McRae awarded softball life membership

Peter Jones13:43, Oct 18 2015

Peter McRae was recognised for 55 years’ of service to his sport when he was made a life member of the Marlborough Softball Association on Saturday.

The Blenheim resident was presented with a plaque and given the honour of throwing the first pitch during the season's official opening.

He said he was "rather embarrassed" to be honoured in such a fashion "because it was something I never, ever expected to get … but I am privileged to have it bestowed upon me.

"I have had a pretty good life out of softball … I've had a lot of fun."

McRae's first involvement with the game came in 1960-61 when he joined forces with some friends to form the Macs club. He progressed through the ranks to become a Marlborough representative and went on to represent the South Island against the North in the 1963-64 season. He was also a member of the Marlborough team that won the Headifen Trophy, becoming national B grade champions, in the 1965-66 season.

His involvement in the game has been steady since the early 1960s, except for a brief spell when he took time out to follow his son Gavin's cricketing career. "After all the years he suffered with me travelling around playing softball I thought I would give him some support, which I did for a couple of years. Then he headed overseas and I wandered my way back to softball, as a spectator and I coached for a while.

"Anyone who wants a bit of a hand I will try and put them on the right track because there is a lot of kids out there who play the flashy softball but, as someone said to me once, 'the good players use one hand to catch, the best players use two'."    

He feels softball has an advantage over some other sports because it is very much a "team game". "It is made brilliant by brilliant individuals who combine to participate in a fast sport. A brilliant player can certainly help a team, but they must be team players first."

McRae has seen many changes in the local softball scene, including the venues. From its early base at Pollard Park in the 1950s and 60s it moved to Lansdowne Park where it stayed until the late 70s. Games were also played at Oliver Park, College Park and on the school grounds at the Wairau Pa. A and P Park became softball's home from the 1979-80 season until this year, when they returned to Lansdowne.

"Looking at the number of younger players here today I would say the future of Marlborough softball is pretty good," said McRae.

"But it does need the participation of the parents and the senior players … go and get a kids' team organised. Then get on the field and have some fun – because there is a lot to be had out there."     ​​​​​​​