ISC World Tournament brings top fastpitch players back to Midland
August 9, 2012
Midland, MI
By Hugh Bernreuter | hbernreu@mlive.com The Saginaw News
MIDLAND, MI — So many things went right in 2010, Kyle Beane didn't think twice when the International Softball Congress asked him if Midland would host it again in 2012.
The ISC World Tournament kicks off Friday at Currie Stadium, bringing the top fastpitch players in the world to Emerson Park for the second time in three years.
"We had it two years ago and everything went off really well," said Beane, a co-chairman of the host committee. "We had great weather. Everything cooperated. The ISC came back and asked us to host it again. We were happy to."
The 2010 event drew 15,000 fans.
"We were pleased, but we think we can do better," Beane said. "We're doing several other tournaments in addition to the World Tournament."
Saturday includes a girls softball clinic from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., with the ISC Hall of Fame breakfast kicking off Sunday's activities.
On Wednesday, the tournament will take some time off for a Special Olympics game at 5 p.m. at Currie Stadium.
"The ISC Special Olympics game is something that we're really proud of," Beane said. "It's the fifth year the Explorers have done it. With the World Tournament, we recruit as many different players and teams to help out.
"Every time we do it, it's bigger and better. This year, the ISC is going to stream the game online, and it will be at the stadium."
The Legends and Under-21 Tournaments begin Thursday, with the championship games Saturday, Aug. 18.
Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for fans ages 11-18. Fans less than 11 years old get in free. A week pass is $45.
All of Friday's events are free. The Czech Republic will face Superior Vault in an exhibition game at 5 p.m., with Frankenmuth Tiffany's playing the first official game of the tournament at 7 p.m. against the Argentina Junior National team.
The Czech Republic will plan another exhibition game at 9 p.m. against the Thumb Fastpitch All-Stars.
Jarvis (Ontario) is the two-time defending champions, but are ranked third entering the tournament. The New York Gremlins are ranked first, with the Midland Explorers ninth.
The Explorers feature pitcher Don Scott, who was the top pitcher for Jarvis last season. Beane plays first base for the Explorers.
"We're very hopeful," Beane said. "We know the longer we play into the week, the better it is for the tournament and more fans will come out."
Co-Chairman David Lach is an outfielder for the Motor City Shamrocks, which is co-hosting the tournament with the Midland Explorers.
"Dave actually has quadruple duty once the tournament starts," Beane said. "He's co-chair of the host committee, plus he's the tournament director for the under-21 tournament, the manager for the Junior Explorers and a player for the Shamrocks."
Umpires line up for the national anthems before the 2010 ISC World Tournament in Midland.
