LEGEND OF THE DECADES  - BRIAN WAREHAM



Brian Wareham had the great distinction of being elected as the top male player of the 2nd Decade of NZ Softball 1947 – 1956, a richly deserved award, by Softball NZ November, 2012.



Brian first came to light playing for Eden as an 18 year old, and soon established himself as New Zealand’s greatest Pitcher.  He was acknowledged as the father of NZ’s great Pitchers.  He was the first speedball, windmill Pitcher to develop the rise, the curve and drop pitches, and used them, with blinding speed as well, (from 43 feet till 1951), to win titles, with his blond hair and fiery style.  He played in the era of many great players, who were worthy, but on the scene too early to get the chance of International play, (except for one visiting team from Victoria in 1953).



If he started in the game today he would equal the best of Kevin Herlihy, Steve Jackson, Michael White, Marty Grant and Chub Tangaroa.  He did study other Pitchers and there were a number of good ones around, and found ways to hide his variety of deliveries, something that others could not do then.  He worked on a variety of tricks that were passed on from Pitcher to Pitcher through the years.  He certainly set a standard of pitching that led on to Ross Smith, and the great Bill Massey.  He was also a great Batter, very dangerous and hit many game winning home runs.



He played for Eden in Auckland, West End in Rotorua, and the great Jenkins Gym team in Wellington.



He was also one of the early Legends of Evergreens Softball, playing for Auckland against Wellington in the mid 1960’s.



There were times when he pitched 21 strike outs in a game, and he also pitched 21 scoreless innings for Auckland  once at a National Tournament.



His record in New Zealand top Softball speaks for itself.



Played 6 times for North Island V South; 1949, 1950, 1951, 1953, 1954, 1955

Played 3 times for NZ V Rest Trial games; 1955, 1956, 1958

Won 5 Beatty Cup Medals (3 Auckland – 2 Wellington)

Won 3 John Lennon Club Medals (2 Eden, 1 Jenkins Gym).



This man set a record during his time at the top that left many others in his wake.  A great champion.



He has been living in Australia for many years now, but has been coming over to attend the Evergreens Tournaments for 7 years now, as a Wellington Supporter, and living Legend of our Sport of Softball.



Peter Campbell