Daniel Milne can't wait for new role

Canterbury softball star Daniel Milne is about to embark on a major positional switch for the Black Sox tour to Canberra later this month.

Milne played at the 2009 world championships in Canada as an outfielder and was deployed at first base and shortstop on this year's winter tour of North America. But Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase has named Milne as a catcher for the Canberra Skins tournament alongside Wellington's Aaron Neemia.

It's a bold move by Kohlhase, who has selected 2004 and 2009 world championship catcher Patrick Shannon as a designed player – basically a specialist batting role.

Milne, who plays in the infield as a shortstop for his PCU Devils club, is widely regarded as a smart, strategic softball thinker and Kohlhase has no doubt he will do the job behind the dish (home plate).

"There's no secret we don't have too many quality catchers so seeing Daniel front up in that role shows the calibre of the bloke. He is undoubtedly one of our most professional players and that's the attitude we want," Kohlhase said.

Milne, 33, said he was "quite excited" about his new challenge.

"But I'll do anything to get back in that jersey. Ed suggested it so I'm not going to say no."

Milne said he did not have to go far for tips on some of the finer technical aspects. "I'm playing with one of the best [at PCU] in Stephen Ratu, so if I have any questions, he's the one to ask."

Papanui Tigers infielder Tyron Bartorillo will tour his native Australia after making his Black Sox debut at third base on the North American tour. He won a gold medal with Australia at the 2009 world series.

Canterbury pitcher Penese Iosefo, who made a big impression on the winter tour on his Black Sox debut, will accompany the squad to Canberra, but Kohlhase will give Regan Manley, Shaun Jamieson and Frank Pointon time on the pitching mound to further assess their potential for the 2013 world championships in North Harbour.

The Kiwi squad also includes the Black Sox's first father-and-son double act – vice-captain Brad Rona, 35, and Glenfield College Year 12 student Pita Rona, 17. They have both been named as infielders. The Ronas were due to make their bow together on the North American tour but longtime international Brad had to withdraw with a knee injury.

"It's a good story to have a father and son in the squad and they are there on merit," Kohlhase said.

The Canberra tournament, which features top Australian club teams and the Samoan national squad, marks a return for Neemia, who has served a suspension for using cannabis, a banned substance – and Manley, who has not always been available for past Black Sox commitments.

Kohlhase said they had "both addressed significant issues in their lives and we see them as vital parts of the Black Sox team".

Auckland infielder Ben Bull, 18, is the only uncapped player.

The squad leaves for Canberra on November 29 and returns on December 5.

Pitchers: Regan Manley (Hawke's Bay), Shaun Jamieson (Hutt Valley), Frank Pointon (Wellington). Catchers: Aaron Neemia (Wellington), Daniel Milne (Canterbury). Infield: Rhys Casley (captain), Tyson Byrne (Hutt Valley), Brad Rona, Pita Rona (North Harbour), Ben Bull (Auckland), Tyron Bartorillo (Canterbury). Outfield: Wayne Laulu, Jerome Raemaki, Campbell Makea (Wellington), Ben Enoka, Jerome Haretuku (Auckland). Designated player: Patrick Shannon (Auckland). Also touring: Penese Iosefo (Canterbury).

- © Fairfax NZ News