Black Sox Shine with Silver at World Softball Championship

The New Zealand men’s softball team, known as the Black Sox, has claimed a silver medal at the World Softball Championship held in Prince Albert, Canada. The team finished as runners-up after a 3-0 defeat to Venezuela in the final on March 10, 2024. This result marks a significant recovery from their eighth-place finish in the previous tournament in 2022.

The Black Sox’s performance in this year’s championship showcased a remarkable improvement, bringing them back onto the world stage. Head coach Thomas Makea expressed pride in the team’s journey, highlighting the growth they have achieved in just two years. “To go from eight to number two in the world in two years, that’s awesome,” he stated. Makea emphasized the talent within the squad, stating, “We had the players, we just had to grow them.”

A strong sense of whānau (family) was pivotal to the team’s success. The squad included four sets of brothers: Ben and Thomas Enoka, Cole and Rhys Evans, Reilly Makea and Dante Makea-Matakatea, and Cameron and Ben Watts. This familial connection extended to the coaching staff, which included former Black Sox champion Bevan Matene, who served as a kaitiaki (leader) for the team.

Despite the loss in the final, Matene reflected on the team’s achievements with pride. “We didn’t make it to the top of the mountain; we got silver rather than gold,” he remarked. He acknowledged the efforts of the players and praised Makea for his leadership. “I’m feeling quite sad, my heart aches for the team, but tomorrow the sun will rise again. The mana of the Black Sox will go on, and we’ll reach the top one day.”

Adding to the team’s depth was legendary pitcher Chubb Tangaroa, who returned as the pitching coach. Tangaroa, who gained Hall of Fame recognition for his contributions to the sport, provided invaluable knowledge and experience to the players. Makea noted the players felt the support and aroha (love) from fans both at the event and back home in New Zealand. “We really felt the mana coming through. I’ve seen massive growth in this team,” he explained.

Captain Cole Evans echoed his coach’s sentiments, emphasizing the team’s performance throughout the tournament. “The team really grew in confidence,” he said. Evans acknowledged that while they fell short in the final, the Black Sox’s rise in the world rankings reaffirmed their place among the elite in the sport. “There’s a great programme back home, some quality young kids coming through, and obviously some guys that have been around a long time are really quality, so the future looks pretty bright.”

This year’s silver medal not only restores the Black Sox’s reputation but also sets the stage for future aspirations in international softball. The team’s journey reflects a blend of talent, family ties, and a commitment to excellence, underscoring the enduring legacy of New Zealand softball on the global stage.