Tony Wark: From Little League to the Big Leagues of Men’s Fastpitch

Brian Eradus • March 29, 2025

With a baseball background and a hockey stick in one hand, Tony Wark stumbled onto the fastpitch diamond at age 12—and hasn’t looked back since. Now 25, he’s a mainstay at 1B for the Midland Explorers, where he proudly wears jersey #18. Hailing from Reese, Michigan, Tony’s early days with the Munger Firemen youth team have led him to the heights of men’s fastpitch, fueled by an unmistakable passion for the game.


An Unexpected Introduction

Tony’s journey began almost by accident: “I was playing Little League and noticed a fastpitch game in progress at our local ballpark,” he recalls. “My dad and I wandered over, and the guys let me jump in for an at-bat. I connected on that pitch, and right then, I fell in love with the speed and energy of fastpitch.”

That spark grew quickly. By 2018, Tony found himself on the U19 Junior USA Team, impressed by the travel opportunities and tight-knit brotherhood the sport offered.


Family and Mentors

While many players look up to global icons, Tony’s biggest supporter has always been his older brother. “He played fastpitch, too,” Tony says. “He was there day in and day out pushing me to be better, on the field and off. My parents also made huge sacrifices so I could play sports. Their support shaped who I am.”

He also credits Jon Gwizdala as someone who’s constantly challenging him. “I get to face or play alongside Jon every game. That kind of competitive environment forces you to raise your level.”

Challenges and Goals

Transitioning from baseball to fastpitch, Tony had to adjust to the new pace. “The speed and movement of pitches is unlike anything in baseball,” he points out. Now more experienced, he’s focused on raising his OBP, becoming a “more consistent middle-of-the-lineup hitter,” and ultimately helping the Midland Explorers win a tournament.

Confidence is still a hurdle. “I sometimes struggle with that part of my game,” Tony admits. “But the key is trusting my training and the foundation of our team.”


The ISC Experience

Competing in the ISC World Tournament is the culmination of countless hours spent grinding through the summer. “It’s an all-summer process,” he explains. “From the first game to the ISC, you focus on getting a little better each day.”

The level of play, he says, is on another planet. “You’re literally up against the best of the best. My most memorable moment has to be my first ISC hit—a home run—last year in Surrey. I’ll never forget that swing.”

For newcomers to the ISC, Tony’s advice is simple: “Take it in. It’s a special week. You’re there among the elite for a reason.”


Looking Ahead

When he’s not patrolling first base, Tony enjoys hockey, golf, and fishing, and he keeps busy with his day job as a truck driver and farmer. As for the future of men’s fastpitch, Tony sees a mixed picture. “Internationally, the sport is growing, and the competition’s strong. Locally, it’s on a bit of a decline—mostly due to a shortage of quality pitchers. But I’m hopeful it can stay steady, especially if young players keep discovering how exciting this game is.”

He believes that increased visibility—on TV, in local media, and through organizations like the ISC—can help the sport gain momentum. “When people see how thrilling fastpitch is, they’ll come out and give it a try, just like I did.”


Follow Tony Wark

To keep track of Tony’s adventures with the Midland Explorers:

Instagram: @tonywark18

Facebook: Tony Wark

X (formerly Twitter): @tonywark8813

From discovering fastpitch by chance to slugging home runs on the ISC stage, Tony Wark embodies the passion and resilience that define this global sport. Keep your eyes on the diamond—he’s just getting started.

Megwan Muswaggon – Pride of the North on the Mound

By Brian Eradus • April 29, 2025
At 25 years old, Megwan Muswaggon has already become a household name in fastpitch circles across Northern Manitoba. Pitching and playing first base for the Can-West Thunder , Megwan brings power, precision, and pride to the game every time he takes the field—carrying the hopes of his hometown, Cross Lake , wherever he goes. Carrying on a Family Legacy For Megwan, fastpitch isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. “I was about 7 or 8 when I started pitching,” he says. “My father, David, was a pitcher himself and introduced me to the game. I grew up watching him and always wanted to be like him.” That influence became even stronger over time, with Megwan also spending three summers training under Canadian fastpitch legend Darren Zack . Fastpitch has deep roots in his community. “It’s the top sport in Cross Lake. We have over 25 youth teams, eight women’s teams, and up to 18 men’s teams. Fastpitch is alive and well in Northern Manitoba.” From Local Diamonds to the World Stage Transitioning from community games to the global fastpitch scene hasn’t always been easy. “Early on, learning the mechanics of pitching was a challenge. But later, the biggest test became mental—adjusting from reserve ball to the world stage,” Megwan explains. Now entering the prime of his career, Megwan sees himself as a key piece of the Can-West Thunder roster. “Without pitchers, your team falls apart,” he says candidly. “So I know I’ve got a big job—keeping the score close and giving my team a chance to win.”

Mathieu Roy: A Force in Left Field

By Brian Eradus • April 25, 2025
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.