'Golden boy' Don's softball legacy a real hit

Legendary softball player Don Brewer turns 85 today. Having reached this monumental age, the former New Zealand softball rep-resentative has just one birthday wish: "I would like a youth pill so I can start playing again."
The man from Wanganui was the golden boy of New Zealand softball when the sport was in its height in 1938 to 1958. Those in his generation fondly remember him as the New Zealand team's ace first base catcher, his ability to hit booming home runs with the bat, as well as the odd stint at short-stop. But he said he hit the top of his game while playing for Auckland club Eden.
"I had a good time with Eden. But Eden became too strong that it [Auckland league] was lop-sided. So I got a group together and started up the [Waitakere] Bears. But then the league became extra lopsided because the Bears went straight to the top of the ladder."
In his later years he went on to be a professional umpire in the United States and a New Zealand selector for age-groups.
Holding a bat or a glove are natural extensions to Mr Brewer's hands, and so it seems unfair that vision impairment in recent years should stop him actively taking part in the sport.
But reflecting back on his illustrious career, it is clear Mr Brewer is content. "I have been rewarded very well in softball."
He has been honoured with the Queen's Service Medal, the Distinguished Service Award from NZ Softball and a place in the New Zealand Softball Hall of Fame.
Mr Brewer is also well known in Auckland for his soccer abilities, also for Eden.
He still holds the record for his 115 registered goals for Eden, which included 18 hat-tricks in senior grade and six goals in one premier match.
But back to softball. Last month, Mr Brewer was voted as the overwhelming legend of Auckland softball during the game's early years by an Auckland Softball Association poll.
"I have since given back to softball what I gained."
Wanganui in particular has gained from Mr Brewer's legacy. After leaving Auckland in 1959 he returned to Wanganui to form the Braves Club, the Wanganui Association of Softball and the Umpire School Association.
As well as coaching in "every school and college in Wanganui" he also co-ordinated the local competition from 1983 until 2000, and at one stage had 1000 juniors playing in the Wanganui league.
But sadly, he said since he left his role in administration, the sport had continued to shrink.
"Obviously, I am upset about the state of Wanganui softball. It has dropped down to 300 now. I think there's five college teams playing."
He said he would like to see more effort from administrators to rally numbers back up.
"You've got to go to the schools. You can't just let the schools come to you."
But he said it was not just a Wanganui problem.
"The whole trouble is the national body. They look after the Black Sox, which they must do, but they seem to neglect the lower grades.
"I think that s happening in all sports."
Taking it easy with his wife Lou and catching up with his softball pals on the telephone is now on the agenda, "and just a bit of coaching. "I get phone calls from schools and kids and so help out when I can."
PICTURED: ON THE BALL: Former international softball player, Wanganui's Don Brewer shows he's still got it 70 years on from when he first picked up a bat.