We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Jim Williamson ("JRW") Few people have had a bigger impact on me, or for that matter, the game than Jim Williamson. Jim was a pioneer, helping, with Pat Bucknell, to create a "fastpitch organization for fastpitch players". He was all about the players and making it a good experience for all. I had the privilege to get to know … [Read more...]
Softball Canada Announces 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees
Editor's Note: I had the privilege to work with Bryan Kosteroski (Builder - Saskatchewan) in 2015 when he served as the Chairperson for the WBSC Men’s World Championship in 2015, and brought our BALLPARK BROADCASTING crew in for the event. It was one of the best organized (and attended) World Championships ever. ( Canada winning gold in one of the best remembered championship … [Read more...]
Remembering Bobby
Ten years ago today, my younger brother Bobby passed away after a valiant battle with cancer. As the summer approaches, I find myself reflecting on his life and the lessons I learned from him about living with passion, courage, and love. Bobby was a lifelong baseball player and fan, dedicating 15 years of his career to working in the front offices of minor … [Read more...]
USA Softball’s Tim Lyon Retires from Coaching
Tim Lyon, one of the best known and respected coaches in the game has retired. Tim has been a longtime fixture in the USA Softball program, helping it grow and prosper over the years. In stepping away from current post at Head Coach/Manager of the USA Softball U23 team, Tim had this to say: Highlights Editor's Notes: I have had the pleasure to know Tim for the … [Read more...]
Throwback Thursday – Bob Tomlinson’s Fastpitch Chronicle – July 1997
Editor's Note This week's Throwback Thursday features snippets of the July 1997 edition of Bob Tomlinson's Fastpitch Chronicle, "the" men's fastpitch newspaper of record before the internet. Still working on a way to scan the newspaper-sized pages, but for this post, we've photographed a few articles from that issue. The familiar Page One Banner of everyone's favorite, … [Read more...]
Throwback Thursday – Fastpitch Bulletin – Oct 1985 – The “Pay ‘n Pak Issue”
Editor's Note This week's Throwback Thursday features the October 1985 edition of Ray Andersen's Fastpitch Bulletin. Call this one the "Pay 'n Pak" issue, the World and National Champions of 1985. On the front cover is a photo of Pay 'n Pak manager Tom Wagner, whose Seattle Washington based team became the first to win both the ISC World Tournament and ASA National … [Read more...]
Throwback Thursday – Long Beach Nitehawks Media Guide 1986
Editor's Note This week's Throwback Thursday takes our time machine back to 1986, 38 years ago, to the Long Beach Nitehawks Media Guide. The guide was retrieved from the keepsakes of ISC Hall of Famer, Long Beach manager and franchise owner, Irvin "Red" Meairs. When not on the diamond, Red was my mother's mailman; when on it, beloved by all. Red was also the man that … [Read more...]