Another Bishop in Black Sox
But rugby’s his future
Te Kahui Bishop has the pedigree and is feeling the pressure.
The talented softballer was named in the Junior Black Sox squad after the recent under-19 nationals.
He did it the long way round, playing for Waikato at the nationals as a pick-up player.
His performances, as Waikato finished third, two places higher than Wellington, caught the eye and he was rapt to get the nod.
‘‘I was happy and excited; it’s my first time getting picked for New Zealand and something I’ve wanted since I was little.
‘‘ I knew [ Junior Black Sox] coach Thomas Makea was looking at me, but it was still a good feeling to hear your name called out.’’
The name Bishop is synonymous with softball, especially at the highest level.
Les, Dave, Te Wera and now Te Kahui have all come to national attention, and there could be more to follow.
Te Kahui said that during a game a few years ago there were five Bishops on the field for Porirua City United.
Does he feel any pressure with a surname like that?
‘‘ I guess when you go to tournaments or trials, people recognise the name. So yeah, there is a bit of expectation, but you just have to get out there and do what you have to.’’
The centre fielder is having an excellent season for his Porirua City United premier 1 men’s side. They are on the cusp of the playoffs in the Wellington and intercity leagues.
While clubs like PonekeKilbirnie and Dodgers are seen as the favourites, Bishop said Porirua would happily take dark horse status into the finals.
A trip to Canada for the junior world championships in June and July would be a valuable experience, Bishop said, but he could be lost to the sport eventually.
His other sports passion is rugby and next year he will play for Northern United, with an eye on a rugby career.
‘‘For me, softball is all about passion. I grew up playing the game and it’s what I love.
‘‘But there’s no money in it, so I need to look at other things.’’
The former Mana College student said Wellington softball was very strong at the moment and he was confident one of the clubs would push hard for the national club championships in Lower Hutt next month.