Softball leaves up to moniker as a ‘family’ sport

 SOFTBALL is considered a family sport in Papua New Guinea. 

The national softball training camp has five sets of siblings trying to cement spots for the Pacific Games.

Leading the pack of the brothers and sisters in camp are the Madang-born Zale brothers – Micha and Briton. Both are specialist out-fielders and have a friendly rivalry. 

The Zales moved to Port Moresby after helping Madang win multiple championships.

Playing for the Yokomo clubs in, the Zales have been the linch-pin for the club with Paul Bogan and David Upaupa, the other Yokomo players vying for a spot in the men’s side. 

The Tovia brothers – pitcher Danny and Isikel Junior are another set of brothers keen on making the final cut.  The pair were the backbone of one-time national club champions and the former Port Moresby men’s premiers – PNG Power. 

The Tovia’s are sons of prominent coach, Isikel Tovia.

The name Bais is synonymous with softball. 

Interestingly, there are three Bais siblings in Robert, Constantine and Nadia – all vying for the respective positions in the men and the women’s team.

Robert is a specialist backstop and will challenge Isikel Jr for the position while all-rounder Constantine is an impact player.  

Sister Nadia, a former national sprinter, chose to follow her brothers while father, Chris Bais, is the sports national president and a former player.