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Auckland brothers Ben and Thomas Enoka are the surprise inclusions in the Black Sox side that will try to win a fourth consecutive world championship crown in Canada this year.
National coach Eddie Kohlhase yesterday named a relatively new-look, 17-strong team for the tournament in July, but the Enoka brothers
were the only real bolters.
The pair, who were both members of last year's Junior Black Sox team that competed at the World Champs, were selected from outside the initial training squad.
But Kohlhase believes Ben and Thomas' form for Auckland and North Harbour respectively in the National Softball League could not be overlooked.
"I think they have a very big future in the game.
They were young schoolboy stars and started young in the premier grades.
"We just see these two as being players who can contribute to the total package of the team.
"We are also known for picking young players and having them front up for the big time."
Ben, 19, who was a member of the Auckland 39ers side that beat Wellington 9-0 in the National Softball League final in Wellington at the weekend, has been named in the outfield with Rhys Casley, Thomas Makea, Donny Hale, Daniel Milne and Gareth Cooke.
His younger brother Thomas, who has just turned 18, joins the pitching staff spearheaded by veteran Marty Grant, with support from Jeremy Manley and Heinie Shannon.
While the Black Sox have dominated the world championships - they have contested the last six finals and won four of them, including the last three - Kohlhase doesn't like to talk about defending the crown.
"This is a new team," he said. "To win this tournament is going to take all 17 players pulling in the right direction. It is going to be a tough one."
