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 November 17, 2025
Lions Park in Simcoe, Ontario is host to Chiefs Challenge
By Blair Setford November 16, 2025
ISC Canada East is pleased to announce that our 2026 Qualifier will be coming back to Keterson Park in Mitchell, ON on the traditional Father’s Day weekend of June 19-21. Format will be the same as established in 2025, with a Premier Division featuring Hill United Chiefs, Bear Creek Express, NorthEast Drillers, Bear Creek Gremlins, JDT First Energy and Toronto Batmen – all of whom finished in the Elite 8 at last year’s ISC World Tournament. The ISC Division is expected to host 12 teams. Paid berths plus travel money will be payable to the winners of each division. We will also be hosting a 4-team Legends event. Entry fees will be finalized early in 2026. Softball Premier will be on hand once again to provide coverage of what undoubtedly will be one of the top events on the tournament circuit. We want to acknowledge the cooperation of both Bear Creek Sports & Entertainment and Hill United Chiefs in scheduling three top notch events in a tripleheader through June 2026 as we all build toward the 80th Annual ISC World Tournament at JDT First Energy Veterans Memorial Fields in Melbourne, ON in August. We strongly encourage teams to confirm their intent to enter the Qualifier as soon as possible as space will be limited. In addition, we recommend teams look to secure hotel rooms or rental property space early. For additional information, please reach out to Blair, Joe, Scott or AJ.