The Amateur Softball Association/USA Softball (ASA/USA Softball) and the International Softball Congress (ISC) are joining forces to launch a pitcher development program that will focus on developing new pitchers under the age of 30 for the men’s and boys fast pitch programs. Scott Standerfer of Charleston, IL, an assistant coach with the USA Softball Junior Men’s National Team, will serve as the program administrator. Judd Berthiaume of Roseville, MN will serve as the ISC liaison, working with Scott. Judd is currently the ISC Pitching Clinic Administrator.

“The Amateur Softball Association and USA Softball are looking forward to this new partnership with the International Softball Congress in order to develop new pitchers throughout the country,” said USA Softball National Teams Director Ronnie Isham. “With all of the technology we have today this is a perfect way to assist new players in their pursuit of greatness.”

“The ISC has attempted various means of pitcher development over the years but unfortunately, none were satisfactorily successful,” said ISC Executive Director Ken Hackmeister. “In partnering with ASA and utilizing a pitcher development system with proven results, we feel we are entering into a program that should prove beneficial for not only ISC and ASA but more importantly, for the health of the game.”

USA Softball and the ISC have named Michael White of Eugene, OR, and Gary Mullican of Mission Viejo, CA, as the analysts for the program. White has represented the United States as a member of the USA Softball Men’s National Team since 1995 and is an ISC Player Rep while Mullican currently serves as an assistant coach for the USA Softball Junior Men’s National Team.

Players interested in being involved in the USA Softball/ISC Pitcher Development Program should contact Scott Standerfer at standerfer@mchsi.com. Applications are available for download on the USA Softball website at www.usasoftball.com and the ISC website at www.iscfastpitch.com under the Developmental and Rules and Forms links from the front page. These web site links will have a program application and a sample email analysis to review. There is no cost for an applicant to participate in the ASA/ISC Pitcher Development program. In a joint effort, the ASA and the ISC are working together to fund all expenses associated with this new program.

Once a player has submitted an application to the program administrator, he will be assigned to either Michael or Gary to begin the analysis process. The analysts will contact the players via email to explain the types of things they will need from each player. Each player will need to submit a video of their workout to their respective analyst and in turn the analyst will evaluate the video and will correspond with the athlete via email.

A player that progresses through the Development Program could have the opportunity to participate with a club team in an ISC World Tournament, ISC II Tournament of Champions, an ISC Developmental Championship or at an ASA National Championship tournament.

We have been asked by Kevin Quinn, Softball Canada President, to refer Canadian pitcher prospects to Don Bates. Don will accommodate the pitcher prospects in Softball Canada’s ongoing pitcher development program. The ISC and Softball Canada have a close working relationship and we want that relationship to continue. Any Canadian applicants will be referred to Don Bates.

This program was created to develop pitchers of all skill levels, from beginners to those already pitching. Prospects are cautioned that entering this program will require diligence and a video demonstration of progress. Those who begin and fail to properly apply themselves with acceptable progress, risk being dropped from the program. Being a video analysis process, this program is intended to literally be year-round. Video submissions can be taken outside in warm weather months and inside during cold weather months. Don’t pass up this opportunity to develop or to improve your game.

Both ISC and ASA extend their thanks to the original 4-man committee who discussed and recommended this specific pitcher development program: Pete Turner, Tim Lyon, Bill Hillhouse and Judd Berthiaume.

More complete details will be issued to those who apply for admission into the Pitcher Development Program.

Wayne Fisher
ISC Developmental Vice President
wpfisher@mchsi.com