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ORIGINAL STORYÂ with photo
New national softball coach Mark Sorenson is hopeful an annual series with Australia can become part of the game's profile.
The world champion Black Sox traditionally operate on the smell of an oily rag and without the publicity softball enjoyed in the past.
However, after the success at the world championships staged in Albany earlier this year, it was felt a trans-Tasman series, with the world champions from 2009 would be a significant drawcard.
Discussions were underway with the Australians, Sorenson said and a mid-summer series was in prospect and could be played on a home and away basis. There was a likelihood that in the initial stages the series would be played in one city and discussions were also underway with SKY Television for coverage of the series.
Sorenson presented his plan for the side to the annual general meeting of Softball New Zealand at the weekend and while having to make do without captain Rhys Casley who has retired he is excited about the job ahead.
And he was delighted to see New Zealand players make their mark at the annual International Softball Congress tournament played in Illinois.
World championship winning team members Tyson Byrne and Ben Enoka were named in the tournament All-Stars team along with former internationals Travis Wilson, who was the side's designated hitter after winning the tournament RBI award, and Karl Gollan were also included in the team.
Nathan Nukunuku and Jerome Raemaki were included in the second tournament team.
