He’s lifted the International Softball Federation World Series trophy above his head and now Mike Nichols will swing for his third consecutive gold medal in softball at this year’s Pan Pacific Masters Games (3 – 11 November) on the Gold Coast.
The 52-year-old Gold Coast resident fulfilled his childhood dream when he led the men’s New Zealand softball team to a World Championship in 1984 in which he played a pivotal role.
“Winning the World Championship in 1984 was an absolute dream come true. It’s something that you dream about as a child growing up playing softball,” said Mike.
“I had a few good hits in the semi-final including a home run in the fourth inning which gave us the lead over the USA. I also had a few good hits in the grand final as well.”
The team would go on to be runners up in the next two World Championships and notch wins in four other international competitions from 1981 to 1990 with Mike being a crucial contributor to their success.
Now the Softball New Zealand and International Softball Federation Hall of Fame inductee plays softball for P.K Pride in Masters competitions as they prepare to win their third Pan Pacs title.
“One of our major tournaments on the calendar is definitely the Pan Pacific Masters Games so we look forward to it every two years,” said Mike.
“We’ve won the last two which is fantastic and we really pride ourselves on performing well. We’re going for gold this year but we know there will be a lot of better teams in the competition.”
The team compromise of players who Mike used to play with growing up in New Zealand and despite dealing with aches and pains that come with ageing, they’re keen to play for as long as they can.
“P.K Pride comes from all over the east coast of Australia including Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Lismore. We don’t do any training in the lead up to the Games, rather we hit it out from the first day of competition,” said Mike.
“Most of us are in our 40’s and 50’s so our age is definitely catching up on us, especially when we verse a lot of the younger sides.
“If our bodies can hold up I don’t see why we can’t keep playing and return to the Pan Pacs in 2014.”
The new system was born here and filagra this is not anything that we would like to see. Caverta although better in some elements but not significant for us.
