Softball: Black Sox rookie born to play the game

By JULIE ASH

Karl Gollan was excited about his Black Sox selection, but his softball-mad family were over the moon.

Gollan is the only newcomer in the 17-strong Black Sox squad named on Tuesday to defend New Zealand's world title in Christchurch next year.

On Monday night he received the call from Black Sox manager Grant McCarroll.

"You would have thought they had all made the team the way they were jumping around," Gollan says, recalling his family's reaction.

"They were all really happy and it's great the series is in New Zealand. As I'm living in the US, it will be nice for my family to see me play, because they are all die-hard softball fans."

Gollan was selected as an outfielder, but also gives the team another pitching option.

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"I was trying to stay positive and gear my training towards if I was going to make it.

"I didn't want to be laid-back, get named and then have to start working towards it.

"I wanted to get a head start. So I was prepared, but it is still a shock when you get the call."

Born and bred in West Auckland, Gollan started in the sport when he was about 10.

His father Graeme is a top Auckland club coach and his brother David a former Black Sox pitcher, who toured North America last year.

"I would have to say I followed my brother into it. It was just one of those things ... you always want to be like your big brother when you are little.

"My father, as always, has been behind me and helped me train, and my mother [Gloria] has managed a lot of my teams."

After representing Auckland at every age group, his break came when he was selected for the New Zealand under-19 team who finished second in the junior world series in 1997.

He was spotted by talent scouts and asked if he was up for a stint in America, and, seven years later he is still there.

"I enjoy the lifestyle and am engaged to an American girl. We are going to get married next summer."

For the past season he has been with the County Materials, alongside fellow Black Sox Mark Sorenson, Brad Rona and Patrick Shannon.

He is aware the Black Sox have a huge task ahead of them if they are to become the first team to win three consecutive world titles.

Their world series journey starts with a five-day camp at Burnham army base from October 1.

"I think it is going to be a bit of a boot camp," he said. "But that's okay, I am looking forward to anything they throw at us."