Levin Hustle Coach Hendrix Warren has been confirmed as the replacement coach of the New Zealand All Star U13 Ripken team that will travel to the United States in July and August this year.

Warren, who was named U13 Coach of the Year at the recent Baseball New Zealand Annual Awards, will replace Howick-Pakuranga's Johnny Southey who has had to withdraw from the trip due to a conflicting schedule.

The change will see Warren join Manager Andrew Marck and Executive Officer Grant McCarroll on the trip to Branson, Missouri for the Cal Ripken World Series.

“Hendrix has proven to be a very good coach and will be a good fit for the side now that Johnny won’t be able to make it,” Marck said.

“I am looking forward to what the group is capable of achieving and I know we have a top quality coach and management line-up that will ensure we have the best possible chance of success.”

The side will be looking to grow on the impetus it has gained over the past two years, with both the 2017 and 2018 sides recording good victories over more extablished teams, while in 2017 the team won the pre-Ripken, "Back to School Bash" competition over experienced American travel teams.

Article added: Thursday 23 May 2019