By Chris Rattue Heinie Shannon says his arm was in excruciating pain after his elbow ruptured last year but brother Patrick helped him focus on recovering in time for the world champs. Photo / Greg Bowker New Zealand softball pitcher Heinie Shannon had the perfect teammate to give him a leg up when his pitching arm fell apart - twin brother Patrick. The Black Sox … [Read more...]
Old fashioned ways put Aussies on a new path
By Chris Rattue at the New Zealand Herald As the world softball championships at North Harbour approach, Chris Rattue looks at how our transtasman rivals went from chumps to champs and got the jump on the Black Sox Adam Folkard has helped spearhead the Australian softball team's remarkable change in fortunes. One man can make an enormous difference in sport and here is an … [Read more...]
Mexico first hurdle for New Zealand Black Sox title tilt
After losing their crown to Australian four years ago, the Black Sox will have home advantage for the ISF World Softball Championship, but face a tough draw that pits them against four-time champions Canada in pool play, along with Japan, Argentina, Philippines, Mexico, Colombia and the Netherlands. "It's a very, very demanding draw," says Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase. … [Read more...]
Enoka leads Black Sox testing before WC
Last weekend, the New Zealand men's softball team completed their final round of physical testing before the March world tournament at Auckland's Rosedale Park. "The boys are definitely trending in the right direction and there were a couple of standout performers," says Wellington-based strength and conditioning coach Jamie Tout. "We test them against speed, power, core … [Read more...]
New Zealand Black Sox unfazed by tough pool rivals
By Linda Wood, Stuff.nz Bring it on. That was the response from Black Sox captain Rhys Casley when he learnt of their pool opponents for the world championship in Auckland on March 1-10. They include the highly rated Canada, Japan and Argentina, leaving Casley excited at the challenge they present. "In terms of challenges, it doesn't get much bigger and the boys are … [Read more...]
New Zealand looking for better in new year
Few New Zealand sports will welcome the New Year as eagerly as softball which had few hits in 2012. Softball has a lot to look forward to with the Black Sox bidding to win a sixth world title at the International Softball Federation (ISF) men's world championships in Auckland in March. Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase named his 17-man squad after the National Fastpitch … [Read more...]
Prospective winners get backing, losers broke (NZ)
By Phil Gifford OPINION: Money doesn't talk, it swears, says Bob Dylan. In New Zealand sport it has usually made people grovel. As High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ) announces nearly $31 million in grants for 2013, with commitments for millions more, the changes in financial backing for sports people during the lifetime of our Olympic greats like Murray Halberg have … [Read more...]