News

Macarthur Fastpitch Shootout and Men's Skins Recognised as Official ISC World Tournament Qualifying Events

Published Mon 26 Jun 2023

Softball Australia, in conjunction with Softball ACT, Softball NSW and Softball Macarthur, can announce today that both the Macarthur Fastpitch Shootout and Men’s Skins will be recognised formally by the International Softball Congress (ISC) as a joint qualifying event to the 78th ISC World Tournament.

The qualifying team will earn a berth at the 2024 ISC World Tournament in Vancouver, Canada – the first time the event will be held on Canada’s west coast since 1997.

"We remember the Scorpions participation in our 2003 ISC World Tournament in Kimberly, WI and look forward to an Australian club team returning in 2024 for the World Tournament in Vancouver, BC.

The ISC has had a long, and mutually rewarding, history with a variety of Australian ball players and look forward to the opportunity to continue, and possibly expand this great relationship in the future."

Larry Fisher - ISC Executive Director

The decision of the ISC to recognise the significance of the return of the Macarthur Shootout by enabling participating teams the opportunity to play for a World Tournament berth, as well as a recognition of the quality of teams known to enter the Men’s Skins competition hosted by Softball ACT was warmly welcomed.

“I am grateful to Larry Fisher and the ISC, who continue to provide opportunities for Australian players and now another Australian club team to experience playing at an ISC World Tournament.

The Australian game, at both a grassroots level through to the very successful national team program will continue to benefit from being able to access this level of competition in North America each season; particularly in such a special location as Softball City is.”

Mark Long - Tournament Director Macarthur Fastpitch Shootout

The first and only time an Australian team has competed the ISC World Tournament was in 2003. The Scorpions from the Redlands Association in Queensland won the 2002 Macarthur Shootout to earn their place on the world stage, competing at the fabled Sunset Park, Kimberly, Wisconsin, USA.

Tony Cailotto captained the first Junior Steelers team to with the World Championship in 1997 and was a Scorpions player at the 2003 ISC World Tournament.

"I have great memories of playing at the previous Shootouts and Skins, as well playing in the first and to date, only Australian club team to play at an ISC World Tournament,” Said Cailotto.

“We played on opening night in front of thousands of spectators in Kimberly and I am glad a new generation of players will have this opportunity again in 2024."

Pictured: The 2003 Scorpions Team