Softball: Father, son named in Black Sox squad

Brad Rona. Photo / Greg Bowker

For the first time, a father and son will represent New Zealand in softball after Brad Rona and offspring, Pita, were named to tour North America in June.

North Harbour's Brad Rona, 45, has been a Black Sox infield regular since helping win the 2000 world title in his rookie year.

A powerful hitter and tidy third baseman, Brad Rona won his second world title when Christchurch hosted the championship last year.

Pita Rona, 16, a Glenfield College student, and one of four pitchers included in Eddie Kohlhase's 19-member squad, has had an impressive summer at under-19 and under-17 events.

"This is truly a unique selection," Kohlhase said.

"Both Ronas are outstanding players.

"Pita's selection is based on form and what we know he's capable of. Pita has exceptional talent and huge potential."

Also named on the pitching staff for the tour is Penese Iosefo, who steered Canterbury to victory over Wellington in last month's national fastpitch championship final.

Kohlhase has also included Thomas Cameron, who pitched a no-hitter for Poneke-Kilbirnie to win last month's national interclub title and United States-based Jeremy Manley, who last played for the Black Sox at the 2009 world championships.

Pita Rona is not the only college student in the team with Wellington's Jerome Raemaki included.

Also coming into the side for the first time is Craig Wallace (Wellington) and Tyron Bartorillo (Canterbury).

Eight players from the team who finished second to Australia in December's international fastpitch series have missed out on the trip including Wellington's Te Wera Bishop who is now pursuing a baseball career with the Red Sox in the United States league.

New Zealand softball team named today to tour North America in June are: Ben Enoka, Jerome Haretuku (Auckland), Penese Iosefo, Tyron Bartorillo, Daniel Milne (Canterbury), Rhys Casley (captain) Tyson Byrne (Hutt Valley), Brad Rona, Pita Rona (North Harbour), Thomas Cameron, Aaron Neemia, Craig Wallace, Dan Tarapi, Jerome Raemaki, Daniel Tarapi, Thomas Makea, Wayne Laulu, Campbell Makea (Wellington), Jeremy Manley (USA-based).

- NZPA