Black Sox veteran wanted to pitch in final

Retiring Black Sox pitcher Marty Grant was disappointed not to pitch in the world championships final and felt he was physically up to the job.

The 43-year-old pitched 16 innings in the playoffs in Saskatoon last weekend, including a complete seven-innings stretch in the semi-final win over Canada.

Many softball insiders were surprised when Grant was not selected to start on the pitching mound for the final against Australia because he had, in softball parlance, the "hot hand".

Black Sox coach Eddie Kohlhase said after the 0-5 loss to Australia that Grant would have been able to pitch, but the coaching staff chose to go with their two fresh men, Heinie Shannon and Jeremy Manley.

Grant, who pitched a no-hitter when the Black Sox won the 2000 world title in South Africa, accepted that decision but said he was "surprised" he was not called on.

"I thought after the semifinal that I was going to [pitch the final].

"He [Kohlhase] asked me if I wanted to pitch, and I said `yes'. I was a little tired from the game, but I wanted to keep going.

"I went off and got some food and rehydrated, because I thought I was going on again. But, after about 10 or 15 minutes, I found out it wasn't going to happen."

Grant was not bitter about the decision, but he said he felt his body would have held up for the final.

"I'm used to pitching four games in a weekend."

He also felt he was carrying "some momentum" from the 8-5 win over arch rival Canada.

"I think we sometimes underestimate the strength of someone's heart, regardless of how the rest of the body is feeling."

After being part of three gold medal-winning squads, Grant was disappointed with the end of the Black Sox' golden run.

However, he said he was also "relieved" to reach the end of his international career, which began in 1990 and saw him make five world championships squads.

"I thought `I can relax and enjoy some things other than softball now'."

However, Grant will not be lost to the game. He is a staff coach for the Nelson Softball Association and runs an academy linked to Nelson College.

"But I also want to try and develop my career as a professional coach."

He hopes to continue as head coach of the Mainland Pride men's national league team.

"But I'd also like to be involved with the national programme in some way. I think I've got plenty to offer."

Grant noted that while the Black Sox have forged a reputation for long ball hitting, "three of the last four world finals [1996, 2000 and 2009] have been won by teams pitching a no-hitter."

Maori TV announced yesterday they are now unable to screen the Black Sox's world series semi-final and final, as planned today and tomorrow. Footage had not arrived in time from Canada.

- © Fairfax NZ News