The former MLB All-Star turned down major contract-offers to have a chance to represent his country in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

The project provides a basic, association or school-based training and development program for those who are new to the role of umpiring, and is perfect for teachers, parents or players who wish to take their first steps onto the diamond in an officiating role.

Massey was New Zealand’s ace in the first two Men’s Softball World Championships in 1966 and 1968.

The 52-year old New Zealand head coach was the main guest at “The Kick-Off Sports Breakfast Show” (Beach FM), where he talked about the 2019 WBSC Men’s Softball World Championship, the Black Sox program and the lack of recognition for men’s softball in his country, in spite of the success they’ve had in the past.

Hartshorne, elected to the Softball Australia Board in November 2013, brings experience from the elite sports world as Chairperson and majority owner of the Melbourne Ice, a pre-eminent club competing in the Australian Ice Hockey League.

The first-ever WBSC Baseball5 World Cup will now be held in June 2021 to allow more time for qualifiers to take place following the outbreak of COVID-19.

In 2022, the young shortstop will become the 11th New Zealand captain to lead the team at a world championship.

Baseball was introduced in Australia in the 1850s by gold miners. We look at how it evolved, leading to the current Australian Baseball League and the discovery of Baseball5.

With the three-month anniversary coming up since the start of the WBSC U-18 Men's Softball World Cup 2020, which took place in Palmerston North, New Zealand from 22 February to 1 March, the WBSC caught up with one of the most recognisable faces at Colquhoun Park, former Black Sox star Rhys Casley, to look back at the memorable event.

The WBSC Softball Hall of Famer will lead the Junior Black Sox at the WBSC U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup 2022.