Gian Paolo Ferrari – Rising Pitching Talent from Guatemala

Brian Eradus • May 30, 2025

At just 24 years old, Gian Paolo Ferrari is poised to make a major impact on the international fastpitch stage. Wearing jersey #48, Gian Paolo heads into the 2025 ISC season with the Sandlot Merchants after playing with the NW Braves last year—bringing a powerful arm, sharp focus, and unshakable determination to every outing.

A Chance Encounter That Sparked a Career

Gian Paolo’s journey into fastpitch began unexpectedly. A Guatemalan pitching coach saw him casually trying pitching motions and told him, “You’ve got some wood to work with.” That invitation to the coach’s academy set Gian Paolo on a path toward elite competition. Inspired by his dad and mentored early by respected names like Sergio Vargas and Alain Roman, Gian Paolo learned the value of persistence: “Keep working, even if things don’t go as expected.”

Personal and Team Goals for 2025

For Gian Paolo, the upcoming season is all about solidifying his role as a reliable starting pitcher and helping the Sandlot Merchants break into the ISC Top 10. He’s focusing on hitting specific spots with the ball, refining his pitching precision, and growing stronger alongside his teammates. “We’re developing together, and that makes us dangerous,” he says confidently.

ISC: The Ultimate Proving Ground

To Gian Paolo, the ISC World Tournament is nothing short of the pinnacle. “It’s a privilege to play in the best tournament in the world,” he says. He’ll never forget his first ISC win—or the rush of pitching against stars like Andrew Kirkpatrick and Adam Folkard. His advice to newcomers? “Enjoy it and focus on the details.”


Training and Mental Edge

Gian Paolo’s preparation is intense and daily, covering both physical and mental aspects:
✅ Daily training, including physical strength and pitching mechanics
✅ Mental visualization exercises to rehearse game situations
✅ Focus on development drills like the “K stage” for strikeouts

His go-to reminder? “Keep working—the good times will come in the right time.”


The Future of Fastpitch

Looking ahead, Gian Paolo envisions fastpitch evolving into a professional, globally televised sport with high-level marketing and expanded live streaming. He believes the ISC can lead this charge by promoting tournaments more widely and giving fans worldwide a front-row seat to the action.


Words for Young Players

For up-and-coming fastpitch athletes, Gian Paolo emphasizes:
💥 Discipline
💥 Teamwork
💥 Focus

He adds, “You don’t just train to play—you train to win.”


Follow Gian Paolo Ferrari

📍 Hometown: Guatemala City, Guatemala
🧢 2025 Team: Sandlot Merchants
📸 Instagram: @ferrari_gp
👤 Facebook: Gian Paolo Ferrari
💼 Profession: Marketer


As he sharpens his arsenal and leads the Sandlot Merchants into the next ISC season, keep your eyes on Gian Paolo Ferrari—a rising star with the talent, grit, and mindset to take on the world’s best. 🌍🔥

By Blair Setford October 6, 2025
It’s with great sadness that I announce the passing of Fred Malatches from Cambridge, Ontario. Fred was not only a very close friend, but also a 4-time ISC World Tournament umpire in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Fred passed away overnight at his home. Fred’s family was so important to him and I know they will miss him dearly. Please keep his family and friends in your thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Randy McLamb ISC Umpire-In-Chief
By Blair Setford October 5, 2025
The ISC Board of Directors has approved the following updated rules for the Legends 50+ Division for 2026 Legends Rules of Eligibility: 1) Player must reach "Qualifying Age" of 50 in the calendar year of the Designated Classification for participation. - no change 2) A player on a ISC World Tournament roster is ineligible to participate in the Legends tournament until that World Tournament team has been eliminated or the player is released from that World Tournament roster. - R EMOVING THIS RULE 3) now 2) ISC Out-of-Region rules and fees do not apply to the Legends Championship - no change 4) Legends roster shall be comprised of players from the nation of registry and each team will be allowed six (6) from out of their nation, two (2) of which can be from outside of North America (Canada/USA/Mexico) - CHANGING THIS RULE TO THE FOLLOWING: 3) Legends roster shall be comprised of players from the nation of registry and each team will be allowed up to eight (8) players from outside of their nation. 5) Effective for 2025: Team rosters for all ISC Legends Championship play shall be restricted to four (4) pitchers. Pitcher is defined as any player on a 20-man roster who pitches in ISC Legends Championship competition. The four (4) pitchers for ISC Legends Championship play are deemed to be the first four (4) that pitch in the ISC Legends Championship. - CHANGING THIS RULE TO THE FOLLOWING: 4) Effective for 2026: Team rosters for all ISC Legends Championship play shall be restricted to four (4) 50+ yr old pitchers (any number of 60+ pitchers are allowed). Pitcher is defined as any player on a 20-man roster who pitches in ISC Legends Championship competition. The four (4) 50+ yr old pitchers for ISC Legends Championship play are deemed to be the first four (4) 50+ yr old that pitch in the ISC Legends Championship. Playing rules for ISC Legends remain unchanged. Teams interested in competing in the 2026 ISC Legends 50+ Division should contact Keith Erkenbrack for more information.