Hall in N.Z. softball squad

Press, 9 February 1982, Page 32

Hall in N.Z. softball squad

Michael Hall, the little Canterbury short-stop with a big arm, is virtually certain to make his international softbal debut in 12 days time. The New Zealand squad to meet the American side, Lancaster Chameleons, at Fraser Park, Wellington on February 21 has been hacked down from 26 to 15 — and only two short-stops remain. Mr Mike Walsh, who has been retained as coach, is likely to give both shortstops named, Hall and John Joyce (Wellington), a run during the double-header. Another brilliant shortstop, Darryl Stratford (Nelson), who has topped the batting averages at three major tournaments this season has been moved over to third base to take over from Canterbury’s Lindsay Anderson who is now living in Perth.

Canterbury has had just five national men’s softball representatives over the last decade and, remarkably, four of them — Colin Chee, Paul McFarlane, Anderson, and Hall,— have all been specialist infielders with the other, Bryan. Mountford, a pinchhitting utility who had a game on first base during the 1976 World series.

Hall, aged 19, has won a prized national spot after

going very close last year. He forced his way into the squad after finishing second in the top section batting averages (with .345) and an errorless fielding performance during .last month’s Rothmans national championships. Both Wellington pitchers, Kevin Henderson and Michael White, have been retained in the squad along with Auckland’s Steve Jackson.

Two catchers. John Rydwanski (Auckland) and lan Stringer (Hutt Valley), have been named, though the latter’s selection is subject to a medical clearance after an operation of a broken finger. The full squad is:— Henderson, White, Jackson, pitchers; Rydwanski, Stringer, catchers; Murray McLean (Counties), first base; Mark Storer (Wellington), second base; Hall, Joyce, short-stops; Stratford, third base; Dennis Cheyne,' captain, Mike Nichols (both Wellington), Jimmy Cotter (Hutt Valley), Dale Astle (Counties), outfielders; Robert Todd (Auckland), utility.

Mr John Leeney (Hutt Valley) will assist Mr Walsh with the coaching while Mr Rusty Hay (Wellington) will be the manager.