TALES OF THE CITY

Batter up

BY FRANCESCA EMMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADRIAN VERCOE

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Former Black Sox player Clayton Willocks has become a pirate.

Under the leadership of its president Clayton Willocks, the Wellington City Pirates Baseball Club enjoyed a 300% increase in player numbers this season. “The success of any grass-roots sports club rests on the support of families, volunteers, and the community,” says Clayton, who expects even more sign-ups when the new season starts in October.

Clayton played for the NZ Black Sox Men’s Softball Team for eight years, and during that time they won two World Series Tournaments (South Africa in 2000, Christchurch in 2004). He understands the power of sport to build confidence and create opportunities. “I’m passionate about giving kids the opportunity to play team sports, have fun, meet new friends, and grow the sport of baseball in New Zealand,” says Clayton, who is also on the committee of the Wellington Baseball Association.

As a coach, Clayton would love nothing more than “to see a Wellington kid win a baseball scholarship to a USA university and make it through to the major leagues. One day, New Zealand will have a Steven Adams equivalent in major league baseball.”

Outside baseball, Clayton’s an officer in the New Zealand Army, and has been in the Defence Force for more than 25 years. “I love the diversity of roles and range of opportunities the army has given me.” Clayton spent two years living and working with the UN in the Middle East. He was in the response team after the Rena oil tanker disaster in the Bay of Plenty, and the support team following the Kaikoura earthquake. “I’ve lived and worked throughout New Zealand, and there’s always a new role or challenge just around the corner.”

These days, you’ll likely find Clayton in the Wellington Botanic Garden. “It’s close to Defence House and a beautiful spot to go running at lunchtime – every day there is different.” That is also the appeal of Wellington Harbour. “There’s always something going on. I love running along the waterfront on a beautiful day – its smell, the view, and how changeable it is.”

Clayton’s favourite thing about Wellington is how easy it is “to get out in nature without having to leave the city.” Weekends are pretty full with kids and baseball – coaching, planning, and playing. On Sundays Clayton likes to cook breakfast for his wife and two children before getting outside. “We try to fit in either a walk up Wright’s Hill or a mountain bike ride in the Makara Mountain Bike Park.” He also enjoys surfing, playing golf, and trail running.

Asked where he holidays, Clayton says the family heads to Waipu Cove in Northland, where they fall off the grid. “It’s a beautiful beach, the water is warm and clear, and it has a lovely surf break. We have a classic caravan and love camping there on the beach – swimming, surfing, reading, and soaking up the sun.”