Softball: The field of dreams for veteran Sorenson

By JULIE ASH

Securing softball's greatest prize in front of a packed Christchurch stadium is the stuff of dreams for Black Sox veteran Mark Sorenson.

Now back in his famous No 2 jersey, Sorenson has captured world titles with the Black Sox, all of which were secured abroad.

He was there when they won in Michigan in 1984 and in 1996, and he was part of the success South Africa in 2000.

"It has been fantastic playing at home," said Sorenson, who retired from the Black Sox in 2001 before the prospect of playing a world series at home enticed him back.

"The crowds have been a little bit disappointing.

"There have been a couple of games when we played Australia and Canada, where they were good, but I would expect from now on it is going to be pretty full."

After thrashing the United States 9-0 yesterday, the Black Sox will today have a rematch against Canada -- the only team to beat them so far -- with the winner going straight through to Sunday's final.

Sorenson has been impressed with the standard of play in the tournament, but is quick to point out most teams are keeping their top line-ups under wraps.

"Our pool was the hardest without a doubt. We played very well, but the problem was that as soon as we had a couple of runs against teams, they took out their main pitcher. So that didn't really challenge us.

"Coming in I thought it was shaping up to be one of the toughest tournaments and I still believe the standard has improved a lot.

"Sure, we scored a bunch against the Netherlands [they won 18-5], but it was 6-5 at one stage. They made a pitching change and we jumped all over the new guy that came in.

"The United States beat the Czech Republic 19-0, but the the Czechs conceded that game and threw in their third pitcher.

"They finished third in their pool and were only beaten to second by Japan, who downed then by just one run."

Despite finishing second to Canada in their pool, Sorenson is confident his side have the right ingredients to become the first team to win three back-to-back world titles.

"I think we are where we need to be," he said.

"We didn't plan on losing to Canada, but that is really just a little bump in the road. It was a timely wake-up. You can never close the gate until the time is right.

"We have addressed that, we have shut off from it and we are moving forward.

"The guys fully understand that we need to take it step-by-step and hitter-by-hitter."

So, what is it like being back in that No 2 jersey?

"It has been good. It is just like it should be," Sorenson said. "Nothing has changed and it's business as usual."

Mark Sorenson

Born: Hutt Valley

Date of birth: October 5, 1967.

Position: Catcher.

Occupation: Regional sales manager.

Career highlights:

1990-2001: Captain of the Black Sox.

2000: 1st World Championships.

1996: 1st World Championships.

1992: 2nd World Championships.

1988: 2nd World Championships.

1985: Captain of the New Zealand side who won the world junior championships.

1984: 1st World Championships

Tournament draw and results

Tournament statistics

Squad lists