Chiefs Top-Ranked Team for 2025 ISC World Tournament

Blair Setford • July 3, 2025

No Change in Top Seven Teams; Grande Prairie Enter in at #10

Hill United Chiefs will look to defend their ISC World Championship as the top-ranked team heading into the 2025 ISC World Tournament starting July 26 in North Mankato, MN at Caswell Park.


There were no changes in the top 7 in the rankings. STK from Kamloops, BC edged ahead of Fargo, ND Kegel Black Knights into the #8 spot while Grande Prairie, AB Pirates enter into the rankings at #10.  Sandlot Merchants, from Stevens, PA, were the biggest upward movers of the previously ranked teams, jumping three spots to #11 on the strength of three tournament wins.


The ISC rankings committee is overseen by Greg Nydick, Rich Haldane and Bill Berkenpass. Committee members have been selected from across North America and is comprised of players, coaches, administrators and associates. We hope this diverse selection balances each other out and allows for all teams to have rankers that see them.

 

Here's the full rankings list including the change from the pre-season list and below is the raw data from the committee.


Rank Team  Change

  1. Oshwken, ON Hill United Chiefs -
  2. Chippewa of the Thames, ON Bear Creek Gremlins -
  3. Richmond, VA Northeast Drillers -
  4. Chippewa of the Thames, ON Bear Creek Express -
  5. Chippewa of the Thames, ON JDT First Energy -
  6. Lake Crystal, MN Ostrander Norsemen -
  7. Toronto, ON Batmen -
  8. Kamloops, BC STK Fastball +1
  9. Fargo, ND Kegel Black Knights -1
  10. Grande Prairie, AB Pirates N/R
  11. Stevens, PA Sandlot +3
  12. Amsterdam, NY Team 518 -1
  13. Pueblo, CO Bandits -
  14. Waterdown, ON Hammer -2
  15. Midland, MI Explorers -5
  16. Wiarton, ON Georgian Bay Giants -
  17. Olympia, Wa Lacey A's -2
  18. Ensenada, MX Team Marquez N/R
  19. Kingston, ON Axemen -1
  20. Fond du Lac, WI AHI Reapers -3
  21. Appleton, WI Bar Buzz -2
  22. Houston, TX Aces -2
  23. Townsend, ON Tide -2
  24. Walton, ON Brewers -1
  25. Brisbane, AU Southside Stingers +1
  26. Cross Lake, MB CanWest Thunder -1
  27. Seattle, WA Dirt Dog -3
  28. Sebringville, ON Sting -6
  29. Winnipeg, MB Peguis Redmen N/R
  30. Madison, WI Bar Blues N/R
  31. Grass Valley, CA Greens N/R
  32. Wabash, IN Sting N/R

Mitchell Armstrong: The Dirt Guy Playing for The Dirt Dogs

By Brian Eradus • June 24, 2025
A Love for the Game Rooted in Family From the moment Mitchell Armstrong first stepped onto the diamond at age five, softball became more than just a sport—it became a family affair. Coached by his mother throughout his youth and inspired by his Grandpa Jack, Mitchell’s early years were filled with passion, discipline, and drive. “My mom and brother have pushed me to become the player I am today,” he says. “They always encouraged me to do my best and love the game.” The Dirt Guy Known affectionately as “The Dirt Guy,” Mitchell embraces a unique pre-pitch ritual: grabbing a handful of dirt before every pitch. “It reminds me of the happiness this sport gives me,” he shares. “And it helps my hands stay dry!” Hard Lessons, Stronger Resolve In 2011, a fractured foot kept Mitchell from playing in his first provincials—a heartbreaking setback that taught him the importance of caution and preparation. That experience fueled his determination to stay mentally and physically ready for every big stage, including multiple ISC World Tournament appearances.

Chiefs Challenge on Softball Premier

By Blair Setford • June 20, 2025
Tonight and all weekend on Softball Premier YouTube with Peter Loubardias Blair Setford & Joe Todd it's the Hill United Chiefs Challenge live from Lions Park in Simcoe. Game 1 : Toronto Batmen vs Hill United Chiefs https://www.youtube.com/live/IVY3RWFYkNI?si=MsbnlruY-j-aRks6 Game 2 : Chiefs vs Ohsweken Redmen https://www.youtube.com/live/lQBPUwh3zck?si=zkkbxDChCzKGTLwW Partnership with Eastlink for Ontario #hereforsoftball #softballpremier