KEY POINTS:
Big brother is watching will have a new meaning for Bernard Hale next week.
Hale, 20, has joined his older brother Donny, 32, in the Black Sox team which will defend their Pacific Series title in Canberra. They will play alongside brothers Heinie and Patrick Shannon.
"I didn't
think it would be this early," Donny said referring to his brother's selection. "It was something I hoped would happen though."
The brothers learnt of their selection a few weeks ago and while Donny knew first he had to wait until Black Sox manager Wayne Small had called Bernard before celebrating.
"I was really surprised and thought he was having me on," Bernard said. "I didn't believe it when he first told me.
"It came as a big shock."
Playing together is not completely foreign to the pair, with Bernard switching from the Metro club to play for Donny's Ramblers this season and last season they played for Auckland in the national league.
"It's been good playing with him at the club, but to be named in the Black Sox team with him is a real bonus," Bernard said. "I thought it could be something that could happen in the future but not this year."
Although the brothers both play in the outfield, there is every chance that may change during the series.
Versatility is something Donny knows the importance of having made his debut for the Black Sox in 1994 as a pitcher for the tour to North America. He then had to wait another five years before he was back in black with a recall to the national team this time as an outfielder and batter.
His ability as a powerful batter was especially evident during the recent series against Canada which saw him play all six tests as the designated player and record eight hits from his 17 turns at bat. He was also the top batter at last year's Pacific Series in Japan, with 11 hits from his 18 at bat for an average of .611.
Even as the newcomer in the team, Bernard has some idea of what is in store for him during the next 10 days.
"I know what my role will be as the rookie in the team. Donny doesn't have to tell me that," he said. "I just have to listen, get told what to do and then do it."
Bernard is also hoping this trip to Canberra will help erase the disappointment he had when he went to that city last year with the New Zealand A team.
"I was disappointed with my performance there," Bernard said. "I was really nervous, for me it was the next step.
"This is going to be a real big step."
Having his younger brother in the national team for the first time adds to what has already been a successful 2007 for Donny. His success included juggling the player-coach role not only for his club team Mt Albert Ramblers but also the Auckland franchise side. Both teams won their national titles.
Those successes led to him being named Softballer of the Year - the premier Softball New Zealand award.
He was also named Coach of the Year. On the diamond, Donny continued that success for North American club side Madison, helping them to the International Softball Congress title and also being named in the first-choice tournament team.
"It was a very good season for me," Donny said. "The season over there is important and winning the ISC tournament is very important."
Bernard also had his first experience of back-to-back softball seasons, but instead of following big brother to a North American club side he travelled to Europe and played for a club in Denmark, an experience he believes has helped him earn a place in the Black Sox team for the up-coming series.
"That was a good experience," he said. "It was different and has helped my softball." Bernard has also seen first hand the benefit of playing back-to-back softball seasons.
"Donny plays all year round and his game is just phenomenal," he said. "I want to be able to play like that."
The Pacific Series is seen by the brothers as a major step toward the Black Sox defence of their world championship crown in 2009.
"It is always good to think ahead, but for us it is just one tournament at a time and trying to get ourselves ready for 2009," Donny said.
