By John Cudmore
It seems as if Canadian teams have made the International Softball Congress title their personal trophy in recent years.
That said, a lot of the credit must go to the dogged Glenn Verge.
For there was a period of time when Canadian men’s fast-pitch teams that dared seek out the best competition they could by competing beyond the world of the Canadian Amateur Softball Association were penalized for their bold efforts. Once teams such as the Newmarket Ray’s (later to become Nationals) defied Canadian softball authorities by daring to take on non-approved tournaments, it was game on for Verge.
Now 74, Verge is to be inducted into ISC hall of fame in the service contributors category on August 10 during the ISC 2014 World Championship tournament in Kitchener where 48 teams will battle for supremacy in the main men’s division.
Although he spent 45 years in softball as a player, coach, manager and sponsor of teams mainly in Newmarket (Ray’s) and Owen Sound it is his battles with governing bodies in Ontario and Canada for the right to compete in ISC play for which he will be also remembered.
“I did it because I love the game,” said Verge, who managed in several ISC tournaments with Newmarket and Owen Sound. “Those years were expensive because of all the travel. But I really made a lot of friends. Even the players that played against me were part of making me what I am. It’s been a very, very good ride for me.” Click here to read the entire article.