Shane Boland: Leading by Example on the Road to Another Title

Brian Eradus • April 9, 2025

At 33 years old, Shane Boland has already left an indelible mark on men’s fastpitch. As the shortstop and vocal leader for the Hill United Chiefs, he wears jersey #91 and boasts a storied career filled with clutch hits and championship moments. Yet, when he isn’t patrolling the infield, you might find him enjoying a midday meal and hot tub session, playing hockey, or spending quality time with family. A native of Goulds, Newfoundland and Labrador, Shane proudly represents his roots, both on and off the field. Off the diamond, he’s a Police Officer—nicknamed “Sarge.”


From the Ballpark to the Family Bond

Shane’s introduction to the sport came at the tender age of four. With his parents both playing fastpitch, it was inevitable he’d grow up at the ballpark. “I always wanted to play with my brother, who was four years older, so I really had to hone my skills to keep up,” he recalls. That motivation—and support from his dad—pushed him to develop into one of the game’s elite shortstops.


A Leader on the Field

As a key player for the Hill United Chiefs, Shane embraces his role as a leader. “I try my best to steer the ship,” he says. “No one is bigger or better than anyone else on the roster. We all chip in, and the team rolls together.” Those leadership qualities are what make him an integral piece of a roster always gunning for top honors.

For Shane, goals are simple: “Win everything. Personal awards are a bonus, but this is a team sport, and everyone doing their job leads to success.” Shane also quotes sports legend, Ricky Bobby “If you’re not first, you’re last.”


Keys to Continued Success

Never one to rest on his laurels, Shane believes in perpetual growth. “Everything can be improved—there’s always room,” he emphasizes. “Team morale, bonding together like a family, having a blast while playing the game we love—these are the keys to success.”

He prepares physically year-round, keeping in shape through workouts, running, and even playing hockey. Mentally, he focuses on staying in the moment. “You control your game. When training gets hard, go harder. Live in the moment and trust yourself.”


ISC and Championship Memories

Ask Shane about the ISC World Tournament, and his eyes light up. “It’s the best of the best—the pinnacle of men’s fastpitch,” he explains. “It’s extremely tough, but it’s also the most fun I’ve ever had playing ball.” One particular memory stands above the rest: hitting a walk-off home run in the 2016 ISC final to secure the world championship. “That moment felt surreal. It’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”


Advice for ISC Newcomers

“Look around, enjoy it, learn from it,” he advises. “Ask as many questions as possible. There are so many great players willing to help.” Shane is quick to name-check those he admires: Nick Shailes (the GOAT, in his words) and Bradley Ezekiel, among others. “I’ve been lucky enough to play alongside Nick for many years, and he pushes me to keep improving every step of the way.”


The Future of Fastpitch

As for where men’s fastpitch is headed, Shane sees growth on the horizon, though he’d love to see more TV exposure. “Showcasing our top players and highlight-reel moments is the best way to attract fans. Keep doing what we’re doing, but take advantage of every media platform.”

He encourages young players to develop physical fitness, leadership, and teamwork skills—qualities that have propelled him to the top of the sport. “Get as many reps as possible,” he says. “When it’s time to train or play, go all in.”


Follow Shane Boland

While Shane doesn’t share much on social media, you can follow glimpses of his journey here:

From a four-year-old dreaming of playing with his older brother to leading the Hill United Chiefs and launching a memorable walk-off homer at the ISC, Shane Boland epitomizes what it means to chase success, respect your teammates, and stay hungry for more. Keep your eyes on “Sarge” as he looks to guide his squad to another championship—and savor every pitch along the way.

Nicholai Rindom – Denmark’s Rising Star Behind the Plate

By Brian Eradus • June 10, 2025
At just 21 (soon to be 22) years old, Nicholai Rindom is stepping onto the ISC stage with confidence, passion, and a powerful story of perseverance. Wearing #69 and representing both Sandlot Merchants and his home club, Egedal Stars in Denmark, Nicholai is set to make his mark as a catcher in his first ISC season. From Tennis Courts to Softball Diamonds Nicholai’s fastpitch journey started unexpectedly at age 12 when a friend invited him to practice. “I found out I could throw the ball pretty hard, so I kept going,” he recalls. That raw talent developed quickly, leading him to catch for Danish legend Kim Hansen at just 14 years old. But it hasn’t always been easy. “I was severely overweight as a kid,” Nicholai shares. Overcoming that challenge has shaped his work ethic and drive, pushing him to train harder and smarter every year. Goals for 2025 Nicholai’s ambitions for the season are clear: ✅ Perform well in his first ISC experience ✅ Continue growing as a hitter, especially in pitch selection and mental approach ✅ Push toward new opportunities, including playing in South America

2025 ISC Guide Available for Order

By Blair Setford • June 9, 2025
The 2025 ISC Guide is here! Featuring reigning ISC MVP Alan Peker, Hill United Chiefs, on the cover, the Guide has 150 pages of photos, stories and stats covering last year's ISC World Tournament. Fans will remember Alan's Championship Saturday performance as one of the best in ISC history as he went 6-9 with four 2-run home runs and nine RBIs to lead the Chiefs to their sixth ISC World Tournament title. There's plenty of coverage of the first international team - Sydney Tropics - to win an ISC Championship in ISC II, along with Cobourg Force's come-from-behind walk-off win in ISC Legends. You can order your copy today on the ISC Webstore for $18.50 including shipping.