ISC Saddened by Passing of Two-Time Legends MVP Ward Gosse
Blair Setford • January 20, 2025
Ward Gosse 1968-2025
The ISC is saddened to hear of the sudden passing of Newfoundland native Ward Goss and we offer our deepest sympathies to Ward's family, teammates and friends.
Ward had a long and distinguished fastball career, being inducted into the Softball Newfoundland & Labrador Hall of Fame in 2014. At the National level, Ward played on 15 Provincial teams winning 6 Medals: 1 Gold, 3 Silver & 2 Bronze and was named to the All-Tournament Team on three occasions.
Internationally, he was named to the ISC Second All-World Team as a Pitcher in 2006 with Kegel Black Knights and in 2007, he was named Second Team All-American at the ASA National Championship. In 2012, he was a member of the Parry Island Hawks team that captured the ISC II Championship and was named Tournament MVP and Most Outstanding Pitcher.
In the ISC Legends 50+ division, Ward was the MVP in both 2018 and 2022 as a member of the championship-winning Sudbury Relics team.
His accomplishments in the St. John's Men's Fastball League are legion, including Rookie of the Year in 1988, Sportsmanship & Ability in 2003, 1 Triple Crown of Batting, 2 Triple Crowns of Pitching, 7 Regular Season MVPs, 10 Playoff MVPs and 11 All-League Team Selections.
Ward was a multi-sport athlete and during the fastball offseason he demonstrated a love and talent for hockey. He played for 17 years in the Senior A St. John’s Senior Hockey League and was a member of 5 Herder championship teams in 1990, 1995, 1996, 2002, and 2005. He was top defensemen in the West Coast Senior Hockey League for the 2002-2003 season. In 2019, he was inducted in the Sport Newfoundland Hall of Fame.
Outside of his stellar athletic career, Ward served in municipal government and spent more than 20 years in the Real Estate and Financial Services industry after graduating from Memorial University. He grew up in Bay Roberts and lived in the scenic town of Torbay. Ward is survived by his wife Karen of over 28 years, and was a proud father of three beautiful children Cassidy, Samuel and Makay.
Ward's presence will be missed greatly on ballfields in Newfoundland, in Ontario and across North America.
2025 ISC Hall of Fame Breakfast Tickets Going Fast!
North Mankato, MN — July 30 to August 2, 2025 The stage is officially set for the 2025 ISC Legends World Tournament , where some of the most respected and accomplished veterans in the game will compete for the ultimate fastpitch title. Hosted at the renowned Caswell Park , this year’s Legends event promises high-caliber competition, thrilling finishes, and a celebration of the players who continue to define the sport. Legends Format: Three Pools. One Champion. Fifteen teams from across North America will open the tournament in three competitive pools : 🔴 Red Pool All Seasons Patriots Parksville Red Sox R & L Kline Farms Bear Creek Storm El Paso The Family ⚪ White Pool Highroad Excavating Northstars Central Illinois Fastpitch Cobourg Force Canada Maccabi Minnesota Aces 🔵 Blue Pool CR Brewers Watertown Hammer Legends Texas Stars Bar Buzz Legends Ostrander Angels Teams will compete in round-robin pool play , with each game playing a crucial role in determining playoff seeding. 14-Team Legends Playoff Round Following pool play, all roads lead to the Legends Playoff Round —a 14-game elimination bracket that will decide the 2025 ISC Legends Champion . Key playoff dates: Friday, August 1: Opening Rounds begin at 12:00 PM Saturday, August 2 at 9:00 AM: Semifinal Showdowns Saturday, August 2 at 2:30 PM (D2): Championship Game The top seed from pool play earns a direct berth into the second round, while others will battle through early elimination games for a shot at the title. Each game will be played at Caswell Park , a venue known for its history, quality, and passionate fans. A Celebration of Fastpitch Legacy The ISC Legends Division continues to honor and showcase the sport’s long-time contributors—athletes who bring not only skill and power but also wisdom, leadership, and enduring love for the game. The 2025 tournament promises to be one of the most competitive Legends brackets in recent years. Stay tuned for daily score updates , highlight coverage , and player features throughout the week on ISCFastpitch.com and our social media channels.