Softball: Black Sox pitching into title defence

The Black Sox will be seeking to repeat their world championship success in 2004 when they start their campaign in Saskatoon today. Photo / Christchurch Star

Bring it on. That is the attitude of Black Sox player Roman Gabriel as the world softball championships begin in Saskatoon, Canada, today.

The Black Sox play the United States in their opening game.

"As a team we have travelled well and grown better as each game, day and week has finished," Gabriel said.

"We are getting better in the box with each swing and we should be hitting the ground running."

The side won 11 of their 12 warm-up games against Canadian club sides.

But they know that those results mean nothing with the championship about to begin and a chance to win a fourth consecutive world crown.

While Gabriel is one of nine players to have played for the Black Sox at a world championship, the infielder knows this side is different from the team that won the title in 2004.

"I think it is extremely different," he said. "The ones that were there in 2004 are different people now.

"Most of us have families now, which change the way you do things on and off the diamond.

"The ones who don't have families have gained a lot more experience over the last five years and are certainly greater players for it."

However, while you cannot beat experience, it is also the youthful enthusiasm of the Enoka brothers - Ben, 19, and Thomas, 18 - that has Gabriel excited.

"They are bringing their own talent and enthusiasm which I personally am enjoying immensely," he said. "Seeing them so nervous but still playing well so far keeps me striving to be better and keep up with them. It's just awesome."

At the 2004 tournament, Gabriel pushed the Nukunuku brothers - Dion and Nathan - for a place in the starting role.

It will be a similar story this time with Nathan in the side and the return of Travis Wilson to the team, but Gabriel knows exactly what role coach Eddie Kohlhase has in mind for him.

"We have talked about my role. You can't go by Nathan and Travis, they are both great players.

"I know I have my weaknesses and critics, but I think I bring a lot to this team on and off the diamond which we have talked about.

"I will be putting pressure on them, just like the last worlds," he said.

"So far on the buildup tour I think I have done this. But I guess only Eddie and those two players can really answer that.

"I take a leadership role in this team and in the infield regardless if I'm playing or not. I think it works well and keeps the starters honest with how they are going."

While today's opening game cannot come soon enough for Gabriel, there is another reason he is looking forward to the tournament.

His wife, Kalala, daughter Lakita-Rose, 2, and son Arthur, 4 months, will be at the tournament.

"It has been extremely tough to leave them, but knowing they will be here for the start of the championship makes it that much easier."

The opening game against the United States will be followed by contests with Britain, the Philippines, Botswana, Denmark, Mexico and Japan over the next six days.

The top four teams from the section qualify for the playoffs.

Heading the other section is Canada, who the Black Sox beat 9-5 in the 2004 final, Australia, Argentina, Czech Republic, Venezuela, South Africa and Puerto Rico.

The final will be played on July 27.

NZ CHASING FOUR IN A ROW

The Black Sox at previous world championships:

* 1966, Mexico City, Mexico
NZ third (title won by US)

* 1968, Oklahoma City, US
NZ fifth-equal (title won by US)

* 1972, Manila, Philippines
NZ third (title won by Canada)

* 1976, Lower Hutt
NZ, Canada and US share title

* 1980, Tacoma, US
NZ fourth (title won by US)

* 1984, Michigan, US
NZ beat Canada 3-1 in final

* 1988, Saskatoon, Canada
NZ beaten 0-4 by US in final

* 1992, Manila, Philippines
NZ beaten 3-5 by Canada in final

* 1996, Michigan, US
NZ beat Canada 4-0 in final

* 2000, East London, South Africa
NZ beat Japan 1-0 in final

* 2004, Christchurch
NZ beat Canada 9-5 in final