Info courtesy of Blair Setford/ISC Canada East: Congratulations to these six individuals nominated for induction into the ISC Hall of Fame in 2018 in Kitchener: Players Sean O'Brien Rob Gray Paul Rosebush Umpire Bruce Bierman Administrator Ferdi Nelissen Bob Welby Recognition of Service recipient (sponsor) Jim Hallman. … [Read more...]
Denny Bruckert resigns as USA Men’s National Team Head Coach
From USA Softball Denny Bruckert resigns as Men’s National Team Head Coach; Gregg Leather named as replacement OKLAHOMA CITY – The USA Softball Men’s National Team Selection Committee (MNTSC) has named Gregg Leather (Staten Island, N.Y.) as the Head Coach of the Men’s National Team (MNT), USA Softball announced today. Following the resignation of Denny Bruckert … [Read more...]
Joy of the Game
I was reflecting today on the third anniversary of my brother Bobby's passing, and ran across this old photo of him taking batting practice with the Visalia Oaks, in 1994. It was his first job in baseball. He worked in the front office and was not on the roster, but the players invited him to suit up and take some swings with them. The look on his face says it all - he was … [Read more...]
Midland County Sports Hall of Fame: Isenhart’s induction an honor to family, friends, fastpitch
Midland Daily News By Joe Barnhart A devoted fastpitch player and booster, Lee Isenhart was a co-founder and longtime president of the Midland Explorers, and was the ISC commissioner for Michigan. A devoted fastpitch player and booster, Lee Isenhart was a co-founder and longtime president of the Midland Explorers, and was the ISC commissioner for Michigan. To those who knew … [Read more...]
The day belongs to Steamer
Yes, yes, I know that some people are celebrating today, 4-20, for another reason. But for me, the day means something different, the birthday of my MLB namesake, James "Steamer" Flanagan (1881-1947). Steamer had but 28 major league at bats, barely a cup of coffee or two in the bigs, but nonetheless a spot in the Baseball Almanac. This year, I went digging through some old … [Read more...]
Gordy Schaaf was a mainstay in Hancock Michigan fastpitch
From the Daily Mining Gazette By Paul Peterson HANCOCK — Men’s fast-pitch softball hasn’t been seen in these parts for more than two decades, but that didn’t keep the late Gordy Schaaf from promoting the sport. Schaaf, who died at the age of 89 this past week, was involved in the sport as a player, manager and promoter for better than six decades. Arnie Putala of Baraga, a … [Read more...]
Umpires From 15 Nations To Oversee 2017 WBSC Men’s World Championship
From the official WBSC 2017 Website: The World Baseball Softball Confederation today appointed umpires to officiate the 2017 WBSC Softball World Championships. For the 15th WBSC Men’s Softball World Championship, which will be staged in Whitehorse, Yukon, Canada, from 7-16 July, 24 umpires from 15 countries will make up the on-field umpiring crews. Umpires will come from … [Read more...]