ISC Welcomes New Personnel

Blair Setford • February 9, 2025

Three New Commissioners, Three Player Reps & One Specialist

 The ISC is pleased to welcome three new commissioners, three player reps and a new specialist to the organization as we continue to evolve to make the ISC World Tournament better than ever.


Chris Hopewell, Elmsdale, NS, joins us as Regional Commissioner for Atlantic Canada. Chris is currently president of Softball Nova Scotia and is active in the men’s game with the Shooters Bar & Grill Men’s League, the top league in the province, and also coaches the Nova Scotia Mastodons, the 2017 Canadian Champions. In his spare time, he co-hosts the popular Outside the Chute podcast.


Ferdi Nelissen, Portage La Prairie, MB, re-joins the ISC as a Canada West Regional Commissioner after serving a 17-year stint as a commissioner and VP through 1990s and 2000s. Ferdi, who was elected to the ISC Hall of Fame in 2018, is an active volunteer in Manitoba Hockey and in other organizations in his home province.


Scott Perry, Oshawa, ON, is joining the ISC as a Regional Commissioner in Canada East. Scott has previously been the coach of the Toronto Batmen and currently suits up for the Cobourg Force Legends team. Well known in one of the game’s hotbeds in Ontario, Scott will work with closely with Canada East personnel to continue the pipeline of teams in ISC.


Brian Eradus, Vancouver, BC, comes aboard as Communications Specialist and will apply his top-notch talents to expanding the ISC’s presence even further on social media, conducting additional out-reach to players and teams. If you saw any of the social media presence from Softball City for the 2024 ISC World Tournament, then you’ve seen Brian’s excellent work!


Shane Boland, St. John’s, NL, is the newest player representative from Atlantic Canada. Shane, currently a member of the defending ISC World Champions Hill United Chiefs, has been playing in the ISC since 2012.


Jeff Lyons, Glencoe, ON, joins as a player representative for Canada East. Jeff, who played with Bear Creek Express in 2024, has participated in the ISC for the last decade with multiple Ontario teams.


Chris Norris, St. George, UT, is joining the ISC as a player rep in US West. Chris has played for the Pueblo Bandits for many years and is the Director of Player Development for the softball team at Utah Tech.


Welcome aboard to all of our new personnel – we look forward to your contributions!


You can find all of the ISC commissioners, specialists and player reps on the ISC website Contact page at: www.iscfastpitch.com

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