“It means everything” - Tane Mumu and the weight of the Black Sox jersey

For Tane Mumu, wearing the black jersey is not just about representing New Zealand. It is about carrying the weight of history, expectation, and identity every time he steps onto the softball field.

“It means everything,” said the Black Sox shortstop and captain prior to the WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup 2026 bronze medal game against Mexico in Sincelejo, Colombia. “Every time I put on that black jersey, I just want to do my country proud and the legacy that’s gone before me.” 

New Zealand’s men’s softball programme is one of the most decorated in the world, and that tradition is not lost on Mumu. He belongs to a generation tasked with restoring the team to its familiar place at the top after a period of transition, something he has experienced first hand.

Mumu’s development has been shaped by some of the most iconic figures in the sport. From Mark Sorenson to a new generation of leaders, his pathway has been built on absorbing knowledge from those who defined the Black Sox identity.

“Having Mark Sorenson believe in me from a young age meant the world,” he explained. “You just try to soak up as much knowledge as you can from someone like that.” 

Sorenson, widely regarded as one of softball’s all-time greats, is more than a legend to Mumu, he is a symbol of what is possible. Growing up in the same environment, Mumu saw first hand what excellence looked like, and that standard has followed him into his own career.

That same reverence extends to players like Nathan Nukunuku, another iconic shortstop. Mumu is quick to downplay comparisons, but he acknowledges the influence.

“If I got anywhere close to being as good as Nathan, I’d be very happy,” he said smiling. 

Now, as the New Zealand U-23 men's softball team captain, Mumu finds himself in a different role, not just learning, but teaching. With New Zealand’s U-23 group pushing toward senior level, he acts as a bridge between generations.

“I try to install a bit of what they’ve given me into the boys,” he explained, referencing the senior players and coaches who shaped him. 

Leadership, in the Black Sox environment, is collective. Mumu emphasised that the team is built on shared experience and standards, many of them forged by players who have already won world titles. His job is to translate that culture to younger athletes preparing to make the jump.

“Most of these boys are right on the fringe of making the Black Sox,” he said. “I’m just trying to make them comfortable for that next step.” 

Rebuilding the Black Sox

Mumu’s international career has coincided with a rebuilding phase for New Zealand. He made his debut with the senior National Team at the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup 2022, where the Black Sox failed to make the Super Round on home soil. A difficult period, which forced the team to reassess and evolve, something Mumu described as a challenge.

“That was a tough year… we had to take a hard look at ourselves because that’s not how the Black Sox roll,” he admitted. 

The response has been gradual but determined. Through years of work, the team has fought its way back into contention, narrowly missing out on the ultimate prize in 2025 but re-establishing belief.

“It was heartbreaking, but we were right there in the mix,” he said when asked about the WBSC Men's Softball World Cup Finals 2025 loss to Venezuela. 

Now, with another opportunity to compete for a medal in Sincelejo, Mumu sees a group ready to deliver, not just for themselves, but for those who came before them.

Embracing the moment

Playing in Colombia has added another dimension to the experience. The atmosphere, loud and relentless, has left a strong impression on the New Zealand captain. Rather than being overwhelmed, Mumu and his teammates feed off the energy, turning it into motivation.

“You can’t even hear yourself,” he said with a smile. “But we embrace it, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” 

Looking ahead

For Mumu, the trajectory is clear. The Black Sox are rebuilding not just to compete, but to win.

While New Zealand have seven WBSC Men's Softball World Cup titles - the last coming in 2017 - and two WBSC U-18 Men's Softball World Cup (1985 & 1989) to their name, the Black Sox finished sixth in the inaugural WBSC U-23 Men's Softball World Cup in 2023 as they use this age group to help with the rebuilding process.

“We’re on our way back,” he stated confidently. “We’ve got the talent coming through, and we can be in gold medal contention.” 

It is a statement that reflects both belief and responsibility. As a shortstop, a captain, and a product of New Zealand’s softball tradition, Mumu stands at the intersection of past and future, carrying the legacy forward, one play at a time.