Ben and Thomas Enoka Photo: Supplied / Andrew Currie
Two of the most familiar faces in New Zealand softball are continuing the legacy, reaching an impressive milestone that not many players in the sport ever achieve.
Ngāpuhi brothers Ben and Thomas Enoka have each secured 100 games for the Black Sox, the most decorated men's softball team in the world.
The duo are adding more caps to that number, competing at the 2025 Men's Softball World Cup in Prince Albert, Canada, with the ultimate goal of hitting the podium.
Ben Enoka leads the Black Sox haka. Photo: Grega Valancic / WBSC
Veteran outfielder Ben Enoka is playing at his seventh World Cup. He debuted at the 2009 world championship and has two gold medals (2013, 2017) under his belt.
He said representing his country, whakapapa and whānau on the world stage was a massive honour.
"It's pretty special to say that you've played 100 for the Black Sox. It's always been a dream to be part of this team, and sticking around that long is a huge honour for myself and my family."
Ben said staying at the elite level took sacrifice and commitment, but his love for not only the game, but the team, always brought him back.
'"It's something I enjoy doing. I love this team."
Thomas Enoka switched from Samoa to New Zealand in 2015. Photo: Grega Valancic / WBSC
Thomas Enoka made his debut in 2015, after representing the other side of his whakapapa, Samoa, in 2013.
He said they only discovered the 100-cap achievement shortly before the whakataetae (competition) began.
"It was a pretty emotional evening when we found out. It's been a cool journey.
"I think our whānau are pretty proud."
Playing for more than themselves
The brothers grew up surrounded by the game, playing softball together from around the age of four, never straying far from their club roots at Auckland United.
Since then, 'Enoka' has been a household name in New Zealand softball, with Ben, Thomas and younger brother Campbell becoming the first set of three siblings to represent the Black Sox in 2017.
They won the world championships that year, marking the seventh gold medal for Aoteaora - a WBSC record - defeating neighbours Australia 6-4 at Whitehorse, Canada.
Thomas Enoka in action for the Black Sox. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Enoka brothers said sticking with the sport had been easy, with a strong sense of 'whānau' embedded within the game.
Thomas added that softball had always been more than just competition.
"What keeps me coming back is probably that legacy that's already there. You want to be a part of something like that - being seven-time world champs, being in a successful environment, plus the whānau side of things."
This year's World Cup squad has four sets of brothers and a couple of cousins, so - as Thomas puts it: - "you're pretty much just playing with family".
"We're tight outside of softball too, so it feels more like fun than work. You're hanging out with your mates, while competing at an elite level.
"That's what keeps me coming back."
The Black Sox culture is built on connection. Photo: WBSC
Brotherhood on, off diamond
Ben added to that kōrero, saying the "love of the game" brings him back.
"It's always been an enjoyable experience, being a part of this Black Sox team... always trying to do things better each day, as we're playing for this top."
The brothers were part of the 2022 campaign on home soil, where the team placed eighth.
The Black Sox hope to improve on their last World Cup performance and creating a brotherhood has played a massive part of that.
"This campaign's been built around connection," Thomas said. "That's one of the biggest words used around this team.
"It makes it easier when there are so many family members involved. Getting to a deeper level with most of the boys, learning their 'whys' and what drives them, it gives you that motivation to back each other, when you're connected like that, and it helps everyone get to a better level."
Thomas said they did not just play for themselves - they're played for those who paved the way.
"That's probably the biggest arrowhead in this team - connection."
The Black Sox aim to improve on their eighth placing at the 2022 World Cup. Photo: WBSC
Sacrifices behind scenes
Similar to other amateur sports in Aotearoa, representative softballers have to pay their own way, when representing the side nationally and internationally.
Both players credit their whānau and support systems back home for helping them stay on the field.
"Our sacrifices are other people's sacrifices too," Thomas said.
"Our partners have to pick up the slack, and our families and our work as well, so just a big 'thank you' to everyone who's made space for us to achieve what we want."
While the boys have whānau showing their support on the sidelines in Canada, Ben's 18-month-old daughter has watched the games from back home.
"She's got her supporter's top on, sitting in front of the TV, when we're playing. It's pretty cute."
He said his whānau were always at the back of his mind, when repping the fern - as they were the reason why he could in the first place.
"They're always in my thoughts before the game... the sacrifices they make, so I can be a Black Sox player and do what I love."
The most crucial thing for the pair is playing for their brothers beside them.
"I'm here for the team," Ben said.
Putting Aotearoa back on podium
When asked if another 100 games could be on the cards, the boys laughed and said that was a "tough ask".
"I definitely don't feel 19 anymore, like when I first made the team, that's for sure," Ben said.
The awesome part about being a tuakana (elder) in the squad was paving the way for the future generations to come.
"I always look to make sure the young boys are enjoying it, and staying in the moment and having fun.
"Also, we are here to compete, to make our name and put our name back on that podium."
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