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Gearing Up For Summer
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Published: March 9, 2008
CLEARWATER - The rock stars of softball, otherwise known as the U.S. national team, came to Clearwater last week, and took the field against South Florida on Saturday night in an exhibition in the Bulls' own USF Speedline Invitational.
Team USA is a veritable who's who of softball: Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman, Lisa Fernandez, Crystl Bustos, among others. And despite USF being the host squad, even having its emblem painted in the center field grass of the Eddie C. Moore Complex field, it was clear which team most of the 2,500 fans, bundled up to ward off the cold, came out to see.
With every swing of the bat, pitch and fielding play by Team USA, the crowd voiced its approval. Half the crowd seemed to have had a digital camera, camcorder, or just a cell phone to snap a photo.
Team USA routed USF 18-0 in six innings, but the score wasn't important for either squad. USF concentrated on little things; Team USA used the exhibition game as a practice of sorts.
"This was a great experience," USF coach Ken Eriksen said. "You are facing the best hitters in the world. Do you know what kind of experience that is? USF players got a chance to see what it's like to be the best in the world.
"I am absolutely sure there are players in Team USA's dugout that have been idols of some of my girls from a long, long time."
Leadoff hitter Britta Giddens didn't seem to have much trouble adjusting. She had a single against Finch, softball's covergirl, as did Kit Dunbar. The only other USF hit came from catcher Hilary Wolfe against Osterman.
"Just go out and have fun, that was our mentality this game," Giddens said. "Any young girl is going to look up to these girls here," Giddens said. "They are the best in the world. You want to be just like them.
"I just wanted to hit the ball; make contact. To get on base was incredible."
Finch and Osterman combined for 15 strikeouts.
The highlight of the evening may have been Bustos' grand slam that sailed well over the left-field fence in a nine-run second. The crowd reaction warmed Osterman and her teammates, but didn't surprise them. When she and Finch warmed up between innings at an adjacent field, they drew waves of fans.
"We know we have fans even though we are not the home team," Osterman said. "Anytime Jennie or I or anyone on the team steps out someone follows you. A lot of the fans don't understand we can't talk to them during the game."
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