher πŸ† Marco Diaz - Hill United Chiefs πŸ† Cloe Coyette Most Valuable Player πŸ† Ty Sebastian - Bear Creek Express Congratulations to all of the ISC Award Winners!
By Brian Eradus August 2, 2025
πŸŽ‰ 2025 ISC Legends Champions – Cobourg Force! πŸ† Second Place: CR Brewers Third Place: All-Seasons Patriots Third Place: Highroad Excavating North Stars πŸ† Legends All Tournament Team - Players πŸ† Trevor McCabe - CR Brewers Ales Jelmar - All Seasons Patriots Tom Berube - Cobourg Force Corey Vey - Highroad Excavating Northstars Mike Brooks - Waterdown Hammer Terry Challis - CR Brewers Bart Fenstermacher - All Seasons Patriots Pat Shannon - Canada Maccabi Chris Miljavac - All Seasons Patriots Craig Crawford - CR Brewers Jeff Detta - Cobourg Force Mark Pothier - CR Brewers πŸ† Legends Leading Hitter πŸ† Dave Brownhill - Cobourg Force - AVG 0.657 πŸ† Legends RBI Leaders πŸ† 11 - Bart Fenstamaucher - All Seasons Patriots 11 - Gene Luton - Parksville Red Sox πŸ† Most Outstanding Pitcher πŸ† Grant Patterson - Cobourg Force πŸ† Ward Gosse Memorial Legends Most Valuable Player πŸ† Dave Brownhill - Cobourg Force Congratulations to all winners in the ISC Legends Tournament.