Bear Creek Sports and Entertainment (BCSE) is about to open its doors to the world. The annual International Softball Congress (ISC) men’s fastball championship is coming to Melbourne and Glencoe this coming week featuring 144 games. “This is the elite of elite men’s fastball,” said Ray Pavey, manager of Operations and Facilities at BCSE. “We’ve got players from all over the world. Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Venezuela, a whole bunch from Canada, throughout the U.S.” Riding the high of this past weekend’s USA National title, the Bear Creek Gremlins will be one of the favourites at home. Other local squads include Bear Creek JDT First Energy, Bear Creek Express, Chippewa Chiefs, Highgate, Sebringville, and St. Thomas. Preparations are underway at BCSE on Chippewa of the Thames to get ready for play and this weekend’s opening ceremonies. “This is probably the top facility in the world right now,” said Pavey. “There’s been a lot of hard work put into this place. We have a brand-new ticket booth right at the entrance, new pavilion with washrooms, canteen, boardroom facilities, and two world class diamonds. It is our plan, our purpose to grow the game softball here.” This year will mark the first time in the 80-year history of the ISC Worlds where it is held in a First Nations community. “We’re expecting epic crowds over up to 10,000 people coming in here,” said Sherry Monastyrski, chief operating officer of Bear Creek Developments. “We have been working with the Chief and council to see if there’s other opportunities for these members to be able to explore what we have in Chippawa of the Thames. But we are really excited to be able to see this number of people coming to our community.” Action will be played beginning Aug. 8 and wrap up Aug. 15, 2026. “People often think of softball as a women’s sport, but when they see the men play it at the top level, they are very impressed,” said Tom Edie, coach of the St. Thomas Elgins entry in the ISC tournament as well as the Bear Creek Storm Legends squad. “The level of play is second to none. We are very fortunate to have the facility at Bear Creek and you’ll see more of these tournaments coming in. It’s world class and as soon as you walk in, you’ll be impressed,” said Edie. With an influx of spectators anticipated to arrive, the OPP has put out a note to expect increased traffic in the area. “With increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic expected in and around the baseball diamonds and event venues, we encourage the public to remain vigilant and patient throughout the tournament,” wrote Interim Detachment Commander Davide Barnabi in a statement. “The OPP is committed to ensuring public safety and will have an enhanced presence in the area to help minimize any potential impacts and support a safe and enjoyable experience for all attendees. We look forward to being part of this outstanding event and welcoming participants and visitors to our community.” BCSE has been planning this event since October 2025. “This is only step one,” said Pavey. “We’ve got a couple of major tournaments here next year, will host the world’s again in 2028, and then hopefully in the future we can take a bid with the WBSC.”
