Eddie Kohlhase addresses the Black Sox at training - Source: Dave Lintott
This wasnt how Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase envisaged his teams participation at the Dean Schick Tournament ending.
Walking off the No 2 diamond at Rosedale Park, having just lost the plate final 5-6 to Auckland club side Ramblers their second loss to these opponents over the weekend he could hear the softball fraternity wondering.
This was the national teams third loss in as many days they also fell to Hutt Valley Dodgers on Saturday to tumble out of tournament contention.
If I was on the sidelines, Id be thinking things dont look great too, admitted Kohlhase. Three losses to club teams are not what you expect of a national side.
But it really has been a valuable opportunity to learn about ourselves. Were not going to roll over teams were always going to be in a dogfight.
And we understand now that every team we play against are to going to raise their games because we are the Black Sox.
During their nine-day camp, the players had put in some hard yards, training two sometimes three times a day. Its necessary as part of the build-up to next months Tradestaff World Softball Championship, but it doesnt always allow the players to produce their best on the diamond as well.
The pitching rotation is a work in progress and US-based Jeremy Manley a key part of that line-up is still working his way back to full fitness after recent surgery.
But Kohlhase hoped the critics will lay off his team until they see the finished product.
We really need the softball community of Auckland and New Zealand to get behind us, and I believe well have that support.
This is a great team most of these guys here have won world titles before and know what it takes to get up for the heavyweight fight.
We just have to tick off this part of our preparation and move on to the next.
The Black Sox have now disbanded for a couple of days, but a due to reconvene on Tuesday, when theyll head north of Auckland for some alone time.
The Tradestaff World Softball Championship runs from March 1-10, with New Zealand facing Mexico in their pool opener on Day One.
The Black Sox roster is Tyron Bartorillo (Canterbury), Tyson Byrne (Hutt Valley), Rhys Casley (Hutt Valley), Ben Enoka (Auckland), Donny Hale (Auckland), Jerome Haretuku (Auckland), Nic Hayes (Hutt Valley), Penese Iosefo (Canterbury), Wayne Laulu (Wellington), Thomas Makea (Wellington), Jeremy Manley (US), Jarrad Martin (Wellington), Daniel Milne (Canterbury), Brad Rona (North Harbour), Heinie Shannon (Auckland), Patrick Shannon (Auckland), Aaron Stroman-Neemia (Wellington)Â Â Â
