We recently connected with Manuel T. Ferrero III and have shared our conversation below.
Manuel T., appreciate you joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for ISPS was born from a tragedy. My brother was killed in Iraq in 2007. After months of grieving I had to do something to honor and remember him. So between some friends and family we started a 6 team slow pitch league on sunday nights at Chapman Field in Miami.
After much success it grew all around Florida as Florida Adult Softball, and in 2011 we hosted an event in Puerto Rico and we decided to change our name to ISPS, International Slow Pitch Softball.
But we still honor and remember PFC Marius L. Ferrero everyday.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is Manuel T. Ferrero III. I’m the Commissioner of ISPS, International Slow Pitch Softball. We govern, host, and sanction official slow pitch leagues and tournaments all around the world.
We are most proud of our humble beginnings. And the fact that we have the best ball in slow pitch. The ISPS Blue Rock. It is a .44 core / 375 compression ball. And is exlcusively available at playisps.com
The idea for ISPS was born from a tragedy. My brother was killed in Iraq in 2007. After months of grieving I had to do something to honor and remember him. So between some friends and family we started a 6 team slow pitch league on sunday nights at Chapman Field in Miami.
After much success it grew all around Florida as Florida Adult Softball, and in 2011 we hosted an event in Puerto Rico and we decided to change our name to ISPS, International Slow Pitch Softball.
But we still honor and remember PFC Marius L. Ferrero everyday.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
I think having the best ball in slow pitch is a huge plus. Also, the fact that we are a completely independent association. We are not govern by any other organization. We have the freedom to expand. And third, but most important, is to align yourself and surround yourself with likeminded individuals who are passionate about the sport and want to help promote it and grow it. This is a team effort. And we have an outstanding team around the world!
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
The pandemic really showed the whole world that we are all very vunerable. For the first time in our short history, we had to cancel all of our events worldwide. This was a scary period as we had no idea how long it would last or if we would ever get back on the fields.
Thankfully, we are now getting back to normal around the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: playisps.com
- Instagram: @ISPSO
- Facebook: facebook.com/ispso
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/international-slow-pitch-softball
- Twitter: @ispso
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ispssoftball
Image Credits
ISPS