The ISC is saddened by the sudden passing of Dan "Buddha" Haas on Wednesday evening here at the Greenvalley Sports Complex. Buddha was attending his 50th ISC World Tournament this year. Over the years, he has served as a scorekeeper, PA announcer, games controller and helped to select the All-World Team members in years past. A great friend of the game and those in it, Buddha's vast knowledge of the ISC and its players from the 1970s and forward was a treasure. His presence at the park will be missed be a great many and the mood today is somber in his absence. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Haas family and to Buddha's many, many friends at the ballparks in Wisconsin, California and everywhere in between. Rest in peace our friend.
ISC Saddened By the Loss of Dan "Buddha" Haas
Blair Setford • August 18, 2022
Passing of Buddha Haas
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.
2025 ISC Pre-season Rankings - check out the teams that qualified for this year's World Tournament in North Mankato, MN and see their pre-season rankings.