Passing of Gordie Wise

Gordie Wise, ISC Hall of Fame 2006

The ISC is saddened by the passing of Gordie Wise, a commissioner and communications specialist for 22 years from 1984 - 2006. From Piqua, OH, Gord was elected to the ISC Hall of Fame in 2006.

Funeral details are at this link.

Excerpt from The Piqua Daily Call

The best way to describe Piqua’s Gordon Wise is as an amazing man who has lived amazing life.

Consider that he once had his photo taken with George Mikan after an exhibition basketball game at Hobart Arena, that he brought some of the best softball in the state —- and sometimes country — to Piqua for nine years as founder, general manager and for a few years, field manger of the Piqua Fastballers, that he was in attendence at the NCAA Final Four basketball tournament long before it became the extravaganza it is now and he was a man involved in some way in many important projects in the City of Piqua through the years.

Wise was inducted in the International Softball Congress Hall of Fame in 2006.

But, the husband of Susie Wise and father of Kent, Kevin, Cindy, Lori, Jennifer, Katie and Becky is probably best known as the voice of “Raider Roundball” at Wright State University.

He was the PA announcer from the first Wright State basketball game until he retired last season after 49 years.

So, it is only fitting that he will be inducted into the Wright State University Hall of Fame Friday night and will be honored at the men’s basketball game Saturday.

“I got phone call,” Wise said about how he found about his upcoming induction into the Hall of Fame at WSU. “I wouldn’t say I was shocked, but I was thrilled. It is a tremendous honor.”

But, Wise doesn’t want overlooked something else that brought him great joy. He was a marketing professor at Miami University and Wright State for more than 50 years.

“Being a college professor for 51 years,” Wise said. “Being around young people for all that time. I can’t think of anything much better than that. I probably enjoyed that as much as being a PA announcer.”

< Older Post

Newer Post >

ISC Legends MVP Award To Be Renamed

By Blair Setford • May 2, 2025

Following the untimely passing of Ward Gosse at the young age of 56 in January, the ISC is announcing that, with the blessing of the Gosse family, the Legends Most Valuable Player Award will be named in his honor starting this year. “Ward meant so much to the Legends division with the contributions that he made during his playing days,” said ISC Legends Tournament Director Keith Erkenbrack. Ward was a two-time Legends MVP – in 2018 and 2022 – leading the Sudbury Relics to both their titles. “We are very appreciative that Ward’s family has agreed to let us honor his memory.” Ward finishes with 14 wins in his Legends career, and has the three highest total strikeouts in a tournament in division history. Prior to his Legends participation, Ward threw a no-hitter in 1994 for St. John’s and was named to the ISC Second All-World Team with Fargo in 2006. In 2012, he was a member of the Parry Island Hawks team that captured the ISC II Championship and was named Tournament MVP and Most Outstanding Pitcher. The 2025 ISC Legends tournament will take place over the final days of the ISC World Tournament at Caswell Park in North Mankato, MN July 26 – August 2.

Enzo Chiaramonte: A Rising Utility Star from Argentina to Georgian Bay

By Brian Eradus • May 2, 2025

When you think about fastpitch softball’s global reach, Enzo Chiaramonte is the perfect example of how the sport transcends borders. At 27 years old and wearing jersey #2 , he’s a versatile utility player for the Georgian Bay Giants —the same team he’s represented since 2024 and will continue with into 2025. Off the field, Enzo works as a physical education teacher , guiding others to develop their own athletic abilities. Here’s a glimpse into his story. Growing Up with the Game Enzo’s passion for fastpitch started in 2009 in a small Argentine town called América, where his father, Pablo, fielded a local team. “It was different from the usual sports in Argentina,” Enzo recalls. “My friends were playing too, and we had a good junior team. It just clicked for me.” Inspired by Germán Bonaccorsi , a head coach and player at Fénix (National University of La Matanza), Enzo steadily built his skills. “He helped me see the game in new ways,” Enzo explains. “I grew to love the intensity and the sense of family within the sport.” Playing Style and Mindset As a true utility player, Enzo’s role can vary from one game to the next. “I’m focused on becoming more psychologically strong, refining my swing technique, leg balance, and explosive power,” he says. “The mental part is just as important as the physical. I’m trying to improve in every way to meet the demands of the ISC.” Before each game, Enzo centers himself by listening to music, visualizing plays, and staying positive. He also loves soccer, CrossFit, electric guitar, and rooting for his favorite Latin American soccer club, River Plate . “I need these hobbies to keep my mind fresh,” he says with a laugh.