softball | The Baseball Zealot

Ultimate Act of Sportsmanship

I was watching ESPN last night when a story came on which caught my eye. The story was talking about a women’s college softball game played between Western Oregon University and Central Washington University. 5’2″ Sara Tucholsky had never hit a home run in high school or college ball, but on this day she got hold of one, and drove it over the fence. In her excitement she missed firstbase, when she went back to touch it, something popped, it was her ACL.

While she lay on the ground in agony, her coach contemplated what to do, if a pinch runner was inserted, she would be credited with a single. She’d be ruled out if her teammates assisted her in any way. But then, miraculously, her opponents did an amazing thing. They asked the umpires if they could carry her around the bases. The umps told them, there was no rule against that. So two players from the opposing team carried Tucholsky around the bases, tapping her foot down on each base, as they rounded the bases. They’d said, she earned it.

This is much more than, who won the game? That fact will soon be forgotten, but this act of true sportsmanship will live on.

Team USA Softball does the job with pitching, offense

When Finch is in there, just forget it. Osterman, too.

While we’re at it, it’s not just the pitching that keeps the US Softball team winning. Their offense has had a large part in their now 18 game Olympic winning streak and complete dominance in the circuit. Finch pitched a shutout Saturday while Jessica Mendoza homered twice inducing the mercy rule versus Chinese Taipei.

Ostmerman has struck out 21 in two wins.

Team USA Softball’s web site

Olympic Baseball starts Aug 13

I watched a bit of the Olympics today. I admit I’m a fan when they come around. Unfortunately, this will be the last time baseball and softball will be featured during the summer games. I don’t agree with the decision especially since there are other "sports" that the Olympics are phasing in. Whatever.

That said, keep an eye out on August 13th when baseball tourney gets moving. Four games will be played including the USA vs Korea.

One other team that I’ll have my eye on will be Team Canada. Why? Because their catcher is none other than Chris Robinson. Robbie is a former University of Illinois catcher who played before the Lars Davis era. He is taking a hiatus from his stint in the Cubs farm organization. When he left to help Team Canada, Tennessee Smokies in Double A ball. Robinson is a good gap hitter and knows his way behind a plate so I hope once this is all over, he’ll come right back and get right back into the swing of things for the Cubs.

If you’re interested, I interviewed Chris for Baseball Zealot Radio a year ago spring just before he reported to spring training.

2008 Olympic Baseball Schedule

UI Softballers split against #9 Michigan

It was a windy but sunny day at Eichelberger Field on Sunday. Folks from Monticello were out in droves for Monticello Day to honor their favorite daughter as it were, Molly Lawhead. And best of all, #9 Michigan was in town for a doubleheader.

Molly Lawhead up to bat. It was her day.

I showed up with the kids at the 5th inning of the first game. Pitcher Ashley Wright was on the mound for the Illini by the time we got there.

Pitcher Ashley Wright

Wright can really bring it and she did a excellent job in relief Sunday and didn’t allow any further runs. Unfortunately, our offense (the best in the Big Ten) couldn’t get things going in Game 1 and were shut out 5-0.

Game 2 didn’t look any better when Michigan took a 3 run lead. However, in the top of the seventh, Shana Diller hit a 2-run shot to tie the game to send it into extras. Sarah Bryers homered the next inning to win the game.

Shana Diller’s homerun in the seventh was her 14th and broke the school season record for homeruns held by Jenna Hall. Angelena Mexicano is right behind her with 13.

Jenna Hall

I noticed former Illini Jenna Hall in the stands videotaping some of the players during the game. If you don’t know who Jenna Hall is, you really should. I always point her out to my daughter and tell her that the first time I went to a UI softball game, Jenna hit a ball over the right field fence.

She’s only been gone for two years but she’s already a UI softball legend.

More photos from the softball double header on Sunday (just click on thumbnails)

Jenna Hall wins honors in NPF league

Jenna Hall back in her Illini days Jenna Hall who was probably the best softballer the University of Illinois has ever seen, is making waves in the National Pro Fastpitch world. After her first year with the Philadelphia Force, she has won a spot on the All-NPF team. She led her team in homeruns, rbis, … Continue reading “Jenna Hall wins honors in NPF league”

Jenna Hall back in her Illini days

Jenna Hall who was probably the best softballer the University of Illinois has ever seen, is making waves in the National Pro Fastpitch world. After her first year with the Philadelphia Force, she has won a spot on the All-NPF team.

She led her team in homeruns, rbis, walks and slugging.

Assistant GM Jen Carlo said of Hall, “She showed great adjustment at the plate and was a true offensive leader throughout the year. She’s just one of those hitters that pitchers do not want to face, and that’s great for the future of the Force.”

As someone who has seen Jenna hit, none of this surprises me.

Finch opines on new Title IX policy

Chicago Bandit and Team USA softball hurler Jennie Finch has a guest column for the Arizona Daily Star. She takes a stand against the new policy by the Department of Education which essentially gives schools a free pass in regards to Title IX if they can prove “no interest”. According to the policy, the amount … Continue reading “Finch opines on new Title IX policy”

According to the policy, the amount of interest in Title IX sports can determined by a email survey which no one is likely to read anyway.

She makes some good points and I agree with her.