Summer Cup Schedule
Blair Setford • June 21, 2023
Summer Cup in North Mankato, MN July 21-23
The Summer Cup pool and bracket draw is here.
This event features 8 of the best Men's Fastpitch Teams in the world including the #4 Hill United Chiefs, #6 Circle Tap Dukes, #9 Kegel Black Knights, #11 Omma Tigres, #14 Wander Springs Chippers, and our very own host team, #12 LC Ostrander Norsemen from Lake Crystal MN (ISC May Rankings).
This event will be held at Caswell Park in North Mankato MN on July 21-23, 2023.
All games will be streamed live via MuscoVision https://www.muscovision.com/facility/2015
NOTE: This is the same venue and streaming service that will host USA Softball's Men's Major tournament on August 3-6, 2023 so make sure you sign up for the 30-day pass so you can watch both tournaments.
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.
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.