From the Midland Daily News:
By John Kennett jkennett (at) mdn.net
The 64th International Softball Congress World Tournament promises to be much more than just a fastpitch tournament.
The Midland host committee and the ISC have put together a full lineup of events for the tournament that runs from Aug. 13-21 at Emerson Park and Redcoats Softball Complex.
Youth Clinic featuring Gillis, Candrea
Aug. 14 features a Youth Clinic from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., with Mike Candrea and pitcher Doug Gillis. As a softball coach, Candrea has earned eight NCAA championships at the University of Arizona and has led the U.S. Olympic team to a gold medal and a silver medal.
Gillis, a former Midland Explorer who will pitch for Mickey’s Sleds of Midland in the ISC Tournament, is a six-time member of the USA National Team and owner of the Doug Gillis Softball Academy in Wixom.
Admission to the clinic will be included in either a participant’s daily or tournament pass. No additional fee is necessary. All passes allow youth admission to all of Saturday’s games, the clinic, and the opening ceremonies, which will take place at 6 p.m. at Currie Stadium.
Darren Zack being inducted into Hall of Fame
On Sunday, Aug. 15, former Explorer Darren Zack will be inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame along with John Becker, Alan Rohrback, Joe Avila, the Sonnentag family, Mark Sorenson, and Dennis Johnson.
The ceremony takes place during a breakfast from 8-11 a.m. at the Great Hall at Valley Plaza. Tickets are $20.
Zack is the only player to have been selected ISC Outstanding Player four times, and has been a member of four ISC championship teams.
ISC/Special Olympics game
The third annual ISC/Special Olympics exhibition softball game, between ISC players and the Midland Special Olympics All-Stars, will take place on Wednesday Aug. 18, at Emerson Park Field No. 2.
Introduction of the Midland Special Olympics All-Stars, coached by Kathy Peariso, will take place at 6:30 p.m. at Currie Stadium. The All-Stars and the ISC players will then march together over to Emerson No. 2 for the game.
Ticket information
Tickets for all events can be purchased at Sports Junction locations in Midland (152 Ashman Circle) or Saginaw (5605 State Street), or online at www.Midland2010ISC.com. Fans may also purchase tickets by mailing a check to Midland Explorers Boosters Club, P.O. Box 1311, Midland, MI. 48640.
An adult tournament pass is $40 and a daily pass is $8. A single evening pass will be $6. For youth (11-18), the cost will be $15 for a tournament pass, $5 for a daily pass and $3 for an evening pass. Admission is free for children 10 and under. Parking is free during the entire tournament.
Live video and audio broadcasts
The ISC is offering live broadcasts of selected tournament games. The broadcast schedule kicks off with the two-time defending champion Kitchener Rivershark Twins at 4 p.m. on Aug. 14. This game will be free of charge to viewers at iscfastpitch.com.
The ISC is offering an All Access pass, which will provide fans with access to at least 24 live video broadcasts along with archived broadcasts for any games they may have missed. The cost for the pass is $49.95 before Aug. 9 and $59.95 thereafter. Details via the ISC website.