David Leggat: Champions poised to extend their amazing run

Around 9am on Monday, one of New Zealand's most successful teams are likely to be playing for their fourth successive world title.

And if the Black Sox do pocket the men's softball crown at Saskatoon, Canada, it will embellish a remarkable record.

You're unlikely to see it happen, however, unless you possess fancy equipment on your computer and are prepared to fork out about $50, in which case you can view it all live (www.2009worldsmensfastpitch.com, since you asked).

There is no host broadcaster, which doesn't help. But Maori Television has stepped in and will show delayed coverage and hopes to have the Black Sox whooping and hollering on the diamond later on Monday night.

Sixteen nations have been taking part, but unless something goes badly astray in the playoffs over the next two days, New Zealand will line up at the grandly named Bob Van Impe Stadium on Monday to face probably the US, the Aussies or the hosts.

A bit of history. Since 1966, New Zealand have won four times outright and shared a fifth title - 1976 at Lower Hutt, when the medal day was rained out and Canada, the US and New Zealand split the honours. Only once, in 1968, have New Zealand not been among the top three, so it's safe to say we know our designated hitters from our double plays.

There has been no recognition in the shape of Halberg awards, partly down to unfortunate timing.

In 1984 they were one of six finalists in the old format, when the grand prize went to Ian Ferguson for his three canoeing golds at the Los Angeles Olympics.

The All Blacks pipped the Black Sox for the team award in 1996; ditto Team New Zealand for their America's Cup defence four years later. Georgina and Caroline Evers-Swindell's Olympic gold in the double scull at Athens in 2004 did for the softballers at their last time of asking.

The Black Sox legend is of a team of battlers making do on modest financial support and producing high sporting achievements.

Sparc has provided funding to prepare them for this weekend. In each of the last three years, Softball New Zealand has received $200,000 based round a funding proposal for the Black Sox title defence. On top of that, a performance enhancement grant of $255,000 each year has been steered to the squad in various ways to prepare them for Saskatoon.

While that may pale alongside what a top All Black or leading New Zealand cricketer could pocket, at least it helps alleviate some of the financial burden.

Yet part of the Black Sox appeal, and why their achievements have been so admired, is based on their being perceived as a group of blokes rolling their sleeves up and getting on with it, of making do and as a result finding the celebrations just that bit sweeter.

Which is not to say they wouldn't appreciate doing things in a touch more comfort. But they are doers, not moaners; patronise them at your peril.

Their pool play numbers in Saskatoon are remarkable. Yesterday's 5-3 win over Japan was the first time they've been taken the distance, having monstered their previous six opponents. They have hit a whopping 81 runs and conceded only five. Australia beckon in the opening playoff game today.

New Zealand world champions? Boardsailor Tom Ashley, shot putter Valerie Vili, the Kiwis, rower Mahe Drysdale ...

At the highest level we don't have many, and sometimes as a nation we're a bit funny about celebrating them. Softball might not be your cup of Earl Grey, but if they do triumph, the Black Sox will deserve a large chunk of respect and admiration for sustained sporting excellence.