Cap tip Blair Setford:
The 37-year-old Canterbury co-captain had three hits from four at-bats as the Red Sox beat the New Zealand Junior Black Sox 6-2 in yesterday’s final at Mainland Foundation Ballpark.
Ratu confirmed he was “hanging up the cleats” after the game.
“My national career is done but I’m undecided yet about club softball next season,” he said.
“It’s the right time to go.
“My kids are growing up and we’ve got enough good young players coming through.”
Ratu came to Canterbury four years ago from Wellington.
He helped lead the Red Sox to the national championship title last year.
The 2009 world championships representative led from the front again yesterday, powering the ball over the centrefield fence for Canterbury’s first run in the second inning.
He backed up that blast with two singles in a fairytale finish.
“You couldn’t ask for much more, really, hitting a home run in my last game for Canterbury. A lot of people lose their last game, but this is a good win to treasure.”
Canterbury had other hitting heroes, with infielder Stephen McFarlane also picking up three hits, including a triple, but Ratu’s was the only home run.