Jon Gwizdala: Returning to Form and Leading the Next Generation
At 34 years old, Jon Gwizdala has cemented himself as a cornerstone pitcher for the Midland Explorers—wearing #11—thanks to a lifetime spent around the diamond. Off the field, Jon is a college softball coach, passing on his passion to the next wave of players. Here’s an inside look at his journey, challenges, and aspirations.
A Family Game from Day One
Growing up in Michigan, Jon was introduced to fastpitch at the age of eight, often serving as a batboy and absorbing knowledge in the dugout. “Pitching softball came naturally,” he recalls. “It’s been a family game for as long as I can remember.” Mentors like his uncle Tom Stasik and father Ron Gwizdala helped cultivate the local fastpitch scene, while Don Petro, Del Benson, and the late Clint Beane also played pivotal roles, especially during Jon’s time with the Junior Explorers.
Trials and Triumphs
Early in his career, Jon faced the challenge of finding teams to pitch for, sometimes traveling the Midwest alone to join squads in other states. His dedication paid off, culminating in a stint as one of the
Midland Explorers’ marquee arms. But a knee injury and surgery derailed his
2024 season. “My goal now is to rebound strong,” he says. “I want to stay consistent and healthy, and that starts with strengthening my knee and honing my mechanics.”
Team Goals for 2025
For the 2025 season, Jon and the Explorers aim to build on their 2024 semifinal appearance in the ISC II bracket. “We want to compete in every game,” he emphasizes, “and go further than we did before.” Key factors for success include timely hitting, rock-solid defense, and a few players stepping up at the plate. “If we can string hits together when it counts, we can really make a run.”
Evolving as a Leader
As he returns to full strength, Jon also sees his role shifting into more of a leadership capacity. “I’m stepping back into guiding our team, especially some of the younger pitchers,” he notes. “I’ve been around the game a long time, and if I can help someone avoid the mistakes I made early in my career, that’s a win.”
The ISC Experience
To Jon, the ISC World Tournament represents the pinnacle of club fastpitch. “It’s the highest level of competition in the world,” he says. “I’ll never forget watching Adam Folkard throw harder than anyone I’d ever seen before at Currie Stadium. I was standing there with legends of the game, thinking, ‘This is what it’s all about.’”
Preparing for the ISC involves an intense summer schedule where the Explorers aim to “peak at the right time.” Jon’s advice for first-timers? “Enjoy the success and learn from the failure. Listen to the veterans—they’ve been there and want to help you get better.”
The State of Fastpitch
Jon acknowledges a mixed outlook: “It’s growing worldwide, but declining locally. Teams rely more on international players because we’re seeing fewer local youth teams.” He believes the ISC can continue to incentivize new talent and bring more young players into the fold—perhaps through developmental or youth-focused initiatives. “It’s about keeping the pipeline strong. If kids see a future in the sport, they’ll stick with it.”
Follow Jon Gwizdala
- Facebook: Jon Michael
- X (formerly Twitter): @JoGwiz
From an eight-year-old batboy to a veteran pitcher recovering from injury, Jon Gwizdala embodies the resilience and passion that define men’s fastpitch. As he gets set for the upcoming season, keep an eye on the Midland Explorers—there’s no telling how far they’ll go with Jon back at full speed on the mound.
