A Richmond softball team is looking to bring home an international championship title next week.
The Richmond Rays U23 team is competing in the 2024 International Softball Congress (ISC) World Men's Fastpitch Championship at Soft Ball City in South Surrey from Aug. 10 to 17.
The local team's lineup includes Jonah Pipke, Mitchell Armstrong, Anthony Armstrong, Johnny Aragon and Brett Shubrook.
The tournament, hosted by the Canadian Amateur Sport Society, will see 50 teams of fastpitch players from 15 countries, including Canada, U.S.A., Australia and Mexico, competing for the top title.
ISC spokesperson Blair Setford said they cannot wait for the tournament's return to the West Coast.
“We know the special relationship that British Columbians have with our sport and the World Men’s Fastpitch Championship is the pinnacle of Men’s Fastpitch and will captivate audiences with top-tier athleticism and skill," said Setford.
Seven other B.C. teams will compete in the championship division and five other teams in the legends division for those 50 years old and over. These teams come from across the province including Vancouver, Victoria, Prince George and Surrey.
“This is a huge opportunity to rejuvenate the Men’s game in BC,” said John Stuart, Team Canada coach and Vancouver native.
“It should excite future and past fastpitch players to come out and witness the absolute best men’s players in the world.”
Among the players taking part in the championship include number one ranked New York Gremlins and their Australian player Jack Besgrove, who is regarded as the best men's fastpitch pitcher in the world.
During the tournament, the late commissioner and ISC Vice President Craig Donaldson will be posthumously inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame at an induction ceremony held on Aug. 11 at the Sheraton Guildford Hotel.
For more information on the ISC tournament and to buy tickets, click here.
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