Summary of ISC Changes for 2023

Blair Setford • September 28, 2022

Summary of changes approved by the ISC for the 2023 Season

At it’s August 2022 Board of Directors Meeting, the International Softball Congress elected a new slate of Executive Committee members to a two-year term and approved the following changes:

ISC Executive Committee
President: Chris Santos, Pueblo, CO
Vice President Operations & Communications: Blair Setford, Mississauga, ON
Vice President Canada: Todd McCabe, Calgary, AB
Vice President United States: Keith Erkenbrack, Deer Park, WA
Vice President World Tournament: Rich Haldane, Okanogan, BC
Secretary: Tom Stasik, Frankenmuth, MI
Treasurer: Greg Nydick, Media, PA

The board also approved extending the contract of Executive Director Larry Fisher by two years to 2025.

Approved changes
  • Use of the optic K-Master ball was approved for ISC Championship play.
  • Use of the double base (safe base) at first base with the WBSC rule was approved for ISC Championship play.
  • For first-year Out-of-Region (OOR) players, the OOR fee will be waived.
  • Creation of the Leon Watson Memorial Umpire Award that will recognize the leadership, courteousness and professionalism of a present World Tournament umpire as selected by the umpires.
  • A three-person committee will oversee the rankings committee, set due dates for rankings to be submitted and select 12 voting members with representation from all ISC regions.
  • The board will review the ISC contract specifications regarding lighting quality and verify that it meets the minimum requirements for National Standards.

The changes will go into effect for 2023 at the ISC World Tournament.

Previously announced
  • The board voted to award the 2024 ISC World Tournament to the Canadian Amateur Sport Society to be hosted at Softball City in Surrey, BC.
  • The board elected six new nominees to the ISC Hall of Fame: players Brad Rona, Todd Twachtmann, Richard Helmuth, manager/coach Dean Kane, administrator Craig Donaldson and contributor Dr. Bob Nydick.

For any additional ISC information, contact

Larry Fisher
ISC Executive Director
iscfastpitch@gmail.com

 

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.
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.