The Golden Homes Black Sox selectors have selected a squad of 20 athletes to focus on a winter conditioning programme in preparation for the WBSC Men’s World Cup in November later this year.

Sorenson say’s “no one from the Major Sox U23 programme has been considered due to logistical conflicts. Furthermore, none of the Australian based athletes have been considered for this squad as they’ll be unable to attend the mandatory sessions. Unfortunately, Eru Drage was forced out of consideration due to injuries and two upcoming operations.”

“There will also be an extended group of players that will be invited along regionally to train with this group".

“The mentioned athletes will still have a chance to compete in the BSX trial and Tradestaff NFC in October to stake their claims for final selection,” said Sorenson.

The 20 man Golden Homes New Zealand Black Sox Squad.
Pita Rona (North Harbour), Alfons Oveinikovas, Ben Enoka, Bradley Bennett, Campbell Enoka, Cole Evans, Connor Peden, Daniel Chapman, Liam Twigden, Rhys Evans, Thomas Enoka (Auckland), Joel Evans, Tane Mumu (Hutt Valley), Jayden Stratford, Josh Pettett, Zac Boyd (Wellington), Ben Watts, Callum Bishop, Cam Watts, Jackson Watt (Canterbury)

New Zealand U23 Major Sox coaches Steve Deans and Fergus McAlpine have named 16 players to contest the men’s inaugural WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup, to be held this year from 22-30 October in Parana, Argentina.

12 teams will qualify through the WBSC continental qualifiers, including four teams from the Americas, two from Europe, two from Asia, two from Oceania, one from Africa and a wild card.

Dean’s say’s “We have a mix of players with both speed and power skills and also a high work ethic and the understanding of always putting the team first. Tough decisions were made in certain positions and some very good players missed out.”

“We believe we have selected the best available players, including 10 who have been with this campaign for a while. Eight months out from the tournament we feel cohesion is a key component to success,” Deans said.

The Softball New Zealand President Nicky Sherriff proudly announces the U23 Major Sox Men’s Team to compete at the WBSC U-23 Men’s Softball World Cup, 22-30 October in Parana, Argentina.

Te Kirika Cooper -Nicola (North Harbour), Seth Gibson, Taine Slaughter, Max Earley, Brock Attewell, Oscar Clark, Huw Davies, Brock Evans, Kaleb Rona (Auckland), Xaviar Herrick (Auckland), Floyd Nola (Auckland), Adam Woon (Hawkes Bay), Damon Creasey, Tobias Makisi (Wellington), Josh Lubiejewski, Caleb Stewart (Canterbury)