A total of 32 of fastpitch’s most elite and high profile players will be attending what could be the most historic Olympic selection camp in the history of the sport.  Why historic?  This could be the last time that the Olympics will host fastpitch softball, so the team that is selected could very well be the last team to compete in the Olympics.

Here is the list of girls that received an invite to the Olympic Selection Camp on Sept 10^th-14^th in Chula Vista, CA.

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As fall rolls in many softball players are out and about trying out for local fastpitch teams.  Some teams are new, some are old, some have returning players, some don’t.  How do you decide what team to commit with?

Here’s a few things you might want to consider.

• Trying out for multiple teams is good, don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
• Before you agree, make sure the team you are thinking about has solid pitching.  At least 3 deep if possible.
• Ask what the dues are and where practices will be held.
• Does the team provide you with uniforms, batbags, batting helmets, etc?  Or do you have to pay for this?
• When the coach makes you an offer, don’t be afraid to ask what role he sees your daughter playing on the team.
• Is your daughter a dominant player that will have to carry the team (really) or is she the worst and will she be pushed and motivated to develop her skills?  Figure out what will work for her and what you want out of the season.
• Does the team have female coaches or other networking opportunities with college coaches? 
• Is the team ASA registered?  Will the girls be covered by the ASA insurance policy?
• What is the teams travel schedule?  Don’t be surprised by long distance trips if that wasn’t what you wanted.
• Once you commit, put some faith in the coaches and let them coach.  Don’t criticize and coach from the stands.

The KFC World Cup of Softball is a tournament that is sanctioned by the ISF.  This is a 6 team show down of the best softball players in the world.  Who will make it to the ship?  Who will win?  Will USA defend their title from 2006?

Thursday, July 12 USA vs. Venezuela  6:00PM (ESPN)
Friday, July 13 USA vs. China 7:00PM (ESPN)
Saturday, July 14 USA vs. Dominican Republic  12:00PM (ESPN2)
Saturday, July 14 USA vs. Japan  7:00PM (ESPN2)
Sunday, July 15 USA vs. Canada  12:00PM (ESPN)
Monday, July 16 Championship Game 8:00PM (ESPN2)
Sunday, July 22 USA vs. Japan (Men)  3:00PM (ESPN2, TAPE DELAY)

With Jennie Finch in the circle after a 14 month hiatus, team USA leaps into the finals off a 7-0 mercy against Canada.  With offensive power such as Crystal Bustos from Canyon Country, CA the great white north could not defend balls hit over their heads fro homeruns.

By the time Jennie Finch stepped into her circle, team USA had a 2-0 lead and all Jennie had to do was throw her game.  After only allowing 3 hits, the team knew she was back.

Natasha Watley’s 2 run homer gave team USA their 2-0 lead, followed by Crystal Bustos,  then Vicky Galindo with a 2 run single in the 6th giving the ladies their victory.

This is the 21st consecutive victory for team USA.

Team USA will face off against Japan in the finals on Sunday.  Japan beat team USA in 2005 and team USA returned the favor in 2006.  Let’s see who comes out ahead this year as the US battles to defend their title.

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Softball Rules Committee ammended Rule 3-2-11 and are now allowing high school softball players to wear metal cleats.

Metal cleats will allow the players to have better traction and to avoid slipping while crossing home plate.

Many players are very excited about this rule change.  Although I have heard from some former players that metal cleats aren’t as comfortable as plastic cleats.

The 2007 Espy Awards had some definite softball representation there with Taryn Mowatt’s nominations including best female college athlete and the one she was selected for:

Best Female Athlete
Taryn Mowatt, University of Arizona Softball

Taryn was up against some amazing athletes in this category. For starters, Lisa Leslie (of LA Sparks fame), Lorena Ochoa (pro-golfer) and Candace Parker (Lady Vols basketballer).

Pretty sweet way to end her season and bring her to one of the greatest moments of her life, aside from winning the College World Series of course. Not to mention she looked gorgeous in her royal blue gown and was very eloquent when saying her acceptance speech.

Softball players are becoming more mainstream and the sport is getting some national recognition in the media which can’t be a bad thing.

Congrats to Taryn Mowatt. Too bad Kate Walsh totally botched the pronunciation of her name when she announced her as the winner. Maybe Kate played soccer in high school?