This Month's News
April2014

Black Sox name two new caps for Canada tour

April 10, 2014

Aucklnd, NZ

 

cap tip to Kyle Smith @PlayByPlay21

ORIGINAL STORY by Tony Smith

Auckland pitcher Bailey Pearson-Hoani and Canterbury infielder Josh Harbrow are the two new caps named for the Black Sox softball team's Canadian tour.

Coach Mark Sorenson has retained the bulk of the squad that beat Australia 2-1 in a three-test series in Auckland late last month.

But he said he always intended blooding some new players on the two-week tour in June and Pearson-Hoani and Harbrow were being given their chance.

''Bailey's had a really good year with Auckland United, who have ben pretty much in the finals of every event they have competed in. Bailey's  the workload on the mound and we're pleased with his progress and think he deserves a shot,'' Sorenson said.

''He's not a big, strapping,  power pitcher but he moves the ball pretty well and he's made some adjustments, just little things we'd noticed and asked him to work on.''

The Black Sox will be without Hutt Valley strike pitcher Nik Hayes, who is unavailable for the tour due to work commitments.

But Sorenson has recruited United States-based Jeremy Manley, who pitched the Black Sox to the world championship title last year.

He will join his younger brother, Regan Manley (Canterbury), Marlborough youngster Kurt Schollum and Pearson-Hoani on the pitching staff.

Sorenson said the Black Sox selectors had decided to leave veteran left-hander Heinie Shannon at home in a ''pre-planned move''. ''We know what Heinie brings to the table, he's a proven performer. We need to learn about some of the others.

''We've swapped Heinie for Jeremy so we still maintain that experience. It's important to get Jeremy back into the programme... he finished the world series last year as the ace.''

Sorenson said Harbrow, who plays at third base or shortstop, was another extended squad member wh o had been knocking on the door. ''Josh, like Bailey, has earned his opportunity. He's got a good skill set, he's a good base runner and a good fielder who's got a quick release and strong arm. We're looking to introduce him to the Black Sox way.''

Veteran infielder Brad Rona has been named after Sorenson learned the hand injury which kept Rona out of the Australian series would not require surgery. ''He's been told six to eight weeks' rest and recovery will do him the world of good.''

Shortstop Tyson Byrne and catcher Aaron Neemia, who were unavailable for the Australian series, have again been omitted.

Sorenson said the selectors had always planned on having a development focus to the tour which will feature tournaments in Ontario and Calgary and exhibition games in Saskatoon, where the 2015 world championships will be played.

 

''We thought we would have a look at the world series venue, 12 months out,'' Sorenson said.

The Black Sox leave for Canada on June 14 and return on June 30. They will hold a training camp at Trentham, near Wellington from May 9 to 11.

The Black Sox touring squad is: Pitchers: Jeremy Manley (United States), Regan Manley (Canterbury), Kurt Schollum (Marlborough), Bailey Pearson-Hoani (Auckland). Catchers: Stephen Ratu (Canterbury), Te Wera Bishop (Wellington). Infielders: Brad Rona (North Harbour), Nathan Nukunuku (c), Thomas Enoka (Auckland), Tyron Bartorillo, Josh Harbrow (Canterbury), Jerome Raemaki (Wellington).

Outfielders: Ben Enoka, Donny Hale (Auckland), Campbell Makea, Wayne Laulu (Wellington), Josh Thompson (Canterbury).

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