Mathieu Roy: A Force in Left Field
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.
Goals and Team Success
A frequent competitor on the international stage, Mathieu has set his sights on winning another ISC title, the WBSC, and the World Games. “Our goals are the same—team or personal,” he says. “We need to be ready to make quick adjustments and get hot at the right moment.” Whether he’s tracking a fly ball in left field or stepping into the batter’s box, Mathieu strives to bring consistency and leadership to every game.
The ISC Experience
For Mathieu, playing in the ISC World Tournament is a thrill every time. “You’re facing the best of the best from around the globe,” he notes. “The top five teams have a skill level comparable to Double-A or Triple-A baseball.” His most cherished memory is winning his first ISC title with the Gremlins—an achievement he says was made even sweeter by the great friendships formed along the way.
In preparing for such a high level of play, Mathieu structures his year-round training:
- November to March: 2–3 softball practices per week, plus 3–4 gym sessions.
- April to June: 3–4 practices/games per week, 2–3 workouts.
- June to September: 5–7 games per week, plus 1–2 workouts.
Advice for Newcomers
Mathieu’s best tip for ISC newcomers is to give yourself time to settle in. “It’s tough, but it’s also so much fun—on and off the field. Get to know your teammates, opponents, and everyone involved. You’ll meet a lot of great people.” He has long admired hitters like Colin Abbott, Ryan Wolfe, Brad Rona, and Mark Sorenson, as well as modern standouts like Remaki, Ochoa, Enoka, and Ezekiel. Facing or playing alongside these elite athletes pushes him to keep improving.
Looking Ahead
Although he sees growth for fastpitch on the international scene, he hopes there will be better media coverage and more opportunities for international players on the ISC circuit. “I’d love to see challenges on close calls at major tournaments and more highlights shared online. That’s how we’ll attract new fans,” he says.
His parting words for aspiring players focus on hand-eye coordination, speed, and mastering proper mechanics. “You don’t have to swing for the fences every time—just get the barrel on the ball. And remember, mental training is huge. I do meditation, visualization, and keep a book on pitchers and catchers to stay prepared.”
Follow Mathieu Roy
- Instagram: @mr_fastperfo
- Facebook: Mathieu Roy
From big wins on the world stage to intense off-season workouts, Mathieu Roy remains a force in men’s fastpitch—demonstrating that hard work, consistency, and a lifelong love for the game can keep an athlete at the top of his craft, season after season.
