Softball: Big hitter's home cage

Jacob Zurcher prepares for another session in a batting cage which has been erected in his family's backyard. Photo / Duncan Brown

It's a huge sacrifice but one Hawke's Bay softballer Jacob Zurcher and his family believes will pay off at this month's Junior World Series in Michigan.

With the help of his father Lou, Zurcher, 18, built a 15-m long and 3-m high and wide batting cage in the backyard of his Hastings family's home. It cost $2500 and takes up almost the entire backyard which meant the family washing line had to be moved.

"Jacob has been selected as a designated hitter and we wanted to give him every chance to keep in form before the team leaves this weekend," Lou said.

It was completed in a day-and-a-half last weekend and the Zurchers are grateful for the good deals from Napier Provedoring Co and Malcolm Gill from Bayline Engineering, who provided the netting and piping respectively.

"It's been quite good. It means I've ticked every box and I'll be leaving in the best shape possible," Zurcher said.

"It's been made so it can be taken down but with a younger sister as well as two younger brothers who also play softball I don't think it will be taken down in a hurry," Zurcher said.

His Saints teammate, pitcher Adam Woon, and Maraenui Pumas utility Callum Carson are the Hawke's Bay players in the New Zealand team which will be one of 13 at the July 22-30 tournament. The Junior Black Sox will play a four-day buildup tournament in Ohio from Monday.

A lefthander, Zurcher has been training daily since the team was announced in February. He has had Boot Camp sessions, fitness and agility sessions with Grant Hastings and batting technique sessions with Hawke's Bay-based White Sox coach Kevin Gettins.

Zurcher was one of five Junior Black Sox players selected in the All Stars team after the Easter Weekend Southern Cross Challenge in Christchurch. He described the national side's three-day Waiouru training camp in May as "a different but good experience".

"Basically I've shown improvement at every training camp and the coaches are happy," he said referring to head coach Thomas Makea and fellow multiple world champion Jarrad Martin.

The pair are eager to go one step better than the second placing achieved at the last Junior World Series two years ago. Defending champions and hot favourites Argentina are in Pool A with Australia, the United States, Czech Republic, Denmark, Botswana and Venezuela and the Junior Black Sox will be in Pool B along with Japan, Mexico, Canada, South Africa and Israel.

"Everyone is thinking about the same goal. We are one big family, everyone will look after each other and we will all play for each other," Zurcher said.

If he can perform to his potential in Michigan, Zurcher can expect to be bombarded with offers from International Softball Congress-bound clubs.

"If I get seen I will certainly consider the options but I've got a pretty good opportunity when I get home."

Zurcher has been offered a spot on the Northcote roster for next summer. Should that be the option there's bound to be a few sessions in the backyard yard before then too.

Junior Black Sox team: Daniel Chapman, Joseph Kohlhase, Jarome McKenzie, Jordan Tahana, Harrison Valk (Auckland), Callum Bishop, Bailey Hamilton, Reilly Makea (Canterbury), Adam Woon, Jacob Zurcher, Callum Carson (Hawke's Bay), Kaleb Rona (North Harbour), Zachary Boyd, Alex Lundon, Samuel Marley, Dante Matakatea, Jayden Stratford (Wellington).