Terrace’s Nic Neid may be only 18-years-old, but he’s already making a name for himself as a pitcher in the highly competitive sport of men’s fastpitch. And a look at his jampacked calendar in July and August reveals the extent of his planned and potential travel.
“In August, I think I’m home for five days,” Neid said. Normally, he plays for the Vanderhoof Rippers, a 10-year-old team that’s distinguished itself in Western Canada.
Last week, Neid found himself on a plane to Washington State to play in the International Softball Congress (ISC)-sanctioned July 21-23 Seattle Invitational, one of a series of qualifiers for the ISC’s 2024 World Iournament.
At that tournament, Neid played for the Rio Grande Senators, a team from Texas. The Senators swept through the tournament to take first place and Neid himself was awarded the most valuable pitcher award.
His next stop is in Saskatoon where he’ll be participating in the July 31-August 7th Canadian U23 Nationals on the Nova Scotia squad.
Then it’s off to this year’s ISC World Tournament, where he rejoins the Rio Grande Senators from August 12-19 in Denmark, Wisconsin.
Neid quickly credits his father, Bruce, for helping develop his pitching talent thanks to hours of practice.
He’s now adding a friend of his father’s, Rich Haldane, from southern B.C. to his list of supporters.
“He’s the ISC representative for B.C. He has helped me through my career. He’s also played all over the world so he has lots of friends,” said Neid of Haldane.
Once he’s done in Saskatoon, Neid is back with the Rippers in South Surrey for the men’s provincial champinships.
The biggest venture to date takes place the very end of August with a chance, if selected, to play on the Canadian U18 Men’s National Team at World Baseball/Softball Confederation’s qualifying tournament in Sincelejo, Colombia.
Should the Canadian team qualify Neid be selected, the confederation’s world cup in Hermosillo, Mexico in November beckons.
“I get text messages from different people,” said Neid of the opportunities and offers he’s been getting.
Depending upon how it goes in Colombia and Mexico, Neid’s longer term vision is to play ball in New Zealand.
The planned and potential travel means being away from home for extended periods of time, something that Neid says he is getting used to.
While in Vanderhoof, Neid’s been staying with his coach who is also a catcher. He says that combination helps him maintain a regular practice and fitness program.
His growing experience has also changed his approach to his pitching.
“I think my accuracy has gotten better,” said Neid. “The key is not necessarily to throw harder because you’re not going to grown it by these batters because they’ve seen it all. You have to have location.”