For some
coaches at this U-18 Men’s Softball World Cup, their softball journey has come
full circle.
We spoke to
coaches that have played at the Junior World Cup level, getting their thoughts
on the game today, and the experiences they had representing their country.
Adam
Rindfleish (AUS) – 1997 Gold Medalist, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada
Tell me about your last JNT experience?
I played
for the 1997 Junior Steelers in Newfoundland, Canada. It was the first of four
consecutive Junior World Cup wins for Australia.
It was my
first international trip playing softball and it was absolutely amazing. To see
my family in the stands after we won gold was something I’ll never forget.
My
favourite memory of that tour was my younger brother waving the Australian flag
during our national anthem after we won the championship game.
How has softball changed since you played for the JNT?
A lot has
changed, that’s for sure.
The
preparation of the diamonds, the amenities and even the equipment have changed
since I played at this tournament.
There is
definitely more focus on ‘small ball’ in the men’s game now. Bunting and
hit-and-run plays have always been a feature in the women’s game, but they’re
much more popular in the men’s game now.
Who was the best player you played with or against?
Nathan
Nukunuku played for New Zealand in 1997, he went on to do amazing things. At
that tournament in 1997 he wore these big red high-top boots. They were very
memorable.
He went on
to captain his country at the senior level, and only finished his international
career last year.
What inspires you to coach?
Throughout
my life I had amazing coaches from a very young age and I love nothing more
than passing on knowledge they gave to me to the next generation.
It’s a special feeling to provide guidance to players and them using that guidance to become successful.
Diego
Salguero (ARG) – 1993 Junior World Cup, Auckland, New Zealand
Tell me about your last JNT experience?
I played in
1993 in Auckland, New Zealand.
It was my
first time out of Argentina and it was a lot of fun. Everything was new, the experience
was new, the language was new. They teach English at school at Argentina, but
it’s not the same as going into an English speaking country!
It was a
fantastic journey, just like it is for these kids right now.
How has softball changed since you played for the JNT?
Technology
has changed immensely.
With the
introduction of broadcasting, live scoring and social media, everyone at home
can keep up and know what we’re doing.
Scouting
has also become part of the game, which wasn’t the case when I played. Nowadays
you can’t win without some form of scouting.
Who was the best player you played with or against?
I loved facing
Darren Zack from Canada and I played with Pete Meredith from New Zealand. I
learned a lot from Pete.
In
Argentina we have lots of great players now, like our national team captain
Bruno Motroni. Bruno can do it all – he hits, plays catcher and has a fantastic
ability to lead the team to win.
What inspires you to coach?
You love to
see the progress of the athletes. It’s an honour to be part of their
improvement. I love this game, I met my wife at the ballpark and it means a lot
to me.
Thomas Makea (NZ) – 1993 Junior World Cup, Auckland, New Zealand
Tell me about your last JNT experience?
I was a pitcher
and played first base during the World Cup in 1993. I was 18 at the time and it
was massive at that age. It was the biggest stage for me at the time and to
have friends and family there was fantastic.
How has softball changed since you played for the JNT?
The game
has definitely become a lot faster. The core roles are the same, but the game
has sped up. There’s more aggressive baserunning and plays in general now.
Who was the best player you played with or against?
Definitely
my two assistant coaches, Jarrad Martin and Bevan Matene.
They’ve
been great teammates at club and national team level, Jarrad was a great hitter
and first baseman, and Bevan was an outstanding catcher.
We played
together for a long time.
What inspires you to coach?
The youth of today.
It’s great to look back on the years we’ve been involved, this is our fourth cycle now and to see guys you coached at this level break into the senior team is fantastic.
