Softball: Former team-mate accused of sledging

By CHRIS RATTUE

The Black Sox have accused former team-mate Michael White of sledging during the World Series.

Captain Mark Sorenson also revealed some bad blood with another former New Zealand pitcher, Peter Meredith, who like White played for the United States at the championships.

White spearheaded New Zealand to the title at Michigan in 1996 when he pitched a rare perfect game in the final against Canada.

Sorenson said it had been strange to observe White in the opposition camp as the Black Sox performed the haka at East London.

Sorenson also revealed in a Radio Sport interview that there was no love lost between him and Meredith.

"I'm glad he's American," said the Black Sox captain, who smashed a Meredith pitch for a huge home run during the 3-1 semifinal win.

Black Sox coach Don Tricker told the Herald that while Meredith had got on with the game, White had sledged the Black Sox after coming on as a relief pitcher.

"On occasions people say things they regret and if he [White] heard himself I'm sure he would want to change what happened," Tricker said.

"It was poor and something that would never be part of the way the Black Sox play the game. There is a line that doesn't need to be crossed.

"Certain things were said that were aimed at individuals. It led to some fiery exchanges."