Pita Rona – Back in Black

Son of Black Sox legend and Dugout team member Brad Rona is looking to make a name for himself in the Black Jersey. Pita Rona has just been selected in the Black Sox travelling squad to head to Prague in August. We talked to him about what his plans are leading up to the tournament and what it means to represent New Zealand again.

 

Dugout: You travel to Prague in August for the Intercontinental Cup Tournament with the New Zealand Black Sox. What have you been doing in terms of preparation and do you feel any pressure building up to heading away?

Pita: First of all get my body in shape. Go to the gym. Obviously get my body back to being strong again as I didn’t have much time during the season for that. Handle a few injuries I got during the season.

 

Dugout: Is this the first time you will be playing for the Black Sox? How did you find out you were named in the team heading away on tour?

Pita: I played in 2011 and Mark rang me Monday night and the team was named on the Tuesday.

Dugout: Who would be the funniest player you have played with

Pita: Mines gotta be Wayne – Lala. He’s just so energetic and passionate about everything he brings to the game. He doesn’t let you sit down that’s for sure!

 

Dugout: Who are some of the players you are looking forward to playing with?

Pita: The likes of Cole Evans who has really developed into really good Black Sox players. Guys that I have watched over the past couple years step up and do a good job for our country. Really looking forward to playing with the boys I played in the Junior Black Sox programme too. Couple of new faces as well. Gonna be a bit of fun!

Dugout: How do you prepare on game day? What’s your typical routine on Saturday

Pita: Depends who I’m playing for. If I’m playing for Northcote I’m pitching so I get there early and do my own little routine warm up. Other than that I just make sure I’m mentally prepared, understand who I’m going to be facing. So if I can get all the mental side right and make sure my body is sweet then I’m ready to go.

 

Dugout: As mentioned you pitch for Northcote and you were picked for the Black Sox as 1^st baseman. Which do you prefer and do you see yourself growing into the pitching role?

Pita: I don’t really mind, whatever situation presents itself, I’ll grab it.

 

 

Dugout: You had a stint playing baseball in both America and Australia. What would be the biggest challenge you faced?

Pita: The hardest thing was the fact the balls moves differently. Everything in Baseball goes down, where as in Softball we have the rise ball. I played Softball for so long it became easy in a sense, then going to Baseball and back to Softball, I had to get used to hitting rise balls again!

 

 

Dugout: You have just recently picked up Top Pitcher at the AFC awards night and your Dad picked up Top Batter. How do you think you would go pitching with your dad at the plate?

Pita: Haha, oh I don’t know. We would have to give that a trial. That would be a bit of fun!

 

Dugout: Who do you find most difficult to pitch to and who do you find difficult to hit against?

Pita: I don’t know if I should answer that! Haha

 

Dugout: Lastly, being back in the Black Sox – What are you looking forward to? Do you have any goals or aspirations you would like to achieve?

Pita: Obviously been a while since I have played for the Black Sox, so I’m just going to go in there with an open mind. Try and learn some different skills and see what’s changed from the last time I was there. Just make sure I’m learning and getting better every day and putting my best foot forward.