Sorenson to miss Black Sox tour
Black Sox men’s softball coach Mark Sorenson and captain Nathan Nukunuku are taking time out from a winter tour to Prague with six new caps blooded.
Sorenson, Nukunuku, infielder Tyron Bartorillo and outfielder Wayne Laulu will stay behind when the seven-time world champions play at the Intercontinental Cup tournament in Prague from August 28 to September 1.
Softball New Zealand chief executive Tony Giles said Sorenson had accepted a sabbatical offer made when he was reappointed after guiding the Black Sox to the 2017 world championship title.
‘‘Whilst Mark will not be physically in attendance, he has already set the benchmark high for the tour by not only selecting an exciting and youthful squad but selecting a new management lineup also,’’ Giles said.
‘‘Succession planning is key, both on and off the diamond and this is an area where Mark is very astute. His attention to detail in all aspects of campaign planning, including identifying talent, sets him apart in the international game.’’
Black Sox assistant coach Daryl Marino will guide the team in Sorenson’s absence with New Zealand under-23 Major Sox coach Steve Deans as his assistant. Former Black Sox catcher Casey Eden takes over as manager with Jayden Moore ending his 12-year involvement.
Experienced outfielder Ben Enoka will captain the Black Sox in Nukunuku’s absence.
Sorenson said his sabbatical allowed the Black Sox ‘‘the opportunity to develop the next tier of coaches’’.
‘‘We just felt they would develop better if I am not there. I’ve been part of everything and will continue to be, I just won’t be getting on the plane. The work we’re doing will continue, just with a slightly different flavour.’’
A four-time world champion in a 20-year career as a Black Sox player, Sorenson has been coaching the national team since 2013. He loves the role but also has a lot of business responsibilities as central regional manager for a recruitment company.
‘‘I haven’t had a family holiday in five or six years as all my leave is taken up with my softball commitments.’’
He believed taking a break will freshen up his coaching and is convinced it would do the Black Sox players some good to hear ‘‘some new voices’’.
The six new players had all earned their spots after proven performances in the domestic season, Sorenson said.
Daniel Chapman a former Junior Black Sox pitcher, pitched Mt Albert Ramblers to the national interclub tournament.
‘‘He threw two no-hitters on the penultimate day and took 28 strikeouts in 12 innings and he only gave up two hits in the final.’’
Eru Drage offers ‘‘a left-handed hitting and pitching option and can also play first base’’.
Auckland infielder Rhys Evans had emerged from younger brother Cole’s shadow this year with consistent defensive displays in the infield and ‘‘batted. 400 [four hits out of every 10 at-bats] at most events’’.
Joe Ferriso Jr, brother of NZ White Sox regular Danica Ferriso, was ‘‘an athletic, young infielder who has benefited from a break from the game and ‘‘has come back a better, all-round player’’.
Teenage outfielder Reilly Makea, son of four-time Black Sox world champion Thomas Makea, ‘‘obviously comes from good stock’’, Sorenson said.
‘‘Which isn’t a selection criteria, but it helps. He’s been around the ballpark since he could walk and is a young, exciting talent, coming through.’’
Jackson Watt, a Canterbury outfielder, has impressed Sorenson with his batting consistency. ‘‘He’s a tough out at the plate and has fully earned his spot in the line up.’’
The Black Sox – ranked No 1 in the world – will play Japan (2), Argentina (3), USA (6), Czech Republic (7), Denmark (11) and Botswana (12) in the five-day Intercontinental Cup series in Prague from August 28-September 1.