Softball: Kohlhase steps up to the plate

By JULIE ASH

Increasing player depth is an aim of new Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase, who will take the team through to the next world championships.

Kohlhase was named coach of the New Zealand men's softball side yesterday, taking over from Don Tricker, who retired after the world championship success in February.

Kohlhase, whose contract takes him through to 2009, edged out Wellington's Wayne Saunders for the job.

"As a player you want to represent your country at the highest level and I guess when I became the assistant coach in 1998, after being a selector in 1997, the same principles apply - you just want to be the best that you can," Kohlhase said.

"This is the pinnacle of coaching in New Zealand softball. It is a great honour."

Kohlhase had his debut with the New Zealand side in 1983 and attended three world championships, winning a gold and two silver medals.

He retired in 1995 and became a national selector before he was appointed assistant coach in 1998.

During his time with Tricker, the Black Sox won world championship titles in 2000 and this year.

"The thing that I will take away from Don will really just be his ability to plan and his ability to identify and nurture talent," he said.

"Building on that foundation for a successful championship in 2009 is of the upmost importance."

Softball New Zealand chief executive Hadyn Smith said Kohlhase had a clear vision of where he wanted to take the Black Sox.

"His presentation to the selection panel was one of the most detailed and complete seen in our sport and reflects his maturity as a coach that will lay the foundations for 2009," Smith said.

Kohlhase's first hitout as head coach will come in February when the Black Sox line up against Samoa, Japan, Australia and Canada in a South Pacific series in Rotorua.

He is expecting to retain 10 of the 17 players who helped New Zealand clinch their third consecutive world title this year.

"Having spoken to a lot of guys there will be a number of key players who will retire. Five years out is a long time ... Some of them may want to opt out of the international environment for a year or two and then try and re-establish themselves.

"For me it is about developing a core of players that are going to come in and move the team forward."


Eddie Kohlhase


Age: 37

Status: Married with two children.

Lives: Auckland

Career highlights:

2004: Inducted into New Zealand Softball Hall of Fame.

1998-2004: Black Sox assistant coach

1983-1995: Black Sox member.