Latest news with #ThomasMakea

RNZ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
'Mana of Black Sox will go on': NZ men's softball climbs back to podium at World Cup
Black Sox pitcher Liam Potts in action during the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Final against Venezuela. Photo: WBSC The mana of the Black Sox carries on, as the team returns home with a silver medal and a restored place on the world stage. The New Zealand side finished runners-up to Venezuela in a 3-0 final in Prince Albert, Canada - a major comeback from their eighth-place finish in 2022. Although it wasn't the final result they would have wanted, the boys' performance over the campaign was a massive improvement from their last international outing. And the key to the team's success this year? Whānau . Black Sox team captain Cole Evans celebrates with head coach Thomas Makea after powering a ball over centre-field fence. Photo: WBSC A name well-known in global softball circles, Head coach Thomas Makea (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Marama, Ngāti Makea ki Rarotonga), said the team's growth over the past two years had been huge. "To go from eight to number two in the world in two years, that's awesome. "I believed in what we had when I took over the job a couple years ago now. So, I believe we had the talent," he said. "We had the talent, we had the players, we just had to grow them." Part of that growth had come from the strong sense of whānau within the team. This year's squad included four sets of brothers: Ben and Thomas Enoka , Cole and Rhys Evans, Reilly Makea and Dante Makea-Matakatea, and Otago natives Cameron and Ben Watts. That legacy of whakapapa also extended to the coaching staff. Former Black Sox and World Champion Bevan Matene (Te Ātiawa) toured with the team as a kaitiaki (leader). He said despite the final loss, he was extremely proud of the team's achievements. "Kaore i haere ki te tihi o te maunga teitei, te tuarua, te hiriwa kaore te koura. We didn't make it to the top of the mountain, we got silver rather than gold. "He tino pai rawa atu te tīma o te Tōkena Pango i tēnei rā. But we played really well today." The New Zealand Black Sox 2004 World Title team - including Head Coach Thomas Makea and delegation leader Bevan Matene. Photo: Kevin Clarke Photography / Supplied: Softball New Zealand Matene paid tribute to Makea for his mahi and the captain Cole Evans. "He tino pouri, he mamae taku manawa mō te tīma, apōpō ka whiti mai te rā. I'm feeling quite sad, my heart aches for the team, but tomorrow the sun will rise again. "Te mana o te Tōkena Pango ka haere ki te tihi o te maunga teitei. The mana of the Black Sox will go on and we'll reach the top one day." Alongside Matene was legendary Black Sox pitcher "Chubb" Tangaroa, who returned as the team's pitching coach. Tangaroa (Ngāti Kahungunu) helped pave the way for New Zealand pitchers on the international stage in the 1980s and 90s. He earned Hall of Fame honours in both Aotearoa and the world game. As a player, he was known for his sharp rise ball and helped lead the Black Sox to gold in 1996 and silver in 1988 and 1992. With leadership and experience like this at the helm, the players had a wealth of mātauranga (knowledge) at their fingertips. The New Zealand Black Sox came second at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup after taking the loss 3-0 against Venezuela in the Gold Medal match. Photo: WBSC Makea said the Black Sox truly felt the aroha from the supporters on the sideline and back home in Aotearoa. "We really felt the love, felt the mana coming through. And I'm not gonna apologise for us not getting there, getting the job done today because I've seen massive growth in this team." He said the journey to the podium had been awesome. "[It's been an] awesome couple of weeks with these guys and they've made steps for the future of the programme." Cole Evans said the Black Sox put on a stellar performance all week, playing some quality ball against quality teams. "The team really grew in confidence and I thought we [had] a real chance today," the captain said. "Just came up a bit short." Evans said by moving up the world ranking ladder, their campaign performance put them back "where the programme belongs". "There's a great programme back home, some quality young kids coming through, and obviously some guys that have been around a long time are really quality, so, future looks pretty bright."

1News
3 days ago
- Sport
- 1News
Black Sox claim second place at Men's Softball World Cup
The New Zealand men's softball team will return home with a silver medal after a tough final match against Venezuela in the early hours of Monday morning (NZT). The Black Sox were chasing their eighth world championship title but were held scoreless in a 3-0 loss, settling for second place - a strong comeback from their eighth-place finish in 2022. This year's campaign marked a powerful return to form for the most decorated team in men's softball history, with seven world titles already to their name, won in 1976, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2013, and 2017. The side hadn't won a medal since their last win in 2017. This year's final was also New Zealand's 10th appearance in a World Championship final, finishing runners-up in four competitions (1988, 1992, 2009, and 2015). ADVERTISEMENT In 1976, they shared the gold medal with Canada and USA, as the play-offs couldn't be completed due to poor weather. Head coach Thomas Makea (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Marama, Ngāti Makea ki Rarotonga), who took over in 2023, said the team set out to rebuild after a challenging few years. He said their harenga (journey) to the final was fuelled by the team's connection and a sense of whanaungatanga both on and off the diamond. The Black Sox reached the final after an 8-3 victory over Japan in the Super Round, where they needed a five-run win to qualify on Team Quality Balance. The only side in the competition to beat New Zealand was Venezuela, who earlier defeated the Black Sox 7-2 in group play. The New Zealand Black Sox at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2025. (Source: WBSC) Game replay ADVERTISEMENT The Black Sox opened the gold medal match with a chilling haka, laying down a wero (challenge) to Venezuela in a rematch of the 2013 World Cup final. New Zealand threatened early, putting runners on base in the first inning but couldn't convert runs. Lead-off hitter Ben Enoka picked a walk, and Cole Evans pushed him to third with a line drive, but the side couldn't capitalise. Young Canterbury pitcher Liam Potts, 21, started strong on the mound for New Zealand, retiring the first three Venezuelan batters, including a strikeout to close the first. The scoreboard remained scoreless until the bottom of the third, when Pedro Flores broke the deadlock, smashing a solo homer over centrefield to put Venezuela on the board. Despite solid contact and disciplined at-bats, the Black Sox couldn't find a breakthrough through the next two innings, with both sides allowing no runs to concede. Venezuela's starting pitcher Maiker Pimentel battled through an ankle injury, but had to leave the game in the top of the fifth after reaggravating it. ADVERTISEMENT Luis Miguel Colombo Perez came on but didn't last long, leaving the mound after Rhys Evans drew a walk and advanced to second on a passed ball. Ben Enoka was then hit by a pitch, putting two on with two outs. But despite the opportunity, Jerome Raemaki struck out on a drop ball by new pitcher Eudomar Toyo, leaving the two runners stranded on base. New Zealand Black Sox pitcher, Pita Rona, son of Brad Rona - a four-time Black Sox world champion - pitched the side to its first victory at the WBSC Softball World Cup Finals against Canada. (Source: WBSC) Pita Rona took over on the mound for the Black Sox in the bottom of the fifth, replacing Potts after a solid start. He walked his first batter, putting runners on first and second with no outs. But the Black Sox defence stepped up to the plate, Rhys Evans fielded a grounder and made the force out at third, followed by a diving catch in foul territory by Te Kirika Cooper-Nicola in left field to end the inning and keep Venezuela from extending their lead. ADVERTISEMENT In the top of the sixth, top batters, Cole Evans and Reilly Makea both struck out swinging on drop balls from Toyo, who continued to cause problems for the Black Sox. But Thomas Enoka broke the silence with a sharp line drive up the middle, followed by Seth Gibson who kept his hot bat alive with a stand-up double that pushed Enoka to third. With two on and two out, Venezuela made a tactical move, bringing injured starter Maiker Pimentel back onto the mound - disrupting New Zealand's momentum. This worked for the South-Americans, as second basemen Tane Mumu popped up for the third out retiring the inning and leaving New Zealand scoreless. In the bottom of the sixth with a runner on one after picking a walk, Venezuelans Jesus Kleiver Barreto Rodriguez hit a two-run shot - his third home run of the tournament - bringing the score to 3-0. In the final inning, the Black Sox were unable to close the gap. Te Wera Bishop connected with a hard line drive, but Venezuela's third baseman leapt high to make a crucial catch, robbing what could've been a double. Hohepa Monk, pinch-hitting for Rhys Evans, struck out swinging, and Ben Enoka, the veteran lead-off, went down on a final swing and a miss. ADVERTISEMENT In the bronze medal match, Team USA had the upper hand over Japan, taking the win 10-1. The Black Sox will return home to their whānau with a silver medal, and while it's not gold, the team did what they set out to do: make the podium and bring home a medal. By Layla Bailey-McDowell of

RNZ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Silver for New Zealand after fierce Men's Softball World Cup final
New Zealand Black Sox pitcher, Pita Rona, son of Brad Rona - a four-time Black Sox world champion - pitched the side to its first victory at the WBSC Softball World Cup Finals against Canada. Photo: WBSC The New Zealand men's softball team will return home with a silver medal after a tough final match against Venezuela in the early hours of Monday morning (NZT). The Black Sox were chasing their eighth world championship title but were held scoreless in a 3-0 loss, settling for second place - a strong comeback from their eighth-place finish in 2022. This year's campaign marked a powerful return to form for the most decorated team in men's softball history, with seven world titles already to their name, won in 1976, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2013, and 2017. The side hadn't won a medal since their last win in 2017. The New Zealand men's softball team found redemption at the 2025 WBSC World Cup Finals, which took place in Prince Albert, Canada. Photo: WBSC This year's final was also Aotearoa, New Zealand's 10th appearance in a World Championship final, finishing runners-up in four competitions (1988, 1992, 2009, and 2015). In 1976, they shared the gold medal with Canada and USA, as the play-offs couldn't be completed due to poor weather. Head coach Thomas Makea (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Marama, Ngāti Makea ki Rarotonga), who took over in 2023, said the team set out to rebuild after a challenging few years. He said their harenga (journey) to the final was fuelled by the team's connection and a sense of whanaungatanga both on and off the diamond. The Black Sox reached the final after an 8-3 victory over Japan in the Super Round, where they needed a five-run win to qualify on Team Quality Balance. The only side in the competition to beat New Zealand was Venezuela, who earlier defeated the Black Sox 7-2 in group play. The New Zealand Black Sox at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2025. Photo: WBSC The Black Sox opened the gold medal match with a chilling haka, laying down a wero (challenge) to Venezuela in a rematch of the 2013 World Cup final. New Zealand threatened early, putting runners on base in the first inning but couldn't convert runs. Lead-off hitter Ben Enoka picked a walk, and Cole Evans pushed him to third with a line drive, but the side couldn't capitalise. Young Canterbury pitcher Liam Potts, 21, started strong on the mound for New Zealand, retiring the first three Venezuelan batters, including a strikeout to close the first. Black Sox pitcher Liam Potts pitched the side to its second win of the WBSC World Cup, holding the world's number one ranked side, Argentina, to only one run. Photo: WBSC The scoreboard remained scoreless until the bottom of the third, when Pedro Flores broke the deadlock, smashing a solo homer over centrefield to put Venezuela on the board. Despite solid contact and disciplined at-bats, the Black Sox couldn't find a breakthrough through the next two innings, with both sides allowing no runs to concede. Venezuela's starting pitcher Maiker Pimentel battled through an ankle injury, but had to leave the game in the top of the fifth after reaggravating it. Luis Miguel Colombo Perez came on but didn't last long, leaving the mound after Rhys Evans drew a walk and advanced to second on a passed ball. Ben Enoka was then hit by a pitch, putting two on with two outs. But despite the opportunity, Jerome Raemaki struck out on a drop ball by new pitcher Eudomar Toyo, leaving the two runners stranded on base. Pita Rona took over on the mound for the Black Sox in the bottom of the fifth, replacing Potts after a solid start. He walked his first batter, putting runners on first and second with no outs. But the Black Sox defence stepped up to the plate, Rhys Evans fielded a grounder and made the force out at third, followed by a diving catch in foul territory by Te Kirika Cooper-Nicola in left field to end the inning and keep Venezuela from extending their lead. In the top of the sixth, top batters, Cole Evans and Reilly Makea both struck out swinging on drop balls from Toyo, who continued to cause problems for the Black Sox. Black Sox first-basemen and power-hitter Seth Gibson clutched two impressive home-runs against Japan to help secure their spot in the final. Photo: WBSC But Thomas Enoka broke the silence with a sharp line drive up the middle, followed by Seth Gibson who kept his hot bat alive with a stand-up double that pushed Enoka to third. With two on and two out, Venezuela made a tactical move, bringing injured starter Maiker Pimentel back onto the mound - disrupting New Zealand's momentum. This worked for the South-Americans, as second basemen Tane Mumu popped up for the third out retiring the inning and leaving New Zealand scoreless. In the bottom of the sixth with a runner on one after picking a walk, Venezuelans Jesus Kleiver Barreto Rodriguez hit a two-run shot - his third home run of the tournament - bringing the score to 3-0. Venezuela's starting pitcher Maiker Pimentel battled through an ankle injury, pitching his team to a 3-0 victory over New Zealand. Photo: WBSC In the final inning, the Black Sox were unable to close the gap. Te Wera Bishop connected with a hard line drive, but Venezuela's third baseman leapt high to make a crucial catch, robbing what could've been a double. Hohepa Monk, pinch-hitting for Rhys Evans, struck out swinging, and Ben Enoka, the veteran lead-off, went down on a final swing and a miss. Venezuela sealed a 3-0 win, denying New Zealand their eighth world title. In the Bronze medal match, team USA had the upper hand over Japan, taking the win 10-1. The Black Sox will return home to their whānau with a silver medal, and while it's not gold, the team did what they set out to do: make the podium and bring home a medal.

RNZ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
Black Sox beaten in World Cup final
Photo: WBSC New Zealand has been beaten in the final of the Men's Softball World Cup in Canada. The Black Sox were beaten 3-0 by Venezuela in the decider in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. The South Americans, who also beat New Zealand earlier in the tournament, opened the scoring in the third innings with a home run to Pedro Flores. They then added another two runs in the sixth. New Zealand had three hits but were unable to get any of them home. New Zealand were chasing an eighth World Cup victory, while it is a first title for Venezuela. Black Sox head coach Thomas Makea had said their goal this year was to make the podium, after finishing eighth in 2022. He said this year's success had come down to a strong connection among the boys, both on and off the diamond. The USA beat Japan 10-1 in the play-off for third.

RNZ News
3 days ago
- Sport
- RNZ News
'Bring it on, we're ready': Black Sox set for World Cup final
Photo: WBSC The world's most decorated mens softball team, the New Zealand Black Sox, are looking to increase their medal tally, as they take on Japan in the Mens Softball World Cup Final. After an impressive campaign, the New Zealand side earnt their [ spot in the gold medal match, after taking down Japan 8-3 on Sunday. The Black Sox have long been a dominant force in the sport, having won the Men's World Championship a total of seven times, becoming World Champions for the first time in 1976. The side have won a medal in 13 of the first 15 World Cups, and appeared consecutively in the World Championship Final 10 times from 1984 to 2017. However, in 2022, the Black Sox had a disappointing finish on home soil, where they placed 8th. But this year, the squad set out on a haerenga - a journey of redemption . The New Zealand Black Sox will fight for their eighth title at the WBSC Mens Softball World Cup. Photo: WBSC Head coach Thomas Makea (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Marama, Ngāti Makea ki Rarotonga), who took over in 2023, said the team's resurgence was built on connection. "We all know where they've been in 2022 and where they finished and how they finished, so [this year] it was about getting them to really play for each other, play for not only themselves but also their whānau and where they've come from." Now, they're one win away from reclaiming the world title. "Every time I set them a challenge and a goal, they smash it," he said. Black Sox head coach Thomas Makea and his two sons, Reilly Makea (left) and Dante Makea-Matakatea (right). Photo: WBSC A four-time world champion, three-time New Zealand player of the year and Hall of Famer, Makea knows the pressure of playing at the highest level. He said what makes this team special is the sense of whanaungatanga. "We're tight. We created something very, very special, and it's been brewing for a while now." He said it's not only about the coaching staff but the village behind them. "At our last camp, we had people back home that helped us too. Not just the coaching staff efforts, we have other people behind us and they wove their magic and brought us closer." When the squad first arrived in Canada, half of the team were already there. But the moment the rest of the group joined, he knew something had clicked. "We had a big pōwhiri. They welcomed us onto their whare, their marae. Once that connection happened, you could just feel something was growing." Makea said the final match against Venezuela will be tough, but he knows what the New Zealand side can achieve. "It's been a massive journey for these guys, they've come a long way. They've backed me, and I've had their backs too, so bring it on, we're ready." Ngāpuhi brothers Ben (right) and Thomas Enoka (left) have each secured 100 games for the Black Sox, the worlds most decorated men's softball team. Photo: Supplied / Andrew Currie Veteran out-fielder and lead-off hitter Ben Enoka (Ngāpuhi), said the boys came to the whakataetae (competition) with one goal - to make the podium - and now they've done it. "We came here to do what we came to do, put ourselves on that podium and play for that top medal." Enoka performed with the bat against Japan on Sunday, powering a ball over centre-fields head. He has also secured over 100 games for the Black Sox - alongside his younger brother Thomas - a milestone not many athletes of the game ever achieve. "We had a task, and we did what we came to do." First-basemen and power-hitter Seth Gibson clutched two impressive home-runs against Japan to help secure their spot in the final. Photo: WBSC First-basemen and power-hitter Seth Gibson, who clutched two impressive and important home-runs against Japan, said making the Finals was a "20-year dream come true." I grew up around softball, so to make it and be a part of it is something special, especially with this young group we've got." He credits the team's success to the trust and belief they've built in one another. "The connection we've built over probably three years now with Thomas leading at the helm and his staff has been huge. It's brought the team culture together. You can see it on the diamond. We just want to play for each other. It's awesome to be a part of." "Bring on tomorrow." Team captain Cole Evans got the Black Sox on the scoreboard first in their final Super Round match against Japan with a bomb over centre-field. Photo: WBSC Team captain Cole Evans whose glove and bat has proved strong during this tour, said the sides success has been based on team performance. "We don't have a superstar, just a bunch of guys willing to work hard for each other. You can see that on the field." He said their focus for today is to go out and enjoy themselves. "Its the toughest thing to make the final, and we're there now," "We're gonna go enjoy ourselves, put our best foot forwards and see what we can do." New Zealand Black Sox pitcher, Pita Rona, son of Brad Rona - a four-time Black Sox world champion - pitched the side to its first victory at the WBSC Softball World Cup Finals against Canada. Photo: WBSC Pita Rona (Te Atiawa), who retired young pitcher Liam Potts in the fourth inning against Japan, held the strong hitting side to 0 runs. He said the Black Sox have prepared mentally and physically for this moment. "There's nothing I'm not ready for. That goes for all the boys. We've been building for this for years. We're ready to dog it up for the boys." Rona, like many softballers, is following in the footsteps of his whānau, representing Aotearoa on the world stage and eyeing a championship title. He is the son of Brad Rona, a former team mate of the head coach and four time world champion. He said getting the last three outs to secure a gold medal game for the Black Sox was the "biggest moment" of his career. "Nothing changes tomorrow. We'll go out there and give it our all." The Black Sox takes on Venezuela in the Gold Medal match at 8am on Monday (NZT).