Softball: Seasoned pro Wilson returns to the Black Sox

Travis Wilson is back after ending a stint with the Atlanta Braves.

Former Black Sox and professional baseball player Travis Wilson has returned to the national softball fold.

Wilson's inclusion in the 25-man training squad named by coach Eddie Kohlase yesterday was the main feature after Wilson ended a stint with the Atlanta Braves last year.

He spent seven years with the Braves but did not break into the major league.

Wilson, 27, last played for the Black Sox when they won the 1996 world championships, but he returned to New Zealand last year and started playing club championships.

It was proving increasingly difficult for foreign players to get international visas to play in the United States.

While that killed his baseball dreams, the return of the hitter has been welcomed by Kohlase.

"Travis is a seasoned professional and he has been involved in professional sport for nearly a decade," Kohlase said.

"We will be keen to utilise all his experience and knowledge. Travis is keen to be involved in softball again and being part of the Black Sox is something he would dearly love to contribute to again."

The squad also features four new players in Todd Grego, Corey Matakatea, Bernard Hale and Vaero Hagai (all from Wellington) and experienced hands such as captain Jarrad Martin and Marty Grant were also included.

The squad have a training camp in Upper Hutt from October 13 to October 16.

In early December they face Samoa in four matches before heading to Australia in late January for the six-team Commonwealth Cup tournament.

Black Sox training squad

Pitchers: Marty Grant (Nelson), Thomas Cameron (Auckland), Tane Richardson (Hutt Valley), Vaero Hagai (Wellington), Jarrad Martin (Wellington).

Catchers: Patrick Shannon (Auckland), Lyndon Andrews (Auckland), Bevan Martin (Wellington).

Infield: Rhys Casley (Hutt Valley), Nathan Nukunuku (Auckland), Brad Rona (North Harbour), Craig Wallace (Wellington), David Butler (Manawatu), Travis Wilson (Canterbury), Stephen Ratu (Wellington).

Outfield: Thomas Makea (Wellington), Stacy McLean (Wellington), Chris Eden-Huria (Wellington), Damian McCulloch (Wellington), Daniel Milne (Canterbury), Bernard Hale (Auckland), Taifau Matai (Auckland), Fabian Makea (Wellington), Todd Grego (Wellington), Corey Matakatea

- NZPA