Softball: All Stars add Travis Wilson to line-up

Former New Zealand star Travis Wilson has been named in the All Stars team for the Pacific Cup series in Rotorua next week.

He has not played softball since winning a world championships title in 1996.

He has been pursuing a professional baseball career in the United States and, while still based there, agreed to take part in the tournament from Thursday to Sunday next week, much to the delight of coach Wayne Saunders.

"He will be a great asset to have in the side."

The All Stars last week replaced the unavailable Argentina in the five-nation tournament, allowing Wilson and a host of invited New Zealand players to pit their skills against world champions New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Samoa.

On the mound will be three National League pitchers - Terrence Hibbert of Wellington and Hutt Valley pair Jeremy Manly and Hone-Mark Sinnott.

Leading contenders for the New Zealand under-19 boys' team to go to the junior world champs later this year also make up a strong contingent of the team with David Butler, Bernard Hale and Daniel Lamb-Hunt included in the side.

Saunders believes that his side have a realistic chance of reaching the top-three playoffs.

The All Stars go into camp in Tauranga on Tuesday and will have a warm-up game against Australia.

All Stars

Pitchers: Terrence Hibbert (Wellington), Hone-Mark Sinnott (Hutt Valley), Jeremy Manly (Hutt Valley).

Catchers: John Potts (South Africa), Jason Gerbes (Rotorua), Clayton Ellis (Canterbury).

Infield: David Butler (Hutt Valley), Bernard Hale (Auckland), Daniel Lamb-Hunt (Auckland), Corey Matakatea (Wellington), Travis Wilson (America).

Outfield: Josh Johnson (America), Michael Cameron (Auckland), Todd Grego (Canterbury), Santaigo Lataire (Argentina).

- NZPA