Black Sox say Halberg recognition a boost for softball and next generation

For a sport that rarely commands the national spotlight, the New Zealand Black Sox say being recognised on one of the biggest sporting nights in Aotearoa is a huge moment, not just for the team, but for softball itself.

The New Zealand men's side were finalists for ISPS Handa Team of the Year at the 63rd Halberg Awards in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, following their silver-medal finish at last year's WBSC Men's Softball World Cup in Canada.

The Black Sox are the most decorated sporting team in New Zealand, winning seven world titles and totalling 14 medals. They 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.

The other finalists were Black Ferns Sevens (rugby sevens), Auckland FC (football), New Zealand Kiwis (rugby league), Men's Team Pursuit: Nick Kergozou, Tom Sexton, Keegan Hornblow and Marshall Erwood (cycling - track), Ben Taylor and Oliver Welch (rowing).

The Black Ferns Sevens took out the award on the night following an impressive 2025 performance.

Infielder and Black Sox Slugger Jerome Raemaki (Cook Island) said the recognition shines a light on a sport that continues to grow from the grassroots up.

"For us it's a positive light on softball in general in New Zealand and our programmes are still strong with the youth coming through as well," he said.

"I think we've put our best foot forward."

New Zealand climbed back onto the world stage at the World Cup, finishing with silver in a campaign that signalled a resurgence for the Black Sox.

They were lead by a wealth of experience, with Hall of Famer and four-time World Champion Thomas Makea (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Marama, Ngāti Makea Ki Rarotonga), taking the reins of Head Coach.

Pitcher Pita Rona (Te Ātiawa) said belief had been central to that success.

"We actually believed in ourselves a hell of a lot more as individuals and then also we believed in each other like a hell of a lot more," he said.

"There was a lot of things that was installed in us right from the get-go, like three, four years ago, building up to when it really mattered."

He said support from whānau and management had played a key role in building that foundation.

"There's also a lot of things that have helped us get to where we are today."

The campaign also marked personal milestones. Brothers Ben and Thomas Enoka (Ngāpuhi) both brought up 100 caps for the Black Sox during the campaign in Canada - a moment that reflected the longevity within the squad.

Ben Enoka said the Halberg nomination was recognition of the collective effort.

"Just excited, you know, to be nominated amongst some of the high-performance athletes in New Zealand. Just happy to be here representing the Black Sox."

Thomas Enoka said the exposure mattered for those coming through the pathways.

"To be on a platform where they can strive to and something they can look up to, I'd hope," he said.

"To put us back on the Halberg map... for the next generation."

Softball in Aotearoa has long had strong Māori and Pasifika representation, something reflected across the current squad. Several players spoke about the importance of whānau and whakapapa within the team environment.

Rona, the son of Black Sox Hall of Famer and four-time World Champion, Brad Rona, described the sport as grounded in family.

"Our sport is such a small community and family becomes a big part in our sport," he said.

"You play for more than yourself. You play for your family. You play for the next generation. You play for the ones before us."

Raemaki said that sense of whānau shaped the team culture during their World Cup run.

"We created a culture that was relaxing, where everyone felt comfortable. They had a voice," he said.

"So we didn't have to iron out any of that and we could just focus on the task at hand."

Thomas Enoka said representing their whānau on the world stage carried weight.

"Our whānau is pretty proud of us to be on a stage like this or even on a world stage just in our own sport," he said.

"If you look at things like that, I think that's something that brings a lot of mana to yourself."

For 22-year-old Canterbury pitcher Liam Potts - who was named WBSC Men's Softballer of the Year following the tournament - the moment was unexpected.

"I never think of my softball career I'd get to come to an event like this," Potts said.

"To see so many faces that you think, wow, I've watched you on TV ... and be like, holy, you're actually a real person."

Potts said his individual accolade came from focusing on doing his job for the team.

"I didn't think much of what I could do. I was just kind of competing the best I could for my team," he said.

"Getting named WBSC Player of the Year, it's just unreal."

Potts is set to represent the fern on the World Stage in April, competing in the WBSC U-23 Men's World Cup.

"You've just got to believe you can do it," Potts said.

"It will never be a straight line up. You always have your ups and downs ... you've got to enjoy the journey. And honestly, you do the work, it will pay off in the end."

The Black Sox said whether they left with silverware or not, the recognition and accolades would offer a platform that could help inspire the next generation of softballers across Aotearoa.

Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.