The Junior Black Sox will be hoping to reverse New Zealand’s recent fortunes when they arrive at next month’s junior world championships in Parana, Argentina.
The New Zealand 19-and-under softball side is expected to advance to the play-offs at least and re-affirm their once lofty reputation at the tournament.
A Kiwi side has won the championship twice – in 1985 and 1989 – and finished runners-up in 1993 and 1997, making New Zealand the second most successful nation ever. Australia has won the last four tournaments on the trot though, with Japan and Canada making up the medals in the last three.
Coach John Love said his side will be playing each day as it comes.
“They know what they are up against. Most of our games are late in the afternoon so it is going to be long days, but we just have to make sure we are well prepared and that we are not fatigued for the games.”
New Zealand and Australia have been drawn in the same group for the tournament and will meet on November 5.
The side has a handful of games before their world championship opening game against Denmark on November 2, which Love said will be about focusing on defence.
“The hitting side of things isn’t too bad, the boys are making a lot of contact. If we can get the defence right all the time that will be good.”
The tournament play-offs will involve the top four teams from the two sections and the Junior Black Sox, along with Australia, are the frontrunners to take the first two placings in pool A. The United States and Venezuela are expected to make up the final four.
Pool B is expected to see Canada, Japan, Czech Republic and hosts Argentina qualify for the play-offs.
Injury has robbed the side of pitcher Brad Worsley, who withdrew from the team earlier this month. His place has been taken by Auckland’s Campbell Gibson.
The side will be captained by Jerome Raemaki with Pita Rona – who signed with Major League Baseball side the Baltimore Orioles earlier this year – the vice-captain.
JUNIOR BLACK SOX SCHEDULE
November 2: Junior Black Sox vs Denmark
November 3: Junior Black Sox vs India
November 4: Junior Black Sox vs Venezuela
November 5: Junior Black Sox vs Australia
November 6: Junior Black Sox vs United States
November 7: Junior Black Sox vs Singapore
November 8: Play-offs
November 9: Semi-finals
November 10: Final