Editor’s note: Speaking of the Black Sox, here is the latest on the New Zealand Black Sox, from their Facebook page, on the “new look” team for the upcoming series versus Australia in December of this year. Having dominated the world for more than a decade, until Australia took ISF gold in 2009, it will be a new look squad, though anchored by an all-star veteran nucleus of Casley, Rona and Shannon, but looking to the future led by youngsters like Ben Enoka and other newcomers. The Black Sox system has shown time and time again why they remain among the teams to beat.
From their Facebook page:
Black Sox Team for Test Series vs Australia
by Softball New Zealand on Monday, October 18, 2010 at 2:10am
There is a new-look to the Black Sox softball team for the up-coming test series against Australia. From the team that lost in the world championship final to Australia last year just four players – Rhys Casley, who will captain the team, Brad Rona, Patrick Shannon and Ben Enoka remain.
“We are in a development phase of a new campaign, historically the Black Sox only ever pick their best team every four years and we see no reason not to continue with this logic,” Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase said.
“Whilst some regulars have missed selection for this tour we have a group of 40 identified squad members whom are all committed to the goal of raising the bar to ensure the Black Sox keep evolving.”
While there are four players from last year’s team remaining, Kohlhase has also recalled Thomas Cameron, Tyson Byrne, Regan Manley, Bernard Hale and Wayne Laulu who have all had time in the Black Sox team in the past four years.
The new-comers to the side are Te Wera Bishop, Shaun Jamieson, Aaron Kuru, David Butler, Bobby King, Dan Tarapi, Campbell Makea and Jerome Heretuku.
Of those eight the biggest surprise is perhaps the inclusion of the 17-year-old Bishop, who will be the back-up catcher to Shannon. The series in Australia is an opportunity for the Wellington youngster to learn from the experienced Shannon.
The team will assemble in Christchurch on December 2, and depart for Sydney four days later. The series is from December 8-10.
It is hoped that while the team is in Christchurch they will play against Argentina before heading to Australia, but that is yet to be confirmed.
Pitchers
Regan MANLEY (HB)
Shaun JAMIESON (HV)
Thomas Cameron (WN)
Catchers
Te Wera BISHOP (WN)
Pat SHANNON (AK)
Infielders
Tyson BYRNE (HV)
Rhys CASLEY (c) (HV)
Brad RONA (vc) (NH)
Aaron KURU (HB)
David BUTLER (HV)
Bobby KING (AK)
Outfielders
Bernard HALE (AK)
Ben ENOKA (AK)
Wayne LAULU (WN)
Dan TARAPI (WN)
Jerome HERETUKU (AK)
Campbell MAKEA (WN)