The 1966 Pilgrims were the guests of honour in the Golden Homes Black Sox verse Japan game during Day 7 of the WBSC Tradestaff Men’s Softball World Cup. 

Pictured - The game was preceded by a first-pitch ceremony where four of the original New Zealand Men’s Softball “Pilgrims’ were warmly received onto the diamond. Garth Tattersfield delivers the ceremonial first pitch before the Black Sox-Japan World Cup softball game, watched by fellow 1966 New Zealand softball 'Pilgrims', Dave McKerchar (L), Andy Leslie and Terry Nunns.

Garth Tattersfield- a pitcher on the first New Zealand team to attend a world championship –tossed the ceremonial pitch to a Black Sox catcher.

Tattersfield was watched by 1966 teammates Dave McKerchar, Terry Nunns and Andy Leslie (a former All Black captain).

McKerchar captained the New Zealand side to a bronze medal in Mexico City while Nunns was a catcher on the first five world series teams.

Team photo and Tournament Programme

2013 WORLD CHAMPIONS

The 2013 World Champion Black Sox took centre stage as they walked onto the diamond ahead of the New Zealand verse Denmark game on Day 8 of the WBSC Tradestaff Men’s World Cup. 

The Black Sox beat Venezuela in the gold medal game 4-1in the final at Rosedale Park to win thier sixth world title. 

In respect for the current side the 2013 Black Sox performed a haka which was returned simaltenously. 

Jarrad Martin was given the hounour of throwing the first ceremonial first pitch.