Don't be surprised if Hawke's Bay softball export Thomas Makea plays in a fifth World Series at North Harbour in 2013.

Three-time world champion Makea, 36, is back in the Black Sox team after missing last year's Australian tour and will tour North America in June and July. He was among the North America-bound players who completed a week-long coaching camp in Hawke's Bay yesterday.

Hawke's Bay-based Black Sox pitching coach Chubb Tangaroa said Wellington's Makea, who played in his first World Series back in 1996, brought a wealth of experience into the camp. A knee injury forced him out of the Aussie tour.

"He was told to get healthy and he has done that. We know how dedicated he is and we believe he can still contribute to our journey," said Tangaroa.

Makea first played for the Black Sox in 1994. He is regarded as the best outfielder in the world.

A three-time world champion who will be inducted into Hawke's Bay's Hall of Fame later this month, Tangaroa said last week's wet weather didn't hinder the camp.

"The camp was focused on chemistry and culture ... bringing our team together as a unit.

"The players going to North America have the opportunity to experience the game plans we want to use in 2013 and they were our focus.

"Players were told how we want to play defensively, what we want to try and do offensively and they spent plenty of time in their different groups - pitchers and catchers, infielders and outfielders.

The mental side of the game was covered and it was very productive, particularly the team-building side of things," said Tangaroa.

United States-based players, pitcher Jeremy Manley and infielder Travis Wilson, will join the team when it arrives in the States. While Makea and his younger brother, Campbell, are in the travelling squad Hawke's Bay infielder Aaron Kuru is a non-travelling reserve.

Tangaroa said the likes of Kuru and fellow Hawke's Bay representatives Josh Gettins and Curtis Huata might get the opportunity to tour Australia with the Black Sox in November.

"Basically, we've got an extended squad of 30 players. Everyone knows they are pushing one another so we come up with the strongest team for 2013 which is only 18 months away.

"We're also looking beyond 2013 and other Bay players come into contention ... the likes of Te Rangi (Chadwick) and Jovaan (Hanley). They just need to keep working hard," said Tangaroa.

After winning three consecutive World Series titles in 1996, 2000 and 2004, the Black Sox finished second to Australia at the 2009 World Series in Canada