From Stuff.co.nz By NICHOLAS BOYACK Pitcher Nik Hayes came of age as a closer in the Black Sox's world championship win. When not playing softball, he delivers LPG. Nik Hayes was one of the heroes for the Black Sox in their come-from-behind 6-4 win over Australia to win their seventh world title. On Wednesday he arrived home to the Hutt Valley after a 22-hour flight in … [Read more...]
Brad Rona calls ‘time’ on Black Sox career but skipper Nathan Nukunuku stays on
From Stuff.co.nz By TONY SMITH Black Sox captain Nathan Nukunuku has won four world softball gold medals and would like to have a crack at five in two years' time. Brad Rona has retired from the Black Sox after four world titles but captain Nathan Nukunuku is keen to chase a fifth. The pair brought up their 100th caps for the New Zealand men's softball team on their way to … [Read more...]
Softball NZ bidding to host the 2021 world championships after Black Sox win
From Stuff.co.nz BY TONY SMITH Softball New Zealand are hoping the Black Sox's seventh world championship gold medal will lead to a boost in funding and are pressing ahead with a bid to host the 2021 world tournament. Tony Giles, Softball New Zealand's (SNZ) chief executive, confirmed a bid had already been lodged with the World Baseball Softball Council (WBSC), who will … [Read more...]
Ex-softballer breaks 50-year family legacy to play baseball in United States
From Auckland Now (www.stuff.co.nz) BY SAM HEWAT Joseph Kohlhase, 19, has made the switch from softball to baseball and will head to the United States with the hope of playing in the Major Leagues. Two years ago, you could have almost bet your house on Aucklander Joseph Kohlhase playing softball for New Zealand. The family name was strongly associated with … [Read more...]
White Sox name Kiwi pitching great Mike White’s daughter for Japan tour
From stuff.co.nz By TONY SMITH Black Sox pitching great Mike White's daughter Nyree is set to make her debut for the New Zealand White Sox squad. The 24-year-old former Stanford University hurler is one of seven pitchers named in a 22-strong squad for a 12-day tour of Japan in July. White Sox coach Kevin Gettins said White declared her availability after assisting her father … [Read more...]
Gareth Cook hammers home pre-final series softball warning to Papanui (New Zealand)
From stuff.co.nz BY TONY SMITH Former Black Sox slugger Gareth Cook cracked a home run in PCU Devils' 2-0 win over the Papanui Tigers in a dress rehearsal for the Canterbury softball premiership grand final series. Cook cracked a steepling hit over rightfield in the third inning on Saturday on an open diamond at Cuthberts Green. It was only Papanui's second loss of the … [Read more...]
Three titles in a row for Auckland men’s and women’s softball teams
By Tony Smith from Stuff.co.nz Finalists Confirmed at National Softball Tournament (New Zealand) Auckland remains the power base of New Zealand softball with the men's and women's teams locking up their third consecutive national titles. Venita Hokai's women's side produced a big inning to snare a 5-2 comeback victory over Wellington in the National Fastpitch Championship … [Read more...]