Black Sox

Black Sox Squad Named for Aussie Tour

While Kohlhase has put all the Black Sox players on notice saying “there are no guarantees for anyone” he is gradually fine-tuning the squad to hit a peak for the World Championships.

“We will name a squad this time next year so there’s still time for players to play themselves out or play themselves into the team.

“Obviously we have an idea of who we want and what style of game we want to play but with so much at stake we want to have as much depth as we can,” he said.

Talented Auckland player 18-year- old Ben Bull is included in the side and along with Jerome Raemaki and the young Rona he will give the side a youthful look.

Kohlhase makes no apologies for introducing the young players.

“Our game has a great history of bringing through exciting young players – we are no different. These young guys give the team an edge.”

The squad also sees the return of the talented catcher Aaron Neemia and the battle-hardened pitcher Regan Manley.

“Both men deserve their place in the squad,” said Kohlhase.

“They have both addressed significant issues in their lives and we see them as vital parts of the Black Sox team.

“Aaron is regarded as one of the premier catchers we have got while Regan continues to impress as a pitcher of high quality.”

Frank Pointon also returns to the mound to establish a formidable pitching roster featuring the Hutt Valley’s Shaun Jamieson and Manley.

The inclusion of Canterbury veteran Daniel Milne as a catcher also excites Kohlhase.

“There’s no secret we don’t have too many quality catchers so seeing Daniel front up in that role shows the calibre of the bloke.

“He is undoubtedly one of our most professional players and that’s the attitude we want.”

The team will be lead by Hutt Valley’s Rhys Casley.

The Black Sox will take part in the high intensity Skins tournament against the best teams Australia has to offer plus the Samoan international team.

For the rules of the tournament and the draw go www.softball.org.nz

The squad departs for Sydney on Tuesday November 29 and returns on Monday December 5.

The squad is:

Rhys Casley (Hutt Valley) Captain

Pitchers:
Regan Manley (Hawkes Bay)
Frank Pointon (Wellington)
Shaun Jamieson (Hutt Valley)

Catchers:
Aaron Neemia (Wellington)
Daniel Milne (Canterbury)

Outfield:
Wayne Laulu (Wellington)
Ben Enoka (Auckland)
Jerome Raemaki (Wellington)
Campbell Makea (Wellington)
Jerome Haretuku (Auckland)

Infield:
Tyson Byrne (Hutt Valley)
Tyron Bartorillo (Canterbury)
Ben Bull (Auckland)

Designated player:
Patrick Shannon (Auckland)

Management:
Coach; Eddie Kohlhase
Assistant-Coach; Dave Workman
Physiotherapist; Rob Cashman
Manager: Doug Golightly

Black Sox Tour of America (American leg)

Friday July 1

Peligro Tournament, Crotana Park (http://peligrosportsnyc.com/directions)
Black Sox v California, 3-0

Saturday July 2
Black Sox v. Industriales, 3-2
Black Sox v. NY Sports Bar, 3-4
Black Sox v. Dominicana, 0-3

Sunday July 3
Playoffs

Black Sox v. Chicago/NY, 3-2

Semi final: Black Sox v California As, 0-2

Black Sox Tour of North America (Canada Leg)

NOTE: The days below are NZ dates and times. These will differ from North American websites and times as they are a day behind us.

Wednesday June 22, Toronto, Canada

Tuesday June 22, Toronto, Canada
Double-header in Niagara v League All-Star team
Game 1 - Black Sox v League All-Star team, 15-1
Game 2 - Black Sox v League All-Star team, 3-0 (called early due to lightning)
http://www.kwfastball.com/

Thursday June 23, Toronto, Canada
Double-header in New Dundee v Kitchener Cubs and Tri-Country All-Star team.
Game 1 - Black Sox v Kitchener Cubs, 0-5
Game 2 - Black Sox v Tri-Country All-Star team, 3-0
http://www.kwfastball.com/

Friday June 24, Toronto, Canada, Legends of Fastball Classic, Peter Hallman Ballyard Park, Kitchener
Black Sox v Owen Sound Selects, 5-1
http://www.kwfastball.com/

Saturday June 25, Toronto, Canada
Black Sox v Elmira Expos, 8-1

Sunday June 26, Toronto, Canada
Black Sox v Port Elgin Blue Devils, 7-0
Black Sox v Chicago-New York, 4-1

Monday June 27, Toronto, Canada
Playoff round
Black Sox v Midland Explorers, 5-4

Final
Black Sox v Jarvis, 4-3

Black Sox win Legends of Fastball Classic champions, with 4-3 win over Jarvis Travelers, on Rhys Casley 2run HR in 5th.

Tuesday June 28, Toronto, Canada
Game 1: Black Sox v Jarvis Travellers, 6-12
Game 2: Black Sox v Jarvis Travellers, 4-3

Black Sox North America Tour

An eye to the future is how Black Sox softball coach Eddie Kohlhase sees his side's tour to North America.

The team leaves on Saturday for the 20-day tour which will see the side play a number of games including the Legends of Fastball Classic tournament in Kitchener, Canada and the Peligro tournament in New York.

“The youth component in our team is vital. We must keep on building this team and ensuring we have the mix between experience and youthful enthusiasm just right. That's the secret for any team and we are no different," Kohlhase said.

"This tour provides further opportunity for our NZ players to play the best competition in the world. It also provides our players a testing environment making sure we make every stride to achieve optimum results on the field. This tour will lay the foundations for the assault on the World Championships at Auckland's Rosedale Park in March of 2013."

The culture in the Black Sox environment highlights the importance of preparation, with players not only consistently performing week in and week out, but improving as they strive to become the best they can be.

Injuries and player availability have also forced changes to the initial team selected with Brad Rona, a veteran of three world championships, forced to miss the tour through a knee injury requiring surgery. His unavailability also means the opportunity to play at an international level with his son Pita, who will make his Black Sox debut during the tour, thus New Zealand sporting history is on hold. Pita Rona is not the only college student selected in the team with Wellington's Jerome Raemaki being the other.

"It's exciting to have two outstanding schoolboys in the team with Pita and Jerome. This is a great learning curve for them and one they won't forget."

Brad Rona's place in the team has given Kohlhase and pitching coach Chubb Tangaroa the opportunity to add another pitcher to the side with Canterbury's Nathan Taikato called into the team. Also coming into the side for the games in the United States is pitcher Karl Gollan, who last played for the Black Sox at the 2004 world championships in Christchurch. Gollan will replace Jeremy Manley, who is unavailable for the games in the US.

Black Sox North America Tour Update

With the 2013 World Championships scheduled for early 2013, the Black Sox head off on their tour of North America on June 18^thwith some clear objectives. They are away for 3 weeks and are involved in tournaments and games in Canada and the USA. Due to injuries and player unavailability, a few changes have been made to the original squad. As such, Softball New Zealand would like to wish the following players and management well on their upcoming tour:

Rhys Casley (Captain); Tyson Byrne (Vice Captain); Thomas Cameron; Penese Iosefo; Craig Wallace; Nathan Taikato; Tyron Bartorillo; Jerome Raemkai; Daniel Tarapi; Pita Rona; Thomas Makea; Daniel Milne; Ben Enoka; Jerome Haretuku; Wayne Laulu; Campbell Makea; Jeremy Manley; Karl Gollan.

They will be joined by a management team comprising of:
Eddie Kohlhase (Head Coach); Dave Workman (Assistant Coach); Chubb Tangaroa (Pitching Coach); Rob Cashman (Physiotherapist); Craig Soper (Technology Assistant); Doug Golightly (Manager).

Technology Assistant update
Softball New Zealand would like to extend its congratulations to Craig Soper on his recent appointment as Black Sox Technology Assistant. Craig replaces Clayton Willocks who has been with the Black Sox for the past 12 months. Softball New Zealand would like to thank Clayton for the time and energy he has invested into the role during this time and wish him well with his future endeavours.

Black Sox Team Named for North American Tour

Softball lessons rather than those learnt in the classroom is going to be the focus for Pita Rona and Jereome Raemaki in June. The two college students have been selected in the Black Sox team for their North American tour, Rona's inclusion also adds another piece of New Zealand softball sporting history with the 16-year-old pitcher joining his father Brad in the team.

"This is truly a unique selection," Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase said.

"Both Rona's are outstanding players and represent all that's good about the game. Pita's selection is based on form and what we know he's capable of. Pita has exceptional talent and huge potential."

Also named on the pitching staff for the tour is Penese Iosefo, who pitched Canterbury to victory over Wellington in last month's final of the National Fastpitch Championship (NFC).

"Penese has forced his way into the team on the back of some solid performances for Canterbury," Kohlhase said.

"He has shown genuine consistency in the past couple of seasons."

Kohlhase has also included Thomas Cameron, who pitched a no-hitter for his club team Poneke-Kilbirnie to win the national interclub tournament last month and the United States based Jeremy Manley, who last played for the side at the 2009 world championships. Kohlhase has also named Craig Wallace (Wellington) and Tyron Bartorillo (Canterbury) who will be making their debut for the national team.

"Craig's selection is a result of consistent performances during the last season. He is well respected among the players and has a hardnosed approach to the game," Kohlhase said.

"Ty [Bartorillo] brings exceptional skill and a real edge to the infield. His competitive streak and talent will be a bonus for us."

The team also sees the return of Daniel Milne, who had to withdraw from the side for the December trip to Canberra, Australia because of work commitments after the first Christchurch earthquake.

"It's great to welcome Dan back to the team and our senior management group. The break Dan had has reinforced his commitment to the team and it's that attitude we need," Kohlhase said.

"The recent earthquake has been a tragic and traumatic time for the people of Christchurch and Dan has witnessed that closely. His experience and the way he continues to deal with it is something we can learn from. He brings real steel to the squad."

Also back after missing the December trip is Thomas Makea.

"Many sports teams have great players but few have iconic players in their ranks. We are lucky that one of the best to have ever pulled on the Black Sox uniform is with us," said Kohlhase.

"Thomas brings genuine class to the squad. His presence will have a real impact on the younger players."

The team is: Ben Enoka, Jerome Haretuku (Auckland), Penese Iosefo, Tyron Bartorillo, Daniel Milne (Canterbury), Rhys Casley (captain) Tyson Byrne (Hutt Valley), Brad Rona, Pita Rona (North Harbour), Thomas Cameron, Aaron Neemia, Craig Wallace, Jerome Raemaki, Daniel Tarapi, Thomas Makea, Wayne Laulu, Campbell Makea (Wellington), Jeremy Manley (USA-based).

Black Sox Results at Men's International Test Series in Australia

The Black Sox kicked off their International Test Series in Australia with a victory over Argentina 3-1. The highlights of the game were veteran NZ pitcher Heinie Shannon shutting down the Argentinian side allowing only 3 hits and 1 run, and captain Rhys Casley having 4 hits from as many at-bats. Ben Enoka, Brad Rona and Wayne Laulu drove in the three NZ runs. The lone Argentinian run was a solo home run in the bottom of the 5th inning from centre fielder German Sacks. Click here for the game summary.

Black Sox Tour of Australia

THERE is a new-look to the Black Sox softball team for the test series against Australia. From the team that lost in the world championship final to Australia last year just five players - Rhys Casley, who will captain the team, Brad Rona, Patrick Shannon, Heinie 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.

"While 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 five players from last year's team remaining, Kohlhase has also recalled Thomas Cameron, Tyson Byrne, 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, Joel Evans, 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.

Kohlhase believes the international series in Canberra will provide the sort of competition the players need to gauge where they are at.

"Playing the world champions is a huge challenge but it offers us the competition we need to see where we are at. We have a relatively inexperienced squad so this will most definitely provide us with an
indicator of what's required to compete at this level.

"This is an outstanding Australian squad and Argentina have always battled hard. It's going to be a tough series."

PITCHERS: Heinie SHANNON (AK), 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), Joel EVANS (HV), Bobby KING (AK).
OUTFIELDERS: Bernard HALE (AK), Ben ENOKA (AK), Wayne LAULU (WN), Dan TARAPI (WN), Jerome HERETUKU (AK), Campbell MAKEA (WN).
Management Team: Coach: Eddie Kohlhase, Assistant coach: Dave Workman,
Pitching coach: Chubb Tangaroa, Technical analyst: Clayton Willocks,
Physiotherapist: Rob Cashman, Manager: Doug Golightly

Men's Fastpitch Softball International Test Series

Hawker International Softball Centre
Walhallow Street, Hawker ACT
Wednesday 8 December - Friday 10 December 2010

Wednesday 8 December
Australia Gold v Australia Green, Argentina v New Zealand, Australia Green v Argentina,New Zealand v Australia Gold.

Thursday 9 December
New Zealand v Australia Green, Australia Gold v Argentina, Australia Green v Australia Gold, New Zealand v Argentina.

Friday 10 December
Australia Green v New Zealand, Argentina v Australia Gold, Argentina v Australia Green, Australia Gold v New Zealand. Play-offs.

Heinie Shannon called into Black Sox

10 November
BATTLE hardened pitcher Heinie Shannon has been called into the Black Sox squad.

Shannon – who is part of the wider Black Sox squad – will replace Regan Manley who has withdrawn from the team for personal reasons.

The evergreen 35-year-old Auckland player will join Thomas Cameron and Shaun Jamieson as the frontline pitchers on the upcoming tour to Australia at the beginning of December.

Shannon will take part in one-day camp in Palmerston North this Sunday alongside twin brother Patrick as the Black Sox pitchers and catchers fine-tune their combinations under the watchful eyes of coaches Dave Workman and Chubb Tangaroa.

The 23 man Black Sox squad will then assemble in Christchurch on Friday December 3 before leaving for the Australian international series on December 6.

Details of the Black Sox plans for Christchurch and the itinerary for Australia will be released next week.

Anti Doping Information Methylhexaneamine

9 November

The Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority (ASADA) has recently warned all Australian athletes and coaches about the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine, following a spate of positive doping tests both in Australia and overseas. Methylhexaneamine was added to the WADA banned substance list in 2010.

AIS Sports Nutrition has compiled the following advice in relation to this substance:-

Historically, Methylhexaneamine has been used in nasal decongestant sprays, however because of its stimulant effects, it is increasingly being found in nutritional supplements. Methylhexaneamine may be identified on labels as one of the following:

Methylhexaneamine — Forthan — 2-hexanamine 4-methyl-
Methylhexanamine —Floradrene — 2-hexanamine, 4-methyl- (9CI)
DMAA — 4-methyl-2-hexanamine — 1,3-dimethylamylamine
Geranamine — 4-Methylhexan-2-amine 1 — 3-dimethylpentylamine
Forthane — 2-amino-4-methylhexane — Pentylamine, 1, 3-dimethyl-

Methylhexaneamine is also a component of geranium oil. Therefore, it may also be listed on supplement labels / ingredients lists as:

Flower oil extract (geranium)
Geranium oil extract

Methylhexaneamine is often combined with caffeine in nutritional supplements to promote a stimulant and thermogenic effect. This is most likely to occur in two types of products:

Weight loss supplements (i.e. drink powders / pills which are promoted to enhance fat or weight loss). These supplements often used to contain ephedra, which is also listed on the WADA banned substance list.
Pre-exercise ‘stimulant’ supplements – frequently promoted and sold within body building circles as a pre-exercise ‘boost’ to enhance training.

These products are for sale over the counter in Australia and can be readily obtained over the internet.
Athletes should be aware of the potential risks involved in taking any nutritional supplement and note that under the World Anti-Doping Code strict liability principle, athletes are ultimately responsible for any substance found in their body. This means that even if a failed drug test results from a mistake or a contaminated supplement, the athlete is still at fault.

Products supplied through AIS Sports Nutrition are checked to ensure they do not have any banned substances listed on their ingredients list, and are assessed to be at very low risk of being contaminated. However, it is still important for AIS athletes to carefully check the ingredients list of any nutritional supplement, and if unsure check with their sports doctor, sports dietitian or with ASADA.

Black Sox Team for test series vs Australia

19 October

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.

Black Sox Captain
Rhys Casley

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)

Black Sox impose one-strike drug policy

24 August

Black Sox management have imposed a "zero-tolerance" drug policy and warned any player caught smoking cannabis will be banned from the 2013 world men's softball championships in Auckland.
The tough, new stance was announced at a national coaching conference in Wellington at the weekend by new Black Sox manager Doug Golightly.
"Everyone in this room knows that our sport is mired in this illegal and sickening swamp," Golightly, an Auckland-based sports media personality, said. "We are demanding that our Black Sox players are drug-free."
Wellington catcher Aaron Neemia missed the 2009 world championships in Canada after he was banned for 18 months for a second positive cannabis test administered by Drug Free Sport New Zealand. Former Black Sox pitcher Thomas Cameron and provincial player Steven Manson were also suspended for two months in 2009 for cannabis breaches.
Golightly and head coach Eddie Kohlhase have now brought in a one-strike-is-out policy.
"Let me state quite clearly and openly that if one of our players is caught smoking dope or tests positive for dope then that player will not be eligible for the 2013 world championships," Golightly said.
"Eddie has made it clear that there is a zero tolerance policy in operation ... No matter their status – senior or rookie – they will be axed."
Team management was prioritising a "great players, great people" philosophy.
"This just won't be a slogan or cliche. It won't just be a catchcry when the Black Sox are on tour. We want this to be a factor that will be associated with the Black Sox.
"A key part of that must be, and is, a firm stance on the use of drugs – in particular marijuana, dope, grass, electric puha, Herekino Green, call it what you will," said Golightly, who explained "Herekino is one of Northland's biggest cash crop areas, just south of Kaitaia".
The new manager said he was "not that naive to believe there will not be some sort of drama for us to sort out".
"It would be good if there wasn't, but despite our protestations and pleas, it's likely there will [be].
"Of course there could be cries of `natural justice', [and calls for] two-month or four-month standdowns in line with Drug Free [New Zealand] policy. But the players will know where they stand."
The cannabis use issue and other aspects of the new philosophy would be outlined at the Black Sox's next camp at the Millennium Institute in Auckland next month.
Each player would be asked to sign a code of conduct, committing themselves to those principles.

Golightly said the Black Sox's world championship record – five gold medals and three silvers – "can be counted among our most successful and significant sporting outfits".
He heralded Kohlhase as "one of New Zealand sport's most respected coaches" and "one of [softball's] best analysts and deeper thinkers".
But he stressed there had to be a reality check for some Black Sox players.
"The Black Sox team is no longer the best in the world. The Black Sox players are no longer world champions ... the Aussies are. That's why the Black Sox have to change." - by Tony Smith

Mark Sorenson honoured

16 August

New Zealand's most decorated softballer Mark Sorenson will receive another honour when the International Softball Congress admits him to the ISC Hall of Fame at the annual championships in Midland, Michigan.

Midland was the site of Sorenson's international debut whe the Black Sox won the world title in 1984 when he was only 16. He was unavailable in 1996 when the team won the first of three consecutive titles but was back as captain for the 2000 and 2004 world championship wins.

A regular competitor in the States, Sorenson was noted as the only New Zealand batter to consistently thrive in the US title races and he won a reputation for his consistency, his dedication to both his talents and his teams and for his ability to match the US players in all respects.

His father David, who led New Zealand to a shared world titile with the US and Canada in 1976 in The Hutt Valley, and his mother Maureen, a noted softball administrator, and his two children are in Midland to see the ceremony.

Black Sox legend Mark Sorenson