Softball: Tangaroa calls it quits after Black Sox snub

By Shane Hurndell

Hawkes Bay Today·

6 Jun, 2013 06:20 PM4 mins to read

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Hawke's Bay softball legend Chubb Tangaroa got the signal this week and responded.

The signal?

"I got the call ... I wasn't wanted for the Black Sox head coach job so I've retired from all international softball with the Black Sox. I've already done three World Series as a pitching

"There are no sour grapes. I see it as a blessing and a big relief in a way ... everything must come to an end. I've had close to 30 years with the Black Sox, won three World Series titles as a pitching coach and one as a player ... I've had a bloody great time," he said.

The two-time Ngati Kahungunu Sportsperson of the Year pointed out Dave Workman, the assistant coach to Eddie Kohlhase at this year's World Series in North Harbour, was also unsuccessful in his bid to step up to the role vacated by Kohlhase who retired after the March tournament.

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"There's going to be a complete clean-out from the World Series winning coaching staff. I can't recall that happening in any sport," Tangaroa said.

While he had teaching and study commitments this year, Tangaroa said if other countries sought his coaching services he would consider their offers.

"I still believe I've got a lot to offer the international game. If they don't come I've still got my young fellas here in Hawke's Bay ... I'm not going to walk away from them as they are future Black Sox," Tangaroa said referring to his Hawke's Bay under-13 boys side that won the Central Region title last summer and boasts the potential to win North Island and national titles through the grades as the Kevin Gettins-coached Hawke's Bay under-17 girls have.

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Although Dougan didn't tell Tangaroa, 50, who got the job to coach the Black Sox through until the 2015 World Series in Canada reliable rumours suggest another four-time world champion and former Black Sox captain, Mark Sorenson of Hutt Valley, is likely to be appointed next week. "If that's the case, Mark will do a good job. He's an astute type of guy who knows his softball," Tangaroa said.

A father of six and grandfather of two, Tangaroa said he spent Wednesday night reflecting on the highs and lows during his time in the Black Sox whanau. He ranked the March World Series win high on his list of highlights. "We didn't have a lot of pitchers to pick from. Heini Shannon was our only experienced pitcher. Jeremy Manley had been to one previous World Series and Nik Hayes and Penese Iosefo were both pitching at their first.

"It took them eight days to understand the the mental strength involved at international level. It is a huge step up from club and provincial play in this country.

"I had my doubters when I named the pitching line-up but I was never worried as I knew they would peak at the right time and that was the case as far as Manley was concerned as everyone saw in our 4-1 final win against Venezuela," Tangaroa recalled.

The low point was the second place in 1992. "I started the final but couldn't finish it. It still hurts and so does the 2009 second placing, although I wasn't part of the team ... I was still part of that wider whanau."

Heart scares, one when he was playing in the US in 1995 and another in 1997, forced an earlier-than-expected finish to his international playing career. "My heart condition is hereditary from Dad. But they say those things happen for a reason and they influenced my decision to become a pitching coach," Tangaroa explained.

With his Black Sox commitments over Tangaroa intends to spend more time at one of his favourite holiday destinations - Pourere Beach in Central Hawke's Bay.

Chubb's factfile