Beyond the Dugout Podcast

The 2012 ISC Hall of Famer NZ Pitcher Paul Algar is Beyond The Dugout's Episode 37. A Heart of a Lion made from pure Gold or he would say Pounamu. This proud Kiwi's career achievements are simply amazing!! 2000 WBSC World Cup Gold, 2 x ISC Titles, NZ National Titles & a tonne of MVP & Top Pitcher awards. From his humble beginnings in Porirua to the world stage, it is an amazing ride that is born from sheer determination and just good old fashioned hard work. On a personal note, Alfie is one of the nicest guys you will or have had the pleasure of meeting. Except for when he pranks you with the bloody bug finger thing!! Haha. So if you would like to learn about one of NZ's great athletes & what it takes to reach your dreams in an era our NZ's best ever pitchers. Then this episode is for you. So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen. Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

One Word…. PERFECT!   Season 2 kicks-off on Beyond The Dugout with the Pitcher Perfect Hall of Famer Mike White in Episode 36!!   White is the only NZ Pitcher to throw a Perfect Game to win a World Cup! In fact he is also the only SNZ Black Sox Pitcher to bookend his career with perfect games, His 1983 Debut in Christchurch & of course his 1996 Gold Medal ISF World Championship is a feat that has never been repeated.   Mike's playing feats have seen him inducted into 8 Hall of Fames……   Do we now talk about his NCAA College Coaching Career? White with his rise with Oregon and now Texas has made him one of if not the highest paid NZ Born Coach in the world!   His accolades are naturally huge…. Multiple national titles for Miramar in NZ, 5 ISC & 5 ASA World titles. He holds the most wins at ISC @ 70 including 5 No-Hitters & wait for it….. 3 PERFECT games!!   Here is your chance to understand and meet the legend that is Mike White…..   Ooooo and WE BACK!!! Let's Go!!!   So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.    Beyond The Dugout Podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, iTunes & Podbean

Well Merry Belated Christmas & Early Happy New Year All from Chopper & DC

Don Tricker is One of the most sort after high performance coaches in the world & will headline episode 34 of Beyond The Dugout. Be prepared for a thought provoking episode like no other. Let's just start with 2 x WBSC World Champion Coach with our Softball New Zealand Golden Homes Black Sox!! 2004 New Zealand Order of Merit, 2000 Halberg Coach of the Year….. and that's just the tip of the mountain of achievements we would like to nickname “The Don” has accomplished. In the famous words of the God Farther Don Vito Corleone: I'm gonna make him an offer he can't refuse. ... 2004 he talked the goat Mark Sorenson out of retirement to help the NZ Black Sox win on home soil in front of the world. Black Sox coaches have gone on the achieve amazing high performance roles, but none more than Tricker… High Performance with Sport NZ, All Blacks, Silver ferns, Olympics & now the San Diego Padres. His roots are with Porirua, PK & Wellington first as an elite player which included time for the Black Sox between 1986 and 1991. Episode 34 with Don Tricker Friday 6pm NZT 10 December 2021 Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen. Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

The wait is over for this weeks guest, the Multiple Hall of Famer Naomi Shaw for episode 33. Naomi holds the honour of being the captain of NZ the only time we have won a world Championship. Shaw a 10 year veteran of the White Sox in 1982 won the Gold Medal in the WBSC World Cup with her two Bronze medals Her contributions to the game as an athlete and coach where she has won every title possible multiple times has seen her inducted into 5 Hall of Fames in NZ and around the world. However the greatest honour came in 2019 with being selected for the NZ Order of Merit Queens Honours List MNZM. It must be said her devotion and loyalty to her club Saints from Hutt Valley for over 55 years is what she and softball is all about. Episode 33 with Naomi Shaw December 2021 Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen. Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

So Jerome Raemaki the Golden Homes Black Sox slugger hits up our Episode 32 on Beyond the Dugout. The Softball New Zealand Golden Homes Black Sox power hitter has attended 2 WBSC World Cups and already knocked off 16 years representing the nation. Raemaki has travelled the world for NZ at both a junior level and senior, but also ISC Club ball currently with the New York Gremlins. There is not a ballpark that has held the the power of Raemaki's swing. Jerome is a very loyal person and player. Shows with his whole career with Poneke Softball & Wellington Softball Association, something that always impresses Chopper & Damian. Episode 32 with Jerome Raemaki will air Friday 6pm NZT 26 November 2021. Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen. Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Beyond the Dugout's Special Guest for Episode 31 is the White Sox Olympian, SNZ Hall of Famer Jackie Smith. Jackie amassed an impressive 19 career with the Sky Sport White Sox. Highlighted by competing for NZ at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Known for her speed, game knowledge & determination to train the house down….. made Smith the ideal team mate. She has won pretty much everything domestically for North Harbour, Auckland, Northcote, Marist, Eden Roskill along the way. Coached at all levels club wise as well as assisting NZ teams as she gives back to our sport. Jackie is one high energy person who makes the most of moments in life, and is truly infectious to be around. Smith has become a presenter and commentator for Sky TV, which has been a fun ride. Tonight you will hear about many project she has on, and loves to crack a smile while sharing. Episode 31 with Jackie Smith will air Friday 12 November 2021. Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen. Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Travis Wilson…… Black Sox World Champion, Baseball, Cricket, College World Series Champion Coach…… Are you kidding me!!! This weeks feature guest for Episode 30 on Beyond the Dugout is as elite as it gets.  The future ISC Hall of Famer shares his unique and diverse career tonight like never before.  Travis Wilson, born in Christchurch, New Zealand is a former member of the Softball New Zealand Golden Homes Black Sox.  He first played for the Black Sox in 1994 and was an integral part of their WBSC ISF Men's World Championship winning team in Midland, Michigan in 1996. Following this tournament Wilson was scouted by the Atlanta Braves where he played for seven seasons, most of which were spent at the Triple-A level.  He was a multiple Minor League All-Star and was put on the Braves 40-man roster after leading the Arizona Fall League in hitting in 2001. Wilson finished his baseball career in 2004 with a season in the Cincinnati Reds farm system. From 2002 through 2004, Wilson also played three seasons of winter ball for the Tiburones de La Guaira and Leones del Caracas clubs of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. In 2005 Wilson returned to New Zealand where he worked for three years with the New Zealand Cricket national team as their Specialist Fielding Coach and Video Analyst.  He is currently an assistant coach for the Florida State University, Florida State Seminoles Softball team. Episode 30 with Travis Wilson will air Friday 5 November 2021 Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.  Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Cole Evans, the Captain of the Golden Homes Softball New Zealand Black Sox is this week's guest on Beyond the Dugout in Episode 29. Cole has become a premier baller on the world stage and domestically. Evans has 3 Medals at WBSC World Cups, multiple NFC & age grade titles capped by 3 National Club titles with Ramblers Softball Club already at such a young age. Cole shares his beginnings, ideas about the game, what it means to represent NZ and now captain. Evans has the potential to break all the records, and set the bar very high for the next generation. We are all looking forward to seeing our Black Sox take the world again as we host the Men's World Cup December 2022, none more determined is Captain Cole Evans. Episode 29 with Cole Evans will air this Friday 6pm NZT 29 October 2021 Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen. Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Ever wondered what makes National Champion Gretchen Aucoin tick? Well as our special guest for Episode 28 of the Dugout will give you those answers and so much more. In NZ we have seen Otahuhu Softball Club's Aucoin dominate from the pitchers circle to the batters box…..

Back on the 16th of April 2021, Beyond the Dugout was launched and 6 months & 26 guests later & we are still bringing you stories from some of the best to ever play our great game.   Episode 27 is no different with this week's very special guest Roman Gabriel.   Gabriel - most famous milestone is a member of the Golden Homes Black Sox's 2004 WBSC world title winning squad in Christchurch - was a White Sox assistant-coach from 2006 and 2010 and has latterly been head coach of the Auckland Marist Softball Club premier women's team, but his role as Head Coach of the Softball New Zealand White Sox is the new pinnacle.   Gabriel, a classy infielder and effective contact hitter and base runner in his playing days, enjoy's the challenge to improve the Sky Sport NZ White Sox's world ranking.   Ro shares everything from how it all begun, his family and early beginnings, his love of the game, how he has adapted to being a international coach during this challenging international time, where he would like to take the women's game & so much more.   Episode 27 with Roman Gabriel online today Friday 15 October 2021.   Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.   Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Back to normal on Beyond The Dugout, well the new, newer, newish normal. Whatever it is, we back are on the couch, no zoom, together again!!!   Episode 26 is going to be awesome as well with very special guest Craig Wallace.   Wally has been around the game his whole life, starting out with HV Dodgers Softball Club time at Hutt City United Softball Club and of course Poneke Kilbirnie Softball Club with some stints in the ISCs.   Now a coach & mentor and a very good one, Wally continues to pass on knowledge and experiences to so many of the next generation in both Softball and his work with Baseball.   A 6X NFC Champion, 4X Clubs Champion and a Former Black Sox but he so much more than that.   Wally on the couch with Chopper & Damian in the 04, talking family, lessons, pranks & so much more!!!   Episode 26 with Craig Wallace, Friday the 8th of October 2021 on all Podcast Platforms.   Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.   Beyond The Dugout podcast is available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

What do you get when you have a best mate who you get to pick his brain about the legends he got to share the diamond with before you get to interview that legend, over coffee in the kitchen?... A surprise Episode 25 of Beyond the Dugout with very special guest Chris Steffensen. Chrispy to most has won all but one club title in NZ Softball, a Two Time NFC Champion, One time Club National Champion (as he likes to say the last time PK won the Clubs) he has played the game at most levels with some of the best to ever play the game. From early days in Totara Park to Hutt City United before getting tapped on the shoulder by the great one Mark Sorenson to play for Cardinals and then being part of a new era of PK Softball plus a couple of stints in the ISCs to be full circle back to Totara Park. Should he have been mentioned in with some of the greats after a very promising young career, YES! But life gets in the way and Chris gets very honest about how a young talents attitude & mind can change in the game & what he has learned looking back. Now a Deputy Principal, Chris has a gift to communicate with a teaching nature and that's why Damian is so proud that he got him back into Softball after some time away from the game, going back to their junior club. Now he is combining his new love of softball with his skills of teaching & it truly is something special to see. This week what it's about, just mates talking some ball, sharing thoughts & journey's, easy to do when you're in each other's bubble.   So, sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen. Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeartRadio, iTunes & Podbean

This episode is dedicated in the honour of the late great Jim Gerbes. It's the 2004 Softball New Golden Homes Black Sox WBSC World Champion Pitcher Thomas Cameron is this Friday's Beyond the Dugout guest in Episode 24. Former Black Sox pitcher Thomas Cameron's long and celebrated playing career is amazing, but his devotion to help others better themselves is a legacy we love and are fortunate to share. Benny to most exploded onto the world scene early in his career, racking up championships Ramblers, Auckland, and others. Thomas transformed himself and his direction in life going from an elite softballer to a elite Bodybuilder. Through this journey Benny has not only found himself, but he has also helped more legends find their new way in the world, a fitter stronger world and we tip the cap to his efforts. During these crazy times Thomas shares his experiences and thoughts to help with the mental side and physical side of our wellbeing & sport.  Very important to talk about those issues during this time and be completely honest about it like Thomas does during this episode. Thomas is not done with his career, far from it but with the early start and everything learned since he is one to listen to and follow for a better health and fitness lifestyle. Episode 24 with Thomas Cameron will air this Friday 6pm NZT 24 September 2021 Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen. Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

It's the Double-National, Multi-Time World Champion, All the way from Christchurch, New Zealand via Brisbane, Australia, The Golden Homes Black Sox Tyron Bartorillo is Beyond the Dugout's 23rd Episode.   From the Hot Corner Barty has excelled in many sports and for a couple of nations but none more important now to Tyron than the Silver Fern of the New Zealand Black Sox.   But that transition wasn't easy and Barty shares the story of going from winning a World Championship with Australia against New Zealand to winning a World Championship for the Black Sox and everything going on in between.   He talks where softball started for him and not the age most would think but one thing is clear is where the love of baseball started and how softball has taken him to some pretty special places for a baseball fan.   We learn how important hi one NZ Club Papanui is to him, how they have changed the game in Christchurch, what the Tigers Dynasty means and how he plans to give back to those coming up.   But it is not over for Barty, not by a long shot and he shares his motivations, drives and goals that he still has in the game and in the Black Sox Team!!!   So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper and Damian Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.   Beyond The Dugout Podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcast, iHeart Radio, iTunes & Podbean

Its the 2021 Softball New Zealand - Softball of the Year Tyneesha Houkamau who feature's on this Friday's Beyond the Dugout Episode 22 all the way from Lockdown with the Gerbes in Auckland.    The 2021 NFC MVP Pitcher and Slugger from the National Champions Otahuhu gives us a look behind the scenes of her upbringing, contributions from the Howick & Marist clubs before settling with Otahuhu.    Ty has won all the age groups with Auckland including a battling title at the U19's aged only 16!!   How influential Coach Bob Mitchell was in her development and showing her the dream of College Ball in USA .    History tells us she completed 6 years in the states with a Bachelor of Science Biology degree. But the College ball scholarship was not exactly the dream she imagined…….. actually far from it!   Houkamau opens up about it, that not many people know about……… her state of hating the game  & giving it all away……. Tonight you will learn how after a 2 year break the next 2 years she has turned that all around……  Gotta say Both Damian & Chopper really felt this one  Thanks Ty  Episode 22 with Tyneesha Houkamau,10 September 2021. Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.    Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

It's the Softball New Golden Homes Black Sox Multiple World Champion Pitcher Marty Grant is this Friday's Beyond the Dugout guest in Episode 21 all the way from Nelson. Former Black Sox pitcher Marty Grant's long and celebrated playing career is was recognised at the highest level with his induction into the Softball New Zealand Hall of Fame. There's no question about Grant's credentials in a career stretching back to 1979, having won three WBSC world titles, including a starring role on the pitching mound in the Black Sox' 2-1 win over Japan in the 2000 final in East London, South Africa. He also won world titles in Midland, Michigan in 1996 and in Christchurch in 2004. Grant attended five world championships, also winning two silver medals, and was part of the New Zealand team that won the Commonwealth Championship title in 2006. He played 54 tests for New Zealand between 1990 and 2009, winning 53 of them. He holds the all-time Black Sox record for games pitched, innings pitched, strikeouts and wins. Grant was named New Zealand Softball player of the year in 1991 and was pitcher of the year five times. He won eight provincial championships with Wellington, six of them consecutively, and also secured five national club titles with Poneke-Kilbirnie. He also spent 18 years playing in the North American ISC & ASA leagues with a variety of teams winning 5 titles between them. Episode 21 with Marty Grant will air this Friday 6pm NZT 2 September 2021 Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.    Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Welcome everyone to Beyond The Dugout Episode 20 with Softball New Zealand's legendary Slugger Donny Hale 28th August 2021.    Tonight's episode is an exclusive to first announce Donny's Hales induction to the SNZ Hall of Fame!! This episode is more like a version of this is your life…. With a bunch of surprises for Donny as we go along. We hope you all enjoy Donny's story as he has dazzled fans all over the world with his Massive home runs!! For 20 years, the ‘Halestorm' - three-time Black Sox world champion Donny Hale - was of the most feared and respected softball sluggers in the world. Donny – who is still playing professionally in Japan today in his mid-40s - drifted into softball as a youngster in Auckland after being star-struck watching New Zealand power hitters Ian Stringer and Murray McLean blasting home runs in a television game in the 1980s. Drawn to Mt Roskill's Fearon Park, Donny set the scene for a career as a hitter by slamming three homes in his first game as a 10-year-old. Like a lot of other talented Black Sox athletes, he first made his mark for Auckland, and was selected as such for his Black Sox tour to North America in 1994. There was a logjam of pitching talent in New Zealand then, and it took a couple of years for Donny to resurface in a Black Sox jersey. The 1.95m all-rounder reinvented himself as a long ball hitter after initially adding 15kg in the gym to give him more speed on the mound. “I decided that hitting the ball was more fun,'' Donny said in Relentless, the book devoted to the Black Sox's 2004 world championship title victory. “I wanted to be the guy who hit the home runs.'' For the next 15 or so years, he was just that – a regular in the middle of a power-packed New Zealand batting unit collectively acclaimed as the best the game has seen. Donny – who earned 110 Black Sox caps - went on to dominate pitchers in elite competitions in New Zealand, North America and Japan, winning titles everywhere he went. For all his innate physical gifts, Donny was also renowned for being a student of the game, particularly the art of hitting a ball long and far.  He talked at length with Mark Sorenson about the mental aspects of hitting and gleaned a lot of insights too from playing and coaching overseas. At one point, Donny was even writing a regular column about batting for a Japanese softball magazine. While power was Donny's most obvious asset, former Black Sox coach Don Tricker once said it was his bat speed that set him apart. “I think he has the potential to be the best batter we have ever produced,'' Tricker said in 2004. “Every time he hits the ball, he's a legitimate home run threat.'' Hale hammered two home runs in his first world title winning tournament with the Black Sox in 2000 and was also in the heart of the line-up for the 2004 triumph in Christchurch, where he batted .444. Donny's final gold medal came at home in Auckland in 2013 and he won his final cap a season later, 20 years after his first. In his prime, he won the New Zealand Player of the Year award four times – including three years in a row from 2001 to 2003. A regular visitor to the International Softball Congress tournament – North America's prestige club competition – Donny's name still features prominently on the honours board. He is tied for the most home runs at a tournament (7, shared with Jarrad Martin and Patrick Shannon) and for most RBIs (17, shared with Wayne Laulu). He is also in a three-way tie at the top of the charts for most home runs in a game (3). Donny's dominance was underlined in 2012 when he was named MVP after 17 RBIs and a .529 average in leading Ontario's Broken Bow Travelers to a third consecutive title. Back home, Donny won countless national interclub titles with Ramblers and national provincial crowns with Auckland, serving as player-coach in some successful campaigns. Japan has long been the base for Donny and his long-time partner, former White Sox outfielder Sina Hunkin, but he has recently returned to give back some of his vast knowledge of the game as assistant-coach for the NZ White Sox. It's a completion of a circle as Donny and White Sox head coach Roman Gabriel were teammates from junior level right through to the Black Sox.   So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.    Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Seems only fitting during this year's ISC's, Beyond The Dugout Episode 19 features the 4 time winner & 2019 ISC Hall of Famer Jim Wana.   Jim Wana is in my mind one of the under rated, under celebrated & under recognised elite pitchers the world has seen or in this case not seen.   His career achievements are simply amazing!! 3 x WBSC World Cup Golds (Jnr, Senior, Coach), 4 x ISC Titles, 3 ASA Titles, 7 NZ National Titles with PK & a ton of MVP & Top Pitcher awards.   Well tonight we look to change that the recognition of Jimmy Wana at Beyond the Dugout! We celebrate Jimmy Wana's career in it entirety, from where he grew up as a military family in Palmerston North, to almost not choosing softball over a rugby future. His debut in premier softball at the age of 14, which lead to his development in the hot bed of Softball that was Hutt Valley and taking on the world at 18. Then at only 19 Years old won the ISC MVP Pitcher Award, must be the youngest….???   Jim's SNZ Black Sox Career spanned over 16 years playing & 14 years Coaching, sure some time taken off in amongst those times, but you would agree a phenomenal athlete/person/coach in our great game of softball.   So if you would like to learn about one of NZ's great athletes & what it feels like to throw the winning pitch in a WBSC World Cup on home soil for the first time ever in 2004……!! Then this episode is for you.   So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.    Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

What does the of Olympic glory taste like? Well Beyond the Dugout's episode 18 with Tokyo 2020 Bronze Medalist Kaleigh Rafter will tell you. The successful Softball Canada Vetter an catcher, takes the time straight after returning to share her story. And what a starry it is!!! One of the longest tenured players on the women's national team, Kaleigh Rafter has been part of Team Canada since 2007. Since competing at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, she  has amassed an impressive international resume. At the WBSC Women's Softball World Championship she has competed for Canada in every event since 2010 and was part of bronze medal-winning teams in 2010, 2016 and 2018. She has also competed in the last four Pan American Games, taking home silver medals in 2007, 2011 and 2019 to go with a gold medal at the 2015 competition in Toronto. At the 2019 WBSC Americas Olympic Qualifier, Rafter hit for a .462 average while swatting three home runs, including the one that walked off the win for Canada to clinch its spot at Tokyo 2020. Rafter's collegiate career was split between the University of Detroit (2005-07) and Florida State University (2009) where she transferred after the 2008 Olympics to join Coach Lonni Alameda who had worked with Team Canada for the Games. She set a Detroit single season homerun record in 2007 while earning Horizon League Player of the Year honours. Rafter played professionally in Japan for Team Honda for two seasons. Getting into the Sport: Started playing t-ball at age 4… Her mother lied about her age so that she could join the 5-year-old league… Her older brother played baseball and she wanted to do what he did … She's the Assistant Coach at the University of Virginia since 2016… Graduated from Florida State University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Criminology… Earned a Masters in Criminology from FSU in 2011 and a Masters in Sports Management from FSU in 2012… So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.    Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

On the eve of the USA Softball Season ISC's, Beyond The Dugout Episode 17 features veteran broadcasters Blair Setford and Kyle Smith & a preview of the 2021 ISC World Tournament.   Blair & Kyle have been a big part of the ISC as broadcasts over the years. But they do so so much more for the game. Both are involved at a local level in various roles as administrators, umpiring, coaching, managing, to international recondition with Ballpark Broadcasting and important roles within the ISC as  Blair's VP Operations & Communications & Kyles Canada East Commissioner.   Tonight you will learn from their beginnings and passion for the game. Their start in broadcasting and all of the inside info on this year's 2021 ISC World Tournament @ Sheridan Meadows Sports Complex, Eldridge, Iowa USA from 14-21 August.   Kyle Smith, 32 years old and a graduate of the Radio Broadcasting program at Mohawk College in Hamilton, Ontario Canada, is in his 10th season with Ballpark Radio. A student of the game of fastball, Kyle can easily be found in any ballpark in Southwestern Ontario, whether it be while he is umpiring or just watching Kyle spends more time in the park then he does at home.   Kyle's interests include Fastball, Hockey and anything outside. While watching sporting events on television he listens to the various play-by-play personalities to hone his craft after them. Kyle and his wife Candice currently reside in the metropolis with one flashing light, Hickson Ontario.   Blair Setford began playing fastball at the age of 7 in Jordan, Ontario and, ever since then, the game has been a big part of his life. Since joining what is now the Golden Horseshoe Fastball League in 1994, he's been a team rep, player/manager and league executive member.   Blair first partnered on air with Jim Flanagan in 2004 and has helped to grow the audience for the men's game along with the rest of the Ballpark Broadcasting crew. In addition to his administration duties in the game, Blair is on the coaching staff of one of the top-ranked club teams in men's open level fastball.   Audience members enjoy Blair's extensive knowledge of the players and the game, along with polished performances behind the mic. Blair and his wife Monique and their two children, Benjamin and Natasha, live in Mississauga, Ontario.   So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.    Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Imagine hitting the game winning grand slam to win a WBSC World Championship for Softball NZ Golden Homes Black Sox….. Joel Evans is the special guest for Episode 16 of Beyond the Dugout tonight and also the legend from 2017 who hit that winning fairy tail home run!! You will learn about what drives Joel to be one of the worlds best, his humble beginnings rich with Softball folk law thru his dad Trevor. His up bringing in Wainuiomata, Representative Honors with Hutt Valley & his current journey with the Black Sox. And Joel will give you an insight into how he hit the rise ball off Adam Folkard send the whole of NZ into celebration and Chopper into letting the puppies out of the yard….. So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.    Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

With two days of competition into the Tokyo Olympics. Beyond The Dugout Episode 15 features Italy's Olympians Erika Piancastelli (C) Andrea Howard (OF). We got to talk with these two elite athletes from the Italian Azzure national team the day before their opening match against USA, which they stocked USA by holding them to only 2 runs!! Piancastelli & Howard give us an insight to where Softball started for them, their Italian heritage and what it means to represent Italy. You will hear about the jubilation of qualifying in 2019, and the heart-breaking moment they lost their long-time head coach Enrico Obletter earlier this year. Piancastelli is an international superstar, named in the top 50 Women in sports by Sports Illustrated in 2020. In her time at McNeese University she broke 19 Records in Softball, in fact she achieved so much they have retired her number!!! If you want to learn how her signature leg kick gives her the title of one of the most feared power hitters in the world game, don't miss this episode. Howard who is completing her 5 year at New Mexico University, Is a lively character, who was a beast at the 2020 European Champs held just 4 weeks ago, sees her in the leadoff spot and one to watch for sure!! So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.  Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Next week we will see softball get underway at the Tokyo Olympic Games & we are stoked that we got episodes 14's guest, Mark Porteous before he fly's out for the games. You'll get to learn all about Mark and his of Softball which started from a very young age, passed down from parents that also gave so much to softball. Many find it funny that one of the games biggest hot heads would become one of our best umpires and Mark admits that while talking about his playing days before switching to officiating.  He rose through the ranks fast and was calling the balls & strikes at international completions within 6 years of umpiring and now has 5 world cups under his belt on his way to his first Olympic games, one he is so excited and prepared for the challenge ahead. So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.  Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

History was made when the 3 Enoka Brothers took the field for NZ. Episode 13 features the lives of Ben, Thomas & Campbell as the played for their beloved United and the making history for the Golden Homes Black Sox.    Find out about their national titles both for United and Auckland. But also how they have won on the world stage both at the WBSC & ISC Championships.    Whanau/family has always been important to enjoy those memorable times….. and there have been a lot of memorable moments.  Well maybe not Caesars' boat backing skill….. haha     So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.    Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean 

With 19 days until the Tokyo Olympics! Episode 12 of beyond the dugout will feature Olympians Stacey Porter & Taylah Tsitsikronis from Softball Australia.   Hot off the press of the final team announcement. The ladies have taken time out while in Japan to give us an in-depth look into their careers & campaign as they prepare for the 2020 Olympics.   Captain Stacey Porter a GOAT of softball, is arguably one of the best hitters in the world today. She is an inspirational leader not only for Australians but female athletes & around the world. Porter is a proud aboriginal woman who will be attending her 3rd Olympics, actually she was the first indigenous Australian to represent the country at softball in the Olympics.   Taylah has played softball all around the world including on the Pro circuit is the USA, actually she has also played for Auckland Ramblers Softball in NZ. Taylah's drive to be the best athlete on the field also translates to the person she is off the diamond.   This episode was a complete pleasure especially with the relationship between both Porter & Tsitsikronis…..   So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.    Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

It's Olympics build up time! episode 11 of beyond the dugout features team USAs center fielder Haylie McCleney.    McCleney is an explosive lead off hitter who simply just rakes. But this true two way player is a defensive highlight reel specialist, who makes a living off robbing home runs and stealing extra base hits.    In this episode you'll hear how Haylie comes from a very small town of 2000 and ends up at one of the biggest Division 1 NCAA University's America has to offer Alabama as their all time hitting leader.    Haylie will tell you all about the two WBSC World Cup gold medals at a senior level & her four for World Cups including a junior.   McCleney is an athlete driven to succeed in whatever new she chooses both academically and sporting. She has faced challenges throughout her life and career. Some of those challenges for some would be too high to climb. Her supportive family and religion have allowed her to excel in every facet in life.   You'll hear about legendary head coach of Alabama Patrick Murphy's impact on her life. And what it's like to be a teammate of Cat Ostermann and Monica Abbott   Find out how Hayley with the rest of her USA 

It's a celebration for Beyond The Dugout Episode 10 with the iconic No. 21 Thomas Makea.   Larry is one of the GOATS of NZ & World Softball. A power hitting Centre Fielder, who started as a Pitcher!!!   Makea has a 20 Year career with the Golden Homes Black Sox with 4 World Cup Titles for NZ and Numerous ISC world titles, selections and domestic titles. Thomas is a quite spoken humble man, who simply allows his actions and class to tell his story until now………. Larry open's up to a look behind the scenes in his playing career and now coaching further world stars.   You will learn of his early days in Hawkes Bay, to moving Wellington for PK, his Black Sox Career, ISC Hall of Fame career and now his Coaching pathway to numerous club, National tiles and now onto his International coaching career…….. also what could be next…….????? #CollegeWorldSeries just saying……   As a child hood friend of Chopper, was a fantastic walk down memory lane & the ability to marvel in one of NZ's best athletes ……. Full stop.   So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.    Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Welcome everyone to Beyond The Dugout Episode 9 with the Bromhead Sisters recorded from the Wairau Sports Bar in Auckland.   Kyla, Tegan & Rebecca Bromhead are simply just awesome. Get to know their beginnings from Harvey Bay Australia to Auckland's Waitakere Bears to the first and only 3 sisters to represent the Sky Sports NZ White Sox at the same time….. wait is that a world record?? Well we can tell you they have smashed records their whole life through paying stats, titles and mentoring tomorrows stars as they continue to give back to our great sport.   Each lady is their own athlete and personality, which only adds to their huge value.   Talking about added value we are stoked to lunch our Wairau Sports Bar trivia question priZe for this episode........ where you can win a $50 bar tab. Listen to the podcast to find out who is the fastest Bromhead? The winner will be announced next week. Thanks to the WSB in helping us lift the podcast and profile of our game.   So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.    Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Welcome everyone to Beyond The Dugout Episode 8 with Softball New Zealand's CEO Tony Giles 4th June 2021.  You'll get to learn about Toni's background and upbringing but also how your sport's CEO does not come from a Softball background. But his professional sporting background and business acumen has been able to take New Zealand's national Federation to the highest of highs in recent times In Tony's leadership since 2013.; We have seen a national program that will change with the times, sometimes controversially. However his openness to listen, adapt, change with culture, society and sporting interest has opened new doors for Softball in New Zealand. Learn about Fastball45, WBSC, World Cups & other exciting events coming up this season.  So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.  Oh and by the way up the mighty Queensland Maroons in next weeks State of Origin!! Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Welcome everyone to Beyond The Dugout Episode 7 with Nathan Nukunuku recorded from the Wairau Sports Bar in Auckland. Nate is a Softball New Zealand Golden Homes Black Sox Superstar . He is the most capped Black Sox, Decorated domestic player and coach the country has ever seen. Nathan's 20 Year NZ Black Sox career is support by his 29 NZ titles as player and Coach domestically. He has simply won everything domestically, internationally including the ISC's. Here is your chance to find all about him, how the Flaxmere kid found the bright lights of Auckland then took on the world and won. His interview is insightful, and he will challenge you how to create elite athletes and programs. You will also hear how is looking to give bac to our great game helping produce future international stars. Lastly Nathan drops a few bombs information from behind the scene's……… just wait until you hear….. Nate is destined for all the Hall of Frames when he finally finishes playing. So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.  Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Welcome everyone to Beyond The Dugout Episode 6 with Kiri Shaw.   Kiri has had a Stellar career for the Softball New Zealand Sky Sport NZ NZ White Sox over 23 years.   We learned all about her journey with her beloved Saints Softball Club - Hutt Valley & the Hutt Valley Softball Association.   The feelings and experiences of competing at the Olympics while representing the silver fern.   Also her role as now head coach of the Junior White Sox and of course we talk about the family, they play softball as well.   So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Collins, bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.     Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Welcome everyone to Beyond The Dugout Episode 5 with the great Mark Sorenson.   The Hall of Famer Sorenson has achieved everything in Softball domestically and internationally as a player and a coach over the last 5 decades.   Mark's 20 year playing career for the Golden Homes Softball New Zealand Black Sox included 5 World Tiles and since retiring in 2004 he has added another one for good measure as the now Coach at the WBSC World Championships in 2017.   Mark also had a stellar career overseas playing over 18 years while gaining 12 all-world selections & winning another haul of championships to add to the cabinet.   Hear all about Marks career, stories, adjustments to coaching, being the most decorated Softballer in NZ, ISC Fast Pitch, & his beloved Hutt Valley Cardinals.   It's a long one but how do you cut down someone that is referred to in some circles as the Greatest Of All Time? You don't, it's just not right to, plus we tried it's hard, we loved it!!!    So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Collins, bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.     Beyond The Dugout podcast available everywhere possible like Spotify Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts iHeartRadio iTunes Podbean

Welcome everyone to Beyond The Dugout Episode 4 with Patrick Shannon Recorded on location at the Wairau Sports Bar our Auckland Studio base. Paddy is simply a legend of the softball world here in NZ, but also across the world 2 x WBSC World Titles, 4x ISC Titles, 10x ISC All-World Selections, Softball New Zealand & ISC Fast Pitch Hall of Famer. Paddy has the Hall of Frame career batting stats for the Sox to match, 101 games, 324 Plate appearances, 26 Home-runs!! & an amazing lifetime batting average of 0.373.... wow We talk about everything with Paddy, The Stance, The Twin, The Home Runs & of course the new role as Golden Homes Softball New Zealand Black Sox Battery Coach. We also asked him why he talks so much..... haha ...... actually he has good reason..... so tune in to find out So sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Michael Patrick Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen. where ever you get your podcasts from @spotify @itunes @podcasts @podbean @googlepodcasts @iheartradio @tunein

Well the boys Lala & BMan started us off right on the podcast journey but who better than to have as our first Wahine Toa on the couch than New Zealand's very first female professional softball to play in the USA, Lara Andrews. Our Softball New Zealand White Sox Captain takes us on her journey from picking up her first bat at 9 years and falling in love with the game that very day. Through missing out on her first silver fern at the age of 12, which only fueled the fire to represent her country which she has over the last 16 years. Did you know how she got her Division 1 contract? A sandwich was involved. It's not only what she does on the diamond & with grassroots softball but what the work she does with the "Balance is Better" program as well as working towards a PHD.... "Now batting, 3rd Base, Number 9, Doctor Lara Andrews"..... She is pretty special & we are honoured to have her on the podcast to share her amazing story & other thoughts around today's game. Sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout Podcast with Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Collins bringing you weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.

Well we thought Episode 1 & Wayne Laulu was gonna be hard to beat, but this weeks episode with NZ's legend Brad Rona is phenomenal. Brad is destined for all of the Hall Of Fame's possible. FACT! B-Man amassed an amazing career with 110 Test Caps for the Softball New Zealand Golden Homes Black Sox with an unbeaten 0.371 lifetime batting average over 17 years!! His 5 x ISC Titles & 7 All-World selection's are just tip of the iceberg of a story like no other. Learn about his story from Wanganui to Auckland to the World . What makes the Haka so special, his signature dreadlocks, some untold behind the scenes stories & his beloved Northcote Softball Club. Damian travelled up from Wellington to record B-Man's interview in person because he means that much. Sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout Podcast with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Collins bringing weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.

We were really excited to have the larger than life Golden Homes Softball New Zealand Black Sox Slugger Wayne Laulu as our Very First Guest and he did not disappoint!!!! Lala has smashed the ball out of ballparks all around New Zealand and around the world for a very long time with a huge smile and laugh that melts you. Find all about his career from the humble beginnings in Arlington, stories about his beloved Miramar Softball Club to his numerous adventures with the Black Sox & Overseas. The Beyond The Dugout Podcast with hosts Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Collins bringing weekly guest from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.

Here is our intro theme song produced for us by the man Mo Makisi.  Thanks Mo!!