Jack Besgrove: The Future of Aussie Pitching Is Here

Brian Eradus • April 4, 2025

At just 21, Jack Besgrove has already carved out a name for himself in the fastpitch world. Pitching for the Gremlins (both in 2024 and continuing into 2025), this Australian phenom hails from Orange, New South Wales—where he first picked up a softball at the tender age of four. Since then, his journey has taken him to the pinnacle of men’s fastpitch, highlighted by earning the Leyor Zimmerman Award as the Most Outstanding Pitcher at the Surrey 2024 ISC Men’s Fastpitch World Tournament.


Early Beginnings and Influences

Growing up in a softball-loving family, Jack found the sport a natural fit. “My family already had a connection to fastpitch,” he says, “so it was a given I’d get involved. I loved the speed, intensity, and that family atmosphere you feel from day one.” A proud product of the Sydney Tropics youth program, he credits Australian legend Andrew Kirkpatrick—affectionately nicknamed “Cheese”—for mentoring him. “Andrew helped me tremendously in my first year playing in the ISC. The experiences and lessons I gained from being around him will stay with me forever.”


Challenges and Triumphs

Leaving loved ones behind to play in North America is no small feat. “The lengthy period of time away from family is the hardest challenge,” Jack admits. Yet the sacrifice has paid off in spades: he not only made his ISC debut but also helped propel his team to a 2023 ISC Tournament victory—all in his very first season. Those achievements peaked in 2024, when he claimed the Most Outstanding Pitcher award in Surrey. “Winning the Leyor Zimmerman Award was surreal,” he says. “It’s an honor I’ll never forget.”

A Young Star with Big Goals

Jack sees 2025 as another huge step forward—both for himself and the Gremlins. “Every team’s goal is to win the ISC, and for us, it’s no different,” he says. “We got so close again, so we’re eager to get back to the top.” As one of the younger players on the squad, he’s focusing on building his skills—physically and mentally—while soaking up wisdom from the team’s veterans. “One day, I want to be the one guiding younger guys. For now, it’s about becoming a better version of myself every year.”

In Jack’s view, the Gremlins’ success hinges on their tight-knit bond. “We’ve been together a couple of years—some of us much longer—and we really trust each other. In tough situations, that connection can be the difference between winning and losing.”


The ISC Experience

Growing up in Australia, Jack dreamed of playing in the ISC World Tournament. “Watching Andrew and Adam (Folkard) when I was young, all I wanted was to get to their level,” he says. The reality surpassed even his lofty expectations. “The ISC competition rivals any world cup—it might even be tougher. Each team has a player who can turn the game around in an instant. There’s no such thing as an easy matchup.”

He believes the key to thriving on such a stage is preparation. “Do the work before you arrive—hit the gym, refine your pitches, study the hitters. That way, when it’s game time, you can just trust yourself and compete.” His advice to first-timers? “Enjoy it. Listen to the veterans, learn everything you can, and don’t forget why you started playing in the first place.”


The Future of Fastpitch

When asked about where he sees men’s fastpitch in the next five to ten years, Jack is optimistic. “I think it’s growing in a lot of countries. You see tournaments with big crowds, and it’s only getting bigger. Hopefully, we’ll see more teams, higher levels of competition, and continued support from organizations like the ISC to keep it accessible and exciting for everyone.”

As a bartender and pitching coach off the field, Jack brings a unique blend of people skills and athletic insight to the game. He believes fastpitch thrives on community and mentorship, the same qualities he’s benefited from throughout his career. “That’s what keeps me motivated—knowing I’m part of a global family that’s always pushing the sport forward.”


Follow Jack Besgrove

To catch up with Jack’s latest adventures—both in the circle and beyond—be sure to follow him on social media:


With a lethal mix of talent, passion, and a willingness to learn from the greats, Jack Besgrove is poised to be a defining force in men’s fastpitch for years to come. Keep your eyes on the young Aussie as he continues to make waves—and chase more hardware—on the sport’s biggest stage.

Megwan Muswaggon – Pride of the North on the Mound

By Brian Eradus • April 29, 2025
At 25 years old, Megwan Muswaggon has already become a household name in fastpitch circles across Northern Manitoba. Pitching and playing first base for the Can-West Thunder , Megwan brings power, precision, and pride to the game every time he takes the field—carrying the hopes of his hometown, Cross Lake , wherever he goes. Carrying on a Family Legacy For Megwan, fastpitch isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. “I was about 7 or 8 when I started pitching,” he says. “My father, David, was a pitcher himself and introduced me to the game. I grew up watching him and always wanted to be like him.” That influence became even stronger over time, with Megwan also spending three summers training under Canadian fastpitch legend Darren Zack . Fastpitch has deep roots in his community. “It’s the top sport in Cross Lake. We have over 25 youth teams, eight women’s teams, and up to 18 men’s teams. Fastpitch is alive and well in Northern Manitoba.” From Local Diamonds to the World Stage Transitioning from community games to the global fastpitch scene hasn’t always been easy. “Early on, learning the mechanics of pitching was a challenge. But later, the biggest test became mental—adjusting from reserve ball to the world stage,” Megwan explains. Now entering the prime of his career, Megwan sees himself as a key piece of the Can-West Thunder roster. “Without pitchers, your team falls apart,” he says candidly. “So I know I’ve got a big job—keeping the score close and giving my team a chance to win.”

Mathieu Roy: A Force in Left Field

By Brian Eradus • April 25, 2025
At 36 years old , Mathieu Roy stands as a seasoned presence in left field—sporting jersey #16 . Having played for the New York Gremlins in 2024 and playing for the newly named Bear Creek Gremlins next season, this St-Gervais, Québec native has crafted a storied career that’s still going strong. Off the field, he’s a strength and conditioning coach , as well as a baseball and softball coach, using his expertise to guide the next generation of athletes. Early Start and Family Ties Mathieu’s fastpitch journey began at an incredibly young age—he was swinging at a tee by 18 months old and playing organized softball by the time he was four. The main inspiration? His dad, Jean Roy , who played fastpitch and passed on his love for the game. Growing up in a hotbed of softball, Mathieu quickly discovered his passion for the sport’s high intensity and sense of community. Rising Through Challenges When Mathieu first started playing in ISC-level competition, he noticed a significant gap in pitching velocity during local practices—few pitchers could throw over 75 mph. Still, he found ways to adapt. “I worked on my arm strength in the offseason, and I gained two or three miles per hour,” he explains. “At my age, that’s a big win.” He also aimed to increase his hitting power, recognizing that consistent performance at the plate would help anchor the top of his team’s lineup.