As The Who used to sing, "The kids are alright." The kids being New Zealand's U18 squad from the International Softball Academy (ISA), who are in North America for a two week tour. The squad arrived last Wednesday, based in Anaheim (near Disneyland, of course). They traveled up to Santa Barbara last weekend, and played in one of California's open level tournaments, the Best … [Read more...]
Ground meet gauntlet
From Al's Fastball: Black Sox begin the pursuit for seventh world title The Golden Homes Black Sox departed from Auckland yesterday, officially beginning their world championship campaign. Seven will be the magic number for the six-time world champions heading into the 2015 WBSC Men's Softball World Championship in Saskatoon, Canada later this month. Click here for the … [Read more...]
Australian team to invade Ohsweken
By Eddie Chau, Simcoe Reformer Cap tip, Blair Setford OHSWEKEN - It's not every day you get the opportunity to face some international competition. Especially from the land down under. The Six Nations Hill United Chiefs mens softball team will have that chance next weekend when they will host a double-header with the Australia men's national team in Ohsweken. The Australian … [Read more...]
Santa Barbara Clydesdales edge New Zealand 18U in 8 innings, 3-2
The veteran of many ISC World Tournaments, Santa Barbara pitcher Mark Bennett and his Clydesdale teammates outlasted the kids from New Zealand last night, 3-2 in 8 innings, with the international tie breaker in effect. The game was an opening night exhibition prelude to the 23rd Annual Best of the West tournament at Elings Park in Santa Barbara which will run through Sunday … [Read more...]
ISA New Zealand 18U team opens play tonight in Santa Barbara, CA
The New Zealand Youth Boys Selection Team will open play at the 23rd Annual Best of the West Tournament in Santa Barbara, California, at 7:00 PM PST against the host Clydesdale team. Editor's note: Longtime California pitcher Mark Bennett (son of Best of the West Tournament Director Clyde Bennett) will be pitching against the New Zealand boys tonight. Santa Barbara is … [Read more...]
Regan Manley, Josh Thomson arrive from New Zealand for Joe Santos Memorial Tournament
New Zealand stars arrive into Pueblo Colorado just in time for the Joe Santos Memorial Tournament. Writes his son Jerry Santos: Welcome back to Pueblo Regan Manley and Josh Thomson! After a long flight from New Zealand and a couple hours on the road from Denver the boys made it to our house. Even at the age of 48 I still get excited for a new season of fastpitch and seeing … [Read more...]
Upper Hutt’s Jason Tanirau makes the New Zealand Junior Black Sox
Cap tip Softball New Zealand From The Dominion Post/stuff.co.nz By Colin Williams Jason Tanirau's softball career is on a roll — broken arm and all. The 18-year-old is making all the right moves with his recent selection in the New Zealand Junior Black Sox team for international tournaments in Australia next month and the Czech Republic in August. A specialist short stop, … [Read more...]