Redlands Marshall Kronk named MVP at WSBC Men’s Softball World Cup

A Queensland softball star who led Australia to World Cup glory has shared the emotion behind the triumph following the death of one of the country’s legendary coaches.

Marshall Kronk of the Steelers.

A Queensland softball star who led Australia to World Cup glory has shared how special this year’s triumph was, winning the tournament in memory of one of the country’s legendary coaches.

Redlands talent Marshall Kronk was named most valuable player (MVP) of the recent WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup in Auckland, where he helped Australia win the event for the second time.

The victory was the first time the Steelers had been crowned world champions since 2009 when the late Bob Harrow, who died this year, was the coach.

Harrow’s son, Laing, was this year’s coach and his grandson, Matthew, was also in the team.

“It was a fitting year to win it,” Kronk said.

“Bob Harrow changed men’s softball.

“It was very special, following his passing this year, and his son, now the head coach and grandson, part of the team.

“It all came together … it was great … (there were) tears going everywhere.”

Redlands softballers Julian Jemmott, Riley James, Marshall Kronk. Picture: Antionette James and Kiera James

Kronk said he could not be more surprised after winning MVP but believed there was “nothing better” than winning a world championship.

“That’s just a special little bonus on the side I feel,” he said.

Kronk was joined in Auckland with Redlands teammates Julian Jemmott and Riley James.

“I grew up playing with Julian, and representing (Australia) with Riley too was a credit to our home association Redlands — how good the players and coaching is throughout the systems,” he said.

“It’s just like a big family, you know everyone, everyone helps each other, lending a hand or giving tips.

“I still look up to players that were there before me so to think I’m inspiring younger players is baffling to me.”

Kronk also said the team’s chemistry helped them take home the world title.

Our Australian Steelers in action during their victorious World Cup campaign.

“(It is) pretty surreal playing for my country, winning the world championships, the whole experience was unbelievable,” he said.

“A tight bunch of boys from all over Australia, who gelled really well from day dot in Canberra.

“(The experience was) special, to be the second team in Australia’s history to win a world title is unbelievable.

“I have come back to reality and it still hasn’t sunk in, it’s hard to explain knowing you just won.

“The best team in the world.”