The inaugural edition of the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup opened a year ago at the newly renovated Colquhoun Park in Palmerston North, New Zealand. This event turned out to be the only WBSC international event in 2020.

Australia has made the podium in all four softball Olympic competitions, including a silver medal in Athens 2004.

“To go to the Olympics, it would be incredible, like, an amazing experience, once-in-a-lifetime, probably," Plain said.

The four-time men’s softball world champion was included by Maori TV on the list of the most influential Maori sports people of the last 30 years.

20-year old Luisa Gauci left Brisbane at age 16 for her first experience. She played in the WBSC-sanctioned 2017 Phoenix Cup international women's baseball tournament in Hong Kong.

Auckland clinched the title in the men’s tournament, while Hutt Valley won the women’s title. The events, held at Auckland’s Rosedale Park -- the main venue of the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup 2022 -- were aired by Sky TV.

The two-time defending ABL champions beat Perth, 9-2 in the decisive game. Starting pitcher Tyler Beardsley earned MVP honours.

The cup event was to be a tune-up for the upcoming Tokyo Olympics this summer, but ongoing travel restrictions forced hosts Softball Australia to shut down the event.

The national governing body had to cancel the Selection Camp announced for February due to health prevention measures.

"This has been one of the most difficult decisions I have made in my career," commented Vale.