Matej Ryšavý: Czech Catcher Chasing Greatness on the ISC Stage

Brian Eradus • April 8, 2025

At just 24 years old, Matej Ryšavý has already made his presence felt on the international fastpitch scene. Donning jersey #00 for the Georgian Bay Giants, the Prague, Czechia native is entering his third consecutive ISC World Tournament, bringing energy, grit, and a relentless work ethic behind the plate. Off the field, Matej is a student with a love for hiking, cars, and exploring new places—always keeping life as exciting as his game.


A Family Game from the Start

Matej’s journey began when he was just nine years old, following in the footsteps of his father, who also played the game. “I just fell in love with it,” Matej says with a smile. His development was shaped early by his first coach and teammates on his home team in Czechia. “They believed in me and helped me take that first big step toward adult competition.”

Like many young athletes, balancing school and sports posed early challenges, but the love for the game kept him grounded. “It’s been 15 years now, and the fire is still burning strong.”


ISC Dreams Turned Reality

Matej describes playing in the ISC World Tournament as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. “It’s the highest level of fastpitch in the world,” he says. “I’m proud to say this will be my third time playing in the ISC. The experience is everything I imagined and more.”

A standout moment? Winning the ISC II Championship in his rookie season, capped off by being named Newcomer of the Year. “It was surreal,” he reflects. “That moment showed me that anything’s possible if you keep working hard.”


Goals for 2025 and Team Role

Matej is all about personal progression and team success. “My goal is simple—be better than last year,” he says. “I’m working on refining my game plan both offensively and defensively. That means making smarter decisions behind the plate, calling the game, and executing in key moments.”

As for his team, the Giants are pushing for their best ISC finish yet. “I’m here to do whatever it takes to help us win. We’ve got a strong group, and the focus is on consistency and discipline.”


Mindset and Preparation

Despite the pressure that comes with the ISC, Matej keeps his cool. “I try not to overthink it,” he says. “I take it one step at a time and treat it like just another game—another chance to grow.”

He sticks to a light-hearted pre-game ritual, putting on eye black and all the ‘cool stuff’ to set the tone. But make no mistake, when the mask goes on, it’s all business.


Role Models and Rivalries

Matej credits older teammates like David Mertl and Tomas Klein from his home club Spectrum Prague for inspiring him early in his journey. “They set the standard for what it meant to be a top-level player,” he says.

He also finds motivation in his competition. Facing Michal Holobradek and Jonas Hajny, two fellow Czech standouts, always brings out his best. “I feel like I need to hit another gear when I go up against them. They keep me sharp.”


Growing the Game

Matej sees fastpitch growing on the international stage but believes there’s still work to be done. “We need more publicity across continents,” he says. “There’s so much talent outside of North America. The more we showcase these players and leagues, the more the sport will expand.”

He believes the ISC can lead the way by sharing stories of players and teams from lesser-known regions and increasing coverage through social media and digital storytelling.


Advice to Young Players

His message to younger athletes is rooted in fundamentals and mindset:

  • Discipline

  • Glove work

  • Consistency

“Don’t try to do too much,” he advises. “Just be consistent in what you do. Train like it’s game day and work on the little things every day.”


Follow Matej Ryšavý

From the ballfields of Prague to the brightest stages in North America, Matej Ryšavý is a shining example of where dedication and love for the game can take you. Keep your eyes on the Czech catcher as he continues to rise—one pitch, one inning, and one dream at a time.

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.