Defensive Positioning: Outfield and Infield Positions

Editors Note: Defensive Positioning is an excerpt from the book "Coaching Fastpitch Successfully -2nd Edition" by Kathy Veroni and Roanna Brazier. Follow the link at the bottom of this post to read reviews and purchass the book from Amazon.com.

Defensive Positioning
an excerpt from Coaching Fastpitch Successfully
by Kathy Veroni and Roanna Brazier

Some of the factors that influence how players position themselves defensively include:
>the inning,
>the score,
>the number of outs,
>the count on the batter,
>the field conditions,
>the batter’s strength,
>the pitcher’s strength,
>what pitch is coming,
>the position of the runners, and
>whether to expect a bunt.

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Outfielders

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Center fielders usually play closer to the plate than the side fielders do, but all outfielders must communicate with each other and the infielders regarding their positions. For example, if the center fielder is playing deep, she will tell the middle infielders that they have more territory to cover on balls hit in between the infield and the outfield. The outfielders do not need to have the same amount of space between each other, but they will often shift together based on the batter’s tendencies and the strength of the pitcher.

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Also, outfielders need to check the wind direction and make a one-step adjustment. They should have a run-and-wait-for-the-ball mentality so that they do not have to dive or fall back when fielding.The batter’s ability will also determine an outfielder’s location. Naturally, the outfielder will play the number three, four, and five hitters deeper than the rest of the lineup. For a left-handed slapper, the left fielder is closest to the plate, followed by the center fielder, with the right fielder playing the deepest.

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The fielder should be able to judge the spin of the pitch and the bat speed and should already be gone by the time the ball is hit. The fielder must read the ball off the bat and take her first step to charge toward the area where she anticipates the ball to land or roll. This is considered getting a jump on the ball. Typically, a left-handed batter will hit with more power to right field, and a right-handed batter will hit with more power to left field. In these cases, the opposite fielder can play a little shallower.The outfielders should adjust to the count on the batter by repositioning themselves according to the count.

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When the pitcher is behind in the count, the outfielders should take a step back and a step to the pull side because the hitter will be geared up to hit her pitch. When the pitcher is ahead in the count, the out-fielders should take a step in because the pitcher should be able to force the hitter into making weak contact.An outfielder must review the base runners on base before each pitch. This information will allow her to make the proper throw and to anticipate steals, bunts, and pickoff plays.The inning and the score can also dictate how deep the outfielder must play.

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For example, in a close ball game with a runner on third and less than two outs, the outfielder must play a little shallower so that she can throw out the runner at the plate on a fly ball. Similarly, late in the game with a two-run lead and a runner at second base, the outfielder can position herself a little deeper, because her throw will go to second base in the attempt to keep the runner from reaching scoring position.

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Infielders

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The infielders also take similar considerations into account when positioning themselves. For example, the first baseman moves in toward the plate when the infield is wet and soft, when a weak but fast hitter is at bat, or in a bunt situation. The first baseman moves back when a strong, left-handed pull hitter is at bat, when there is a slow runner at the plate, or when there are two strikes on the batter.The second baseman adjusts her position depending on the defensive situation as well.

She is responsible for all batted balls (including slaps) between first and second base. The second baseman will also cover first base on bunted balls, unless the first baseman calls her off. The second baseman will cover second base on force plays from the third baseman and shortstop, and on balls hit to the right of the pitcher.

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On all average or slow batters, the second baseman should position herself five or six steps in back of the baseline (to give her more range on a hard-hit ball) and closer to second than to first base (so that more balls can be fielded on her forehand side than on her backhand side). If the batter is a fast right-hander, the fielder should take two steps in and two steps toward first base. If the batter is a fast left-hander, the fielder should be positioned in the base path and an equal distance from first and second.

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With a slow left-handed batter, the second baseman plays the standard five or six steps behind the baseline and an equal distance between the bases. With less than two outs and a runner on third, the second baseman moves into the base path.One of the most challenging plays for the second baseman is the play with runners on first and third base. If the offense attempts to steal, the defense must prevent the run from scoring, and if possible, prevent the runner on first from getting into scoring position.

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In this situation, I will bring the second baseman into the cutoff position for the throw from the catcher to second base. That position is halfway between the mound and second and slightly off the line to enable the shortstop, who is covering second, to see the catcher and the ball. I instruct the second baseman to catch the ball if (1) the runner on third breaks for the plate or takes a big lead and can be picked off or (2) the throw is off target. With practice, an experienced second baseman can make these decisions herself. However, I will sometimes call the play in advance to take the decision-making factor out of her hands.Like the first baseman, the third baseman moves in toward the plate when the infield is wet and soft, when a weak but fast hitter is at bat, when a strong, left-handed pull hitter is at bat, or in a bunt situation.

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The third baseman moves back when a strong, right-handed pull hitter or a slow runner is at bat, when there will be a pitchout or pickoff attempt on a runner at third base, or when there are two strikes on the batter. She will protect the line in late innings to prevent extra-base hits.The shortstop’s normal position is two or three steps behind the baseline and an equal distance between bases. With a very fast runner at the plate, she will move toward the base path. This position decreases her range but allows her to reach the ball faster and shortens the throw to first base. The shortstop will play deeper on power hitters as well as on slow runners, and she plays closer to second when her third baseman can move well to her left.

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With less than two outs and a runner on third, the shortstop should move to just in front of the base path. She will adjust toward third base on an inside pitch as well as on a change-up. It is her responsibility to verbally alert the third baseman that a slow pitch is coming.

About the Authors
Kathy Veroni is one of the most successful coaches in NCAA softball history, with more than 875 wins to her credit at Western Illinois University. Including her time as head coach of a women’s premier fastpitch team, she won more than 1,250 games in her fastpitch coaching career. In 34 seasons at WIU, Veroni built a balanced program that enjoyed academic and athletic success while providing players with an excellent experience as collegiate athletes. She served as president of the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) and has been inducted into the NFCA Hall of Fame, the Illinois State University Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Illinois Amateur Softball Association Hall of Fame. Veroni has been a speaker at coaching clinics throughout the Midwest and runs numerous camps and clinics for coaches and youth in western Illinois.

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Roanna Brazier was head coach at Ohio University for nine years and an assistant for three years before signing on as a pitching instructor at Club K, a softball training facility in Nashville, Tennessee. During her tenure at Ohio, Brazier’s players earned all-conference and all-region honors. She also served as head coach of a USA all-star team in the summer of 2003. From 1987 to 1990, Brazier was an All-Big Eight Conference performer at the University of Kansas. While pitching and playing first base, Brazier, a three-time all-conference selection, set six Jayhawk season and career records, including innings pitched and victories. In 1990, she earned All-Midwest Region accolades after posting a 28-7 record with a 0.93 ERA.

Click to read reviews and purchase from Amazon.com

>> Coaching Fastpitch Successfully

Team USA Player Profile: Kelly Kretschman

Team USA Player Profile: Kelly Kretschman

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Kelly Kretschman, Indian Harbour Beach, Fla. (Alabama ’01) – A 2000 Olympic team alternate and 2004 Olympic team member, Kretschman makes her second Olympic roster coming back stronger than ever. Kretschman played in all nine games of the 2004 Games and was the only one on the roster to hit at least one single, double, triple and homerun for a .333 average.


Click to view video profile of Kelly Kretschman

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For the National Team USA tour schedule

click, "KFC Bound 4 Beijing Tour"

Anjelica Selden: The Strikeout Queen!

The Strikeout Queen
Anjelica Selden wrapping up UCLA career


Professional softball will have to wait ... Anjelica Selden wants to give back a little something first.

Selden knows her UCLA softball career could end as early as today, although the Bruins have College World Series aspirations. Actually, it's just her college playing career that is almost over ... the former Vanden High School standout plans to return to the team next season as a graduate assistant coach.

"I've already been drafted to the pro leagues (the New England RipTide of the National Pro Fastpitch softball league), but I don't think I will do that," she said. "I may play overseas in Italy, but first I want to stay and help out.

"I think there's a lot I can pass on. I feel really passionately about being a leader. I want to teach my team the Bruin softball way."

Selden hopes the teaching can wait a couple more weeks, while she leads UCLA on the mound.
Selden and the Bruins began an NCAA Super Regional series against Georgia on Saturday night. The teams will play at least one and possibly two more games today, with the winner of the best-of-three series advancing to next week's College World Series.

If the Bruins move on to Oklahoma for the third time in Selden's four seasons, the pitcher again will play a major role.

The 22-year-old right-hander recently earned first-team all-Pacific 10 honors for the third time, and first team all-Region for the second time.

She is having arguably her best season yet as a Bruins, with a career-best 1.01 ERA going into Saturday night's game. She has an impressive 26-3 record, with 287 strikeouts in 200.2 innings.

But she longs to return to the World Series. Selden led UCLA to the brink of national championships in both 2005 and '06, coming within one out of an NCAA title as a freshman.
UCLA struggled, relatively speaking, last year. Selden finished with a 17-11 record and a 2.82 ERA.

"This is my last time around so obviously you want to end on a good note," she said. "We're young this year, but we've got a lot of really talented girls. There is nothing distracting us ... our goal is to get to the World Series. "Personally, I really want to get back there. The atmosphere is unique ... you have to be there. It's the best of the best. You can just feel the intensity."

Another World Series appearance would put a final stamp on Selden's career as one of the best pitchers in one of the best programs in the country.

Selden has 107 wins in four seasons, second in UCLA history, and her 158 complete games also is second all-time among Bruins.

She has spent her entire senior season as the Bruins' all-time strikeout queen. She entered Saturday night's game with 1,393 K's, the best total in school history by more than 300.

"I'm not a stats person ... but that stat ... let's just say I feel honored to be among some of the best softball players ever," Selden said. "That's not an easy thing to do. There was a lot of hard work."
And a lot of ups and downs. Despite winning more than three-fourths of her decisions, Selden has been the leader in good times and bad. The Bruins suffered a rare first-round NCAA loss last season, to go with the near-misses in 05-06.

"I think I've grown as a pitcher, but more as a person," she said. "I'm more aware of situations. I respond better to adversity ... a quick recovery. I have a short-term memory."
Selden hopes more long-term memories come today, and next week.

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Source: The Reporter -by Tim Roe

Team USA Player Profile: Caitlin Lowe

Team USA Player Profile: Caitlin Lowe

Caitlin Lowe, Tustin, Calif. (Arizona ’07) – The leadoff batter over the past three seasons, Lowe has earned her first spot on an Olympic roster having a presence on the program since 2005. She has led the team during the quad making an appearance in all events, with a .402 average while she is second on the team during the quad with 63 runs scored.
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Click to view video profile of Caitlin Lowe

For the national Team USA tour schedule

click, "KFC Bound 4 Beijing Tour"

Meet Marc Dagenais: Our Softball Authority Featured Coach

Meet Coach Marc Dagenais

This is the fifth featured coach in our new series for 2008 called "Softball Authority." The premise of Softball Authority is to showcase softball coaches who have have demonstrated an exceptional ability and devotion to transfer their knowledge and expertise of fastpitch softball in order to help female softball athletes reach their maximum potential and take their game to the next level.


As a kid, Coach Marc practiced many sports but baseball was his favorite. In 1989, at age 13, his parents decided to sign-up his younger sister for softball and Marc thought that coaching softball could be fun so he offered to help out. That day, Marc's life changed forever.

Marc immediately felt in love with coaching. He felt in love with "helping others" and found extreme self-satisfaction in helping young athletes get better, develop their skills and improve their game. That's the day he quit baseball because he found something more fulfilling and that he enjoyed even more. He never looked back and he's been coaching softball ever since.

During his teen years, Marc became obsessed with the game. He read just about every softball books he could find. He watched all the tapes his dad would allow him to buy. He took all the coaching courses available. As a result, he rapidly became a skilled coach and experienced tremendous success winning a ton of tournaments and championships in addition to receiving numerous "Coach of the Year" awards.

At 19 years old, he also became the youngest softball coach in Canada to receive a full level III coaching certification.

In early 1999, Marc became a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and decided to "experience life a little" by moving out of province. He first spent a few months in Nova Scotia coaching softball and personal training before moving to Vancouver, BC, to become an assistant softball coach at Simon Fraser University.

During his three years at SFU (2000-2002), they never finished lower than 3rd at the NAIA National Championship in addition to playing several top D-1 schools like Arizona (facing Jennie Finch), Arizona State, Washington, Nebraska, Oregon and Long Beach.
At the end of 2002, Marc moved back to Montreal to pursue doctoral studies in sports psychology and spent 2 years studying self-confidence, talent development and coaching expertise.
He also continuated to coach with the Canadian Women's Softball National Team Program participating in numerous international competitions like the Canada Cup, the US World Cup, the Olympic Qualifier and the World Championship.

During the same period, Marc also got involved with the Quebec Provincial Team Program and earned another "Coach of the Year" award along the way by leading the Quebec 23U Team to a silver medal at the 2004 Nationals. He also obtained his level IV certification and his designation as a Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC).

Over the years, Marc has worked with numerous elite amateur, college and professional athletes including hundreds of softball players. He has also been coaching women's competitive fastpitch softball for almost 20 years and has coached at every level of the game from grassroots to the college and the international level.

Today, Marc uses his exceptional combination of softball coaching expertise and sports sciences knowledge - which a very rare combo in the world of softball - to help softball players turn their athletic talent into extraordinary performances and help coaches get more out of their players, turn their struggling team around or get an edge over their opponents.

Marc currently works with the Canadian Women's Softball Olympic Team, the Canadian Men's National Team, several Canada Games Teams, numerous college, high school and travel ball programs as well as many elite male and female players all over the world helping them become dominant and perform at their best.

Coach Marc publishes a FREE daily email newsletter, which includes free training tips, and his very informative website is Softball Performance.

Jenny Gensch: A Profile in Determination

Forcing Her Way to the Pros

St. Cloud State's Jenny Gensch was taking a break from her graphic-design homework back in April when she stumbled across an opportunity.

This wasn't the usual studying distraction. This was a chance to try out with the Philadelphia Force, a professional softball team in the National Pro Fastpitch league.

If the record-breaking shortstop has her way, though, she'll be able to pursue a professional career in softball and still keep working toward her career in graphic design.

The first step comes this week: She'll participate in a tryout on Tuesday in Allentown, Pa., to see if she has what it takes to land a roster spot with the Force.

About 15 other players — mostly from Division I programs — will participate in the tryout, too.
And while Gensch has played shortstop in her four years at St. Cloud State, she's trying to expand her repetoire to make her valuable as a utility player off the bench.

"If you can hit, you'll be out there somewhere," said Gensch, who hit .406 with 17 home runs and a school-record 61 RBI during her senior season with the Huskies.

"I'm still working on all the hitting stuff I've been doing the past couple of years, and I took outfield. It was kind of weird, but it was good for me."

The Huskies' season ended in the NCC Tournament earlier this month; finals at St. Cloud State wrapped up a week ago. Since then, Gensch has spent her time working with head coach Paula U'Ren and student assistant Kelli Niess to keep her skills sharp before the tryout.
That includes taking fly balls for the first time since even before her high school career at Eastview. She's discovering it's not as easy as it looks, which means she's doing all she can to pick up tips.

That includes focusing on the outfielders rather than the infielders when watching the Twins. She was paying extra attention on Monday, for example, when right fielder Michael Cuddyer let the ball slip out of his glove, bounce off the top of his head and land back in his glove.
"I'm like, 'Good thing I'm paying attention to this game,'" she said.
And it's not just about catching the ball — it's about having the stamina to cover the ground outfielders have to cover when tracking fly balls.

"We hit about 10 (on Monday), and she was grabbing her shorts going, 'Oh, my God, this is hard,'" U'Ren said with a laugh. "She's like, 'I thought I moved a lot in the infield!'"
Having Niess around for extra coaching has been a nice bonus for Gensch. The former Sauk Rapids softball star participated in a tryout for the Rockford (Ill.) Thunder a year ago before joining the Huskies' staff as an assistant. Once Gensch found out about that tryout, Niess found herself peppered with everything the Huskies' star could throw at her.

"I was immediately asking her questions," Gensch said. "'What'd they have you do? What was it like? How many girls were there? Were you comparable? Were they good? Were they bad?'"
When Niess tried out with Rockford, she said, it felt just like a regular softball practice: Ground balls, fly balls, batting practice and a scrimmage, all designed for a player to showcase each of her skills.

Gensch, a five-tool player who led the NCC in home runs while stealing 17 bases and fielding at a .965 clip at shortstop, will have plenty to showcase.

"They're looking for an athlete who can give them a lot of different looks," Niess said. "They can throw her in as a base-runner if necessary, and they can throw her in the outfield if there's an injury. They want someone who can help them in a lot of different areas and not just specialist. that's where Jenny's great."

But making the team is just the first piece of the puzzle. Neither Gensch nor U'Ren were quite sure what sort of money the shortstop could expect to make should she land a roster spot, but it certainly wouldn't be enough to qualify as a full-time job.

That's where her graphic design training comes in. She connected with a Web design company in Minneapolis earlier this spring and has done part-time work from her apartment in St. Cloud, turning two-dimensional logos into three-dimensional graphics for use on Web sites.
With that sort of arrangement, it's certainly possible Gensch could keep working from her new home while pursuing her softball career.

It's more feasible, anyway, than the situation faced by former St. Cloud State first baseman Brooke Gentzler, whose records Gensch spent her senior year chasing. Gentzler was drafted by an NPF team in 2003 but turned down the opportunity to take an internship at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.

Gensch has no such hesitations about a professional career, and that might play into her favor in her bid to land a roster spot.

"They may push her through to find a spot for her," U'Ren said.

"You don't get paid a lot for it, so if you're willing to give up your summer to just play softball and make a little bit of a summer income, I think they'll find a spot for her to go do it."

Source: SC Times -by Brian MacPherson

Team USA Player Profile: Natasha Watley

Team USA Player Profile: Natasha Watley



Natasha Watley, Irvine, CA. (UCLA ’05) – A highly recognized shortstop, Natasha Watley joins her second Olympic roster after an exceptional 2007 season. She hit .466 with 27 hits and a team-high two triples, scoring 21 runs. The speedster started all nine games at the 2004 Games, tying a team-best 12 hits for a .400 average.





Click to view video profile of Natasha Watley



For the national Team USA tour schedule click, "KFC Bound 4 Beijing Tour"



Fans of Laura can purchase an "I Love Natasha Watley T-shirt" at Amazon. Click, I Love Natasha Watley T-shirt

Shanna Diller Signs With The Rockford Thunder

Illinois Softball Star Shanna Diller Signs with Rockford Thunder

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The Rockford Thunder of the National Pro Fastpitch Softball League has signed free agent infielder Shanna Diller, a former Normal Community High School and University of Illinois star, Thunder general manager Aaron M. Moore announced Friday.

Diller finished her Illini career recently ranked No. 2 in runs scored (163), home runs (37) and RBIs (158). She also ranks fourth in batting average at .314.”I am very thankful to have the opportunity to continue my career with a great organization,” Diller said. “It’s extremely exciting to be able play just a couple of hours from my hometown.”

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“Shanna is a player we’ve had our eye on since the fall college season,” Moore said. “She provides us with another solid bat and is versatile in that she can play both of the corner infield positions. We look for her to contribute to the team right away.”

There's a New Number One Team in the Nation

New Number One Team in the Nation in Latest USA Today/NFCA High School Top 25



After five weeks as the No. 1 team in the nation, Pembroke Pines Charter’s reign at the top of

the USA Today/NFCA High School Top 25 Poll, has come to an end. The Jaguars lost in Florida’s 4A State Championship against Naples to end their season with a 29-1 record, and fall to No. 4 in this week’s poll. Taking the No. 1 spot this week is Sheldon (Calif.), who improved to 25-1 on the season.


This isn’t the first time the Huskies have been No. 1, as Coach Mary Jo Truesdale’s squad held the ranking in the year’s first poll on April 3. With the loss to Pembroke Pines, Aledo (Texas) and Broad Run (Va.) slide up a spot each to Nos. 2 and 3 respectively. Canyon del Oro (Ariz.) ranks at No. 5 again this week, after winning the 4A-I Arizona State Championship. Following Head Coach Amy Swiderski’s crew is: Butler (N.C.), Kennedy (Calif.), Shadle Park (Wash.), Simi Valley (Calif.), and Central Davidson (N.C.).


In the No. 11 slot sits Santiago (Calif.), who fell from last week’s rank of No. 7, after a loss to Corona (Calif.). Smithson Valley (Texas) jumps four spots this week to 12 after improving their record to 31-2, and continues to march through the 5A Texas State Playoffs. At No. 13 sits undefeated Escondido (Calif.), followed by Coronado (Texas), who saw their season come to an end at 37-4, after be eliminated in the 5A Texas Regional Quarterfinals by Weatherford.


Rounding out the top 15 is Cibola (N.M.), who drops four spots after losing their first game of the season to Rio Rancho (N.M.). Hueytown (Ala.) is this week’s No. 16 team, after defeating Austin (Ala.) in the 6A Alabama Sub-State Playoffs. Hueytown is followed by Eau Gallie (Fla.), Plano (Texas), Byrd (La.), and Carl Sandburg (Ill.). Rankings 21-23 features Ooltewah (Tenn.), Hickory (Va.), and Mandarin (Fla.). Elyria (Ohio) and Naples (Fla.) are Nos. 24 and 25, and are new to the week’s poll. Elyria is currently undefeated at 19-0 and Naples enters the poll after defeating the previous No. 1 team in the nation, Pembroke Pines Charter, in the 4A Florida State Championship Game. The rankings were compiled by representatives and committees from each state across the nation.

Team USA a Huge Hit in Maryland

Team USA Tour Update

Team USA is a Big Hit as National Tour Continues
Nearly 9,000 watch U.S. squad earn narrow victory against Washington Glory

From the time that the United States Olympic softball team took the field for its meeting with the Washington Glory this past Saturday at Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie, it was clear that that this was not an ordinary stop on the Olympic team’s ‘‘Bound 4 Beijing” tour.

A non-Olympic record crowd of 8,724 fans filled the reserved seats and bleachers, lined the grassy areas adjacent down each baseline and stood on the concourse level. Many fans appeared to be current high school and middle school girls who stood in line afterward awaiting autographs from Team USA players they hope to emulate someday.

‘‘It was just amazing to see all those people in the stands,” said Team USA second baseman Lauren Lappin, a 2006 Stanford University graduate who is the youngest player on the squad. ‘‘It was awesome. We had never played in a stadium this size and in front of a crowd like this. It was such a great game.”

Many of the previous games on the tour had been foregone conclusions for Team USA. Playing mostly against college teams, the Olympic squad has averaged better than one run per inning and suffered only one loss, a 2-0 setback to Virginia Tech, in 32 contests this year. Saturday against the Glory, which plays in the National Pro Fastpitch league, Olympic team pitchers Monica Abbott and Cat Osterman were locked in a scoreless duel with Glory pitcher Sarah Pauly. Instead of an exhibition, fans were being treated to a dramatic affair.

‘‘In many games, we have to play little mental games just to stay focused,” said Abbott, who struck out five and didn’t allow a hit in two innings. ‘‘We haven’t had many close games like this. But this was great. We had the chance to play a really good team. There are probably some women on the Glory who could compete for a spot on this team. I played a few games with them last summer, so I know how well they can hit and field. It was a good test for us.”

Pitcher Jennie Finch, now in her seventh year with the Olympic team, came into the scoreless game to toss the last two innings. She allowed three hits in two innings and escaped a jam in the top of the seventh with two strikeouts to end the game. The Olympic team scored twice in the sixth when Natasha Watley singled home Lappin on a 3-2 pitch and Andrea Duran drew a bases-loaded walk to bring home a run.

For the national Team USA tour schedule click, "KFC Bound 4 Beijing Tour"

Source: The Bowie Star -by Christopher Anderson

Team USA Player Profile: Laura Berg

Team USA Player Profile: Laura Berg

Laura Berg, Santa Fe Springs, Calif. (Graduate ’98) – Outfielder Berg is the one three-time Olympic gold medalist to be selected to the 2008 Women’s National Team. Along with her three Olympic gold medals, Berg has captured gold at four World Championships and three Pan American Games. She also received the honor of carrying the flag during closing ceremonies at the 2007 Pan American Games.

Click to view video profile of Laura Berg

For the national Team USA tour schedule click, "KFC Bound 4 Beijing Tour"

Fans of Laura can purchase an "I Love Laura Berg T-shirt" at Amazon. Click, I Love Laura Berg T-shirt

Team USA Player Profile: Jessica Mendoza

Team USA Player Profile: Jessica Mendoza


Jessica Mendoza, Camarillo, Calif. (Stanford ’02) – Outfielder Jessica Mendoza has been one of the top run producers on the USA National Team since the 2001 season and will continue as she makes her second Olympic roster. In 2006, she played a major role in the U.S. winning its first World Cup as well as its seventh-World Championship title, including hitting the game winning homerun in the Gold Medal game of the World Championships.

Click to view video profile of Jessica Mendoza

For the national Team USA tour schedule click, "KFC Bound 4 Beijing Tour"

Fans of Jessica can purchase her "Signature Bat" at Amazon.

Click, Official Jessica Mendoza Louisville Slugger Bat

Softball Coach Arrested, Youth Team Kicked Out Of League

Editors Note: We came across this very disturbing story from News Channel 5 in Columbia TN about a coach being arrested for an altercation with an umpire. There are lessons to be learned here for players, parents and, most of all, for coaches.

Softball Coach Arrested,
Youth Team Kicked Out Of League


COLUMBIA, Tenn. - A Midstate softball coach was arrested after punching an umpire.
Jonathan Rose, 34, is charged with aggravated assault for striking an umpire during a youth league game in Columbia.

Police said Rose hit the umpire with his fist and knocked him unconscious during a tournament game. Rose is the assistant coach for the Summertown Lady Volcanoes.
Rose and the umpire disagreed over a call.

Al Ray, director of the Maury County Parks and Recreation, said this is the first time anything like this has happened.

"Sometimes adults get a little too caught up in what's going on and lose track of what this is all about and what it's intended to be," Ray said.

Rose's team of 10-year-old girls was kicked out of the league.

"The coach and unfortunately the team will not be allowed to participate in any USFA events," said Ken Crooks, Middle Tennessee regional director for the state's U.S. Fastpitch Association.
The umpire returned to his regular job Monday.

Although the Lady Volcanoes will have to disband parents plan to organize another team so the girls will be able to play.

You can watch the Channel 5 video here: Coach is Arrested

Source: News Channel 5 - Columbia TN

Team USA Player Profile: Stacey Nuveman

Team USA Player Profile: Stacey Nuveman

Stacey Nuveman, La Verne, Calif. (UCLA ’02) – Leading with experience, catcher Stacey Nuveman returns to her third Olympic roster after being an integral part in both the 2000 and 2004 gold medal victories. She had the only hit of the 2000 gold medal game and a homerun in the 2004 gold medal game. Nuveman returns to the squad after taking off the 2007 season with the birth of her son, Chase.


Click to view video profile of Stacey Nuveman

For the national Team USA tour schedule click, "KFC Bound 4 Beijing Tour"

Fans of Stacey can purchase her best selling DVD at Amazon.

Click, The Fundamentals of Catching.

Angela Tincher Reaches 2000K Milestone

It's 2000K's for Tincher

Angela Tincher proved that you don’t need to be an Olympian to be one of the world’s best athletes. The Virginia Tech pitcher joined elite company recently when she became only the third softball player in NCAA history to strike out 2,000 batters.

The other two pitchers — Monica Abbott of Tennessee (2,440 career strikeouts) and Cat Osterman of Texas (2,265) — are both Olympians. On March 26, Tincher pitched a no-hitter and was one walk away from a perfect game against the U.S. Olympic Team. The victory ended Team USA’s 185 game winning streak in pre-Olympic exhibition games, that began when softball became an Olympic sport in 1996.

So what's the irony here? Tincher failed to make the Olympic team. During Olympic tryouts four years ago, she struck out Jessica Mendoza, who many call the world’s best hitter. She struck out Mendoza again when Virginia Tech beat Team USA.

Team USA Player Profile: Cat Osterman

Team USA Player Profile: Cat Osterman

Cat Osterman, Houston, Texas (Texas ’07) – Osterman has emerged as one of the best pitchers in the world, defeating some of the world’s top teams as she makes her second Olympic team roster. She has earned the start and complete game in the circle in big games including the championship games at both the 2006 World Championships and 2006 and 2007 World Cup.

Click to view video profile of Cat Osterman

For the national Team USA tour schedule click, "KFC Bound 4 Beijing Tour"

Fans of Cat can purchase her "Signature" Wilson glove at Amazon.

Click >> Cat Osterman Signature Glove.

Top Ten Finalists for USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year

The Amateur Softball Association, the National Governing Body of Softball in the United States, announced today the top ten finalists for the 7th Annual USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award. An initial “Watch List” was released on January 30 and the list of 25 finalists was announced on April 9.

The USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year, in its seventh year, is designed to recognize outstanding athletic achievement by NCAA Division I collegiate softball players across the country.

The ten finalists for the 7th Annual USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year Award consist of five seniors, three juniors, one sophomore and one freshman. Six conferences are represented on the list.

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Top Ten Finalists listed in alphabetical order, are:
Katie Burkhart (Arizona State) – Senior– Pitcher - San Luis Obispo, Calif.
Tonya Callahan (Tennessee) – Senior – Infield – Holden, Mo.
Kaitlin Cochran (Arizona State) – Junior - Outfielder - Yorba Linda, Calif.
Megan Gibson (Texas A&M) – Senior – Pitcher/First Base – Spring, Texas
Charlotte Morgan (Alabama) – Sophomore – Pitcher/Utility – Moreno Valley, Calif.
Stacey Nelson (Florida) – Junior – Pitcher – Los Alamitos, Calif.
Angel Shamblin (Houston) – Senior – Pitcher/Utility – Davie, Fla.
Jordan Taylor (Michigan) – Freshman – Pitcher – Valencia, Calif.
Angela Tincher (Virginia Tech) – Senior - Pitcher - Eagle Rock, Va.
Tammy Williams (Northwestern) – Junior – Infield – Roscoe, Mo.
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On May 21 the list will be cut to three and those final three players will travel to Oklahoma City for the announcement of the winner of the 7th Annual USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year Award. The announcement will take place during the ‘WCWS Party at the Park’ on Tuesday, May 27 at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium.

A replica of the award will be placed in a permanent display in the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City, along with photos of the winner. An additional replica of the award will be presented to the player’s academic institution during an athletic event in the fall.

Tennessee’s Monica Abbott took home the 2007 award before leading her team to the Women’s College World Series final best-of-three final series. Past winners of the award include Stacey Nuveman (UCLA-2002), Osterman (Texas-2003, 2005, 2006) and Jessica Van der Linden (Florida State-2004).

Team USA Player Profile: Crystl Bustos

Team USA Player Profile: Crystl Bustos

Crystl Bustos, Canyon Country, Calif. (Palm Beach C.C.) Bustos has established herself as one of the most feared hitters in the World and will look to earn her third Olympic gold medal. The team will look to her for a repeat performance of the ‘04 Games where she broke Olympic records with five homeruns and 10 RBI.

Click to view video profile of Crystl Bustos

For the national Team USA tour schedule click, "KFC Bound 4 Beijing Tour"

Fans of Crystl, click to purchase "I Love Crystl Bustos" T-shirt from Amazon.

A Profile in Courage: Meet Laura Sullivan

After 13 operations, High School Softball Athlete

Just Won't Quit
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Her grit is rewarded with start on Senior Night

For several months, Jim and Chris Sullivan wondered whether their daughter would survive an extremely rare infection eating away at her right leg.

The possibility of amputation was sobering, especially considering that Laura Sullivan was a highly competitive softball and volleyball player at Hilliard Davidson.

Through the ordeal -- which included 13 operations, a 30-pound weight loss, a handful of setbacks and $1.5 million in hospital bills -- Laura nagged the small army of surgeons, specialists and therapists with the same question: "I asked them almost every day, 'Will I ever get to play softball again?' " she said. "No one ever gave me a straightforward answer, but I put together a plan and a goal in my mind to get back and play on Senior Night. It was something to look forward to, at least."

Last night, on Senior Night, coach Angelo Forte rewarded Sullivan's grit and dedication and, with clearance from her doctors, started her at first base. Davidson rallied for an 8-7 win over Westerville North. Sullivan's troubles, which began Aug. 30, stemmed from an abscess behind her left tonsil that actively seeded an anaerobic bacterium in her knee called fusobacterium. Finally detected after her fifth operation, it was only the 11th recorded case of fusobacterium leaving the throat area.

Problems with antibiotics and other medications posed additional problems, and subsequent leg operations left her with 48 inches of scars ranging from her hip to her ankle. "The doctors told us she has the knee of a 55-year-old," Chris Sullivan said.

Laura, a senior, missed three months of school and had to retake coursework. Nevertheless, she refused to give up softball. After her most recent knee surgery in early March, she attended every Davidson practice, conditioning session and game.

Her surprise appearance in yesterday's game was reminiscent of the tearjerker Rudy.
"I remember watching Laura come out for Senior Night in volleyball in a wheelchair and, doggone it, she has worked so hard I wanted to give her something to remember this softball season by," Forte said. "I can't describe what a great feeling it was to see her out there."

Forte originally planned to give Sullivan a token one-inning appearance, but she played into the fifth. A second team All-Ohio Capital Conference Buckeye Division left fielder in 2007, Sullivan was moved to first base because of her bulky knee brace and lack of mobility. The flex player batted in her spot.

"To finally get in there and play, it was just unreal," Sullivan said. "I had told coach all season of my plan, but I wasn't sure he was going to let me play until I saw my name on the lineup card before the game."

As determined as Sullivan is to play, she said she would reprise her role as scorekeeper, cheerleader and unofficial assistant coach without any quibbling. An honor student, she plans to major in architecture or engineering at Miami University in the fall. Softball is not in the immediate plans. Provided no setbacks occur, she still faces up to two more years of physical therapy.

"Forte knows I'll be begging him to play, but just getting this one opportunity to play this season is good enough for me," she said. "It's all been worth it now."

Source: The Columbus Dispatch by Steve Blackledge

Weight Training Specifically for Softball