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Jeremy Manly makes Black Sox
December 19, 2005 --
Photo courtesy of www.fastpitchwest.com Jeremy pitching at Red Rock tournament, Colorado, USA 2004
Two new caps in Black Sox squad for Australian series
Monday December 19th 2005
Marist Saint Michaels Magic our proud to announce its first Black Sox. Jeremy Manly played for the Magic in the North Island Classic, Hastings, and Against Czech Republic in the 2003-04 season. We would like to wish him and his family congratulations, on his selection.
New Zealand Community Trust Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase has put on his Santa hat and delivered an early Christmas gift for two players who have been named to make their debuts for the Black Sox.
Pitcher Jeremy Manley of Hutt Valley and outfielder Todd Grego from Wellington have won selection in the Black Sox team to tour Australia next month and compete in the Commonwealth Championship to be played in Melbourne.
Both Manley and Grego have been part of the extended Black Sox training squad but this will be their first chance to take to the diamond for the world champion team.
Strong form during the off season playing in America has won the 23-year-old Manley selection in this squad. Coach Kohlhase says he received some very positive scouting reports about the form of Manly from former Black Sox pitchers based in America Paul Algar and Michael White.
“Since arriving home we have been following Jeremy’s form and we a re very happy with his progress. This is an opportunity for Jeremy to put his hand up and see how he goes in the international environment,” said Kohlhase.
The tour to Australia will be something of a homecoming for fellow debutant the Australian born Todd Grego. The 26-year-old has already had a taste of international softball having represented Australia at a senior level.
Kohlhase says Grego like fellow Black Sox members Travis Wilson and Gus Leger comes from the softball and baseball background having been scouted at a young age by baseball scouts in Australia.
“Todd is a good athlete he has good speed is a very good hitter and a strong arm from the outfield. He has been selected as a rotational player in the outfield and for him the trip will be something of a homecoming.”
The squad for Australia includes six changes from the team that completed a 4-0 clean sweep over Samoa earlier this month. Kohlhase says while there are a number of changes it is still a very strong team and they are travelling to Australia with just one intention and that is to win.
“This will be the first ever Commonwealth Championship and we want to be the first team on the cup,” said Kohlhase.
The Commonwealth Series to be held from January 25th -29th will be a good work out for the three time world champions as they will be taking on Australia, Samoa, South Africa and Botswana in a round robin series ahead of a finals playoff.
New Zealand Community Trust Black Sox Squad:
Pitchers - Jarrad Martin, captain (North Harbour), Marty Grant (Wellington), Jeremy Manley (Hutt Valley).
Catchers - Patrick Shannon (Auckland), Bevan Martin (Taranaki).
Infielders - Stephen Ratu (Wellington), Rhys Casley (Hutt Valley), Travis Wilson (Auckland), Brad Rona (North Harbour), Nathan Nukunuku, vice captain (Auckland), Roman Gabriel (Auckland).
Outfielders - Gus Leger (Auckland), Fabian Makea (Wellington), Thomas Makea (Wellington), Todd Grego (Wellington), Stacy Mclean (Wellington), Daniel Milne (Canterbury).
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ISC Final Story
August 31, 2005 --
www.theinsidecurve.com have designed a fantastic montage of photos from this years ISC World Championship game. Their montage includes music and a commentary fit for the final. Just click on photo above or this link ISC Final as a Photo Story
You can also read the article here ISC World 2005 Champions - County Materials
Enjoy!!!
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ISC World 2005 Champions - County Materials
August 22, 2005 --
Photo and story compliments of www.theinsidecurve.com
Kiefel Comes Thru For County
8th inning heorics
They might be the best softball team ever assembled but they nearly lost the final game.
They had released Darren Zack just before the tourney as they couldn't use three out of area pitchers.
Their only US born starter was Todd Shultz, USA's lead-off batter. County Materials batted him ninth.
Kris Keifel (#18), who was destined for extra inning heorics, batted eighth in their order.
All nine starters were members of either the Australian, New Zealand or USA national teams.
Darryl Sandback of Team Canada was used sparingly, mostly as a pinch hitter in bunting situations.
But the 3,500 fans in Eau Claire Wisconsin nearly saw them lose one of the most thrilling ISC championship games in memory as the Farm Tavern of Madison Wisconsin nearly upset them.
Madison scored early, notching one run in both the first and second innings. Farm pitcher, Kory Gareau, was pitching a gem and the underdogs coasted on the lead and added another in the top of the 7th for a 3-0 lead.
Then in the bottom of the 7th, Jarrad Martin drew a walk to lead off the inning. Pat Shannon brought the Denmark fans to their feet with a towering homerun and the next batter, Donny Hale hit one even farther to knot the score at three apiece with none out.
County continued their onslaught and loaded the bases as the Farm replaced Gareau with Paul Algar in the circle. With the fans on their feet and screaming, a hard hit ball to the gap in left centre field looked like a winner, but Farm left fielder Rob Gray made a diving catch to send the game into extra innings.
County had replaced starter Lucas Mata with Andrew Kirkpatrick, and the lefty shut down the Farm in the top of the 8th.
Then with two out and two runners on base in the bottom of the 8th - the stage was set for Kiefel, who hit a hard ground ball that bounced high over the third baseman's head, scoring the winning run.
Both clubs had been a perfect 6 wins, no losses before meeting in the final.
The Farm's Kory Gareau was named Most Valuable Pitcher and teammate Colin Abbott Most Valuable Player.
Kiwis in final where;
County Material - World Champions:
Brad Rona 3rd Base
Patrick Shannon Catcher
Tomas Makea Centre Field
Jarrad Martin 1st Base
Donne Hale Right Field
The Farm - 2nd Place:
Paul Algar Pitcher
Kiwi World team honnors:
Jeremy Manley Pitcher
Travis Wilson 2nd Base
Tomas Makea Out Field
Patrick Shannon Catcher
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Magic's 2005 Vision "10 or Better"
August 9, 2005 --
If you want to know what the Marist Magic premier men's softball team are about, then read their 2005 vision statement produced by Manager Barry Purcell
"The last 2 seasons has seen the premier softball side in the club, indeed in the region, Marist Magic, win back to back championships playing in the Rotorua district competition. During this past season 2004/2005 the team travelled out of the region to play in several tournaments the focus......"
To read more just click on the blue heading above....Nice job Baz!!
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Magic Supporter Gear Coming Soon!!!!
August 3, 2005 --
Hi All
Stay turned for a range of supporter gear from Caps to Jackets. So you can support your team with the right gear.
If you have any items you wish to get, just drop Jason Gerbes a line, and he will sort you out for now.
Stay Tuned!!!!!
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