New Zealand Black Sox celebrate after their 4-1 win against Venezuela in the Final of the ISF Men's World Softball Championships, held at Rosedale Park, Albany, Auckland.

New Zealand have won a record sixth world softball championship after another masterful pitching performance from Jeremy Manley shut down Venezuela in today's final.

New Zealand knew they would have to come up with something special if they were to beat tournament favourites Australia in the playoffs of the World Softball Championships.

The lights stayed on late into the night, but they also started to dim on New Zealand's world title softball hopes as the Canadians battered the Kiwi battery.

Softball is a DIY sport right to the top level, writes Chris Rattue. The world champion Australian players are among those to pay their own way to Rosedale Park for this week's world championships.

The Black Sox batters carried their side to a 7-2 win over Japan on the North Shore today, continuing New Zealand's perfect start to the Softball World Championships.

New Zealand has shut-out Mexico in its world softball championship opener in Auckland.

Donny Hale is softball's supreme slugger and a key to the Black Sox regaining the world title at Rosedale Park.

There was a time when New Zealand's softball pitchers were sporting household names, led by the legendary Kevin Herlihy.

Trevor Rowse, a stalwart of New Zealand softball and football and a former New Zealand Herald sports correspondent, died on Wednesday aged 76.

For Jeremy Manley, the softball world championships in Auckland next month are a chance to make amends.

Black Sox captain Rhys Casley has been cleared to lead his team into next month's World Softball Championship in Auckland.

The New Zealand Black Sox softballers went into a week's camp with plenty to think about after a busy weekend.

New Zealand softball pitcher Heinie Shannon had the perfect teammate to give him a leg up when his pitching arm fell apart - twin brother Patrick.

When surprise world champions Australia defend their title at North Harbour next month, all eyes will be on their brilliant Canberra pitching duo of Adam Folkard and Andrew Kirkpatrick.

Kere Johanson headed to Australia on a hunch that hit a bullseye.