Softball sporting history has been made today with a father-son combination selected in the New Zealand team.
Pita Rona, a 16-year-old Glenfield College student, joins his father Brad in the side to tour America in June.
"This is truly a unique selection," Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase said.
"Both Ronas are outstanding players and represent all that's good about the game.
"Pita's selection is based on form and what we know he's capable of. Pita has exceptional talent and huge potential."
Pita Rona, an infielder, made the tournament teams at both the national under-19 and under-17 events. He was also a member of the North Harbour team that finished fourth in national fastpitch tournament, and helped his Northcote club side to sixth placing in their national championship.
Kohlhase has named three pitchers - Penese Iosefo, Thomas Cameron and Jeremy Manley for the tour.
"Penese has forced his way into the team on the back of some solid performances for Canterbury," Kohlhase said.
"He has shown genuine consistency in the past couple of seasons."
Cameron pitched a no-hitter for his club team Poneke-Kilbirnie to win the national interclub tournament last month, while Manley, who is based in the United States, returns to the side for the first time since the 2009 world championship.
Pita is not the only college student in the team with Wellington's Jerome Raemaki also included.
Also coming into the side for the first time is Craig Wallace (Wellington) and Tyron Bartorillo (Canterbury).
From the team that finished second to Australia in December's fastpitch international series, eight players have missed out on this trip. Among them
is Wellington's Te Wera Bishop, who is now pursuing a baseball career with the Red Sox.
The New Zealand team is: Ben Enoka, Jerome Haretuku (Auckland); Penese Iosefo, Tyron Bartorillo, Daniel Milne (Canterbury); Rhys Casley (captain) Tyson Byrne (Hutt Valley); Brad Rona, Pita Rona (North Harbour); Thomas Cameron, Aaron Neemia, Craig Wallace, Jerome Raemaki, Daniel Tarapi, Thomas Makea, Wayne Laulu, Campbell Makea (Wellington); Jeremy Manley (USA-based).
