Only old guys like me are reading the headline of this blog and thinking, “Don’t call me Shirley!” but I wanted to start off with some fun because I’m “about to get medieval” on some people (name that movie reference). We just witnessed one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of our sport and all people want to do is complain. When people talk about the 2022 Oklahoma Sooners they are going to be discussing one of the greatest teams ever, and not just softball teams, I mean all teams, all sports, all time.
If you are one of the people on social media talking about how Oklahoma and their dominant performance is bad for the game. Or that they made it boring. Or that it isn’t fair. Or that rules need to be changed to keep a team from dominating the sport. Or, you can all fill in the blank, because we have all seen this nonsense in the last 24 hours. I have news for you. If you felt any of those things I’m afraid you are missing the point.
The final game was very exciting because of what Oklahoma did to make it exciting. Texas came into the last game determined to show the world that they belonged and hung a couple runs on the scoreboard in the first inning. But what was exciting was how Jayda Coleman rose up on two straight plays to rob homers from Texas hitters. Would it have been a more competitive game if Texas went up 4 or 5 in the inning, maybe, but the plays that kept the game 2-0 were amazing. If you can’t appreciate when you see a great player make a great play you are missing out in a big way.
The final game was exciting because of what Texas did to make it exciting. We just talked about how they came within inches of hanging a huge inning on the Sooners early in the game which shows their heart. We saw Texas set a WCWS record for the most double plays turned which kept them in the game and showed a whole lot of fight. So while the score might say the game wasn’t very exciting, if you are one of the people feeling that way you are missing out on a lot of fun.
So do you want the “good news” or the “bad news”? No matter how you felt about the season OU just completed here is something for you to ponder. They are only going to get better! Yes they are losing some amazing senior players but they are returning a roster worthy of the number one preseason ranking. Jennings, Coleman and Bahl is a pretty good place to start next year. Gasso (Patty and JT) and Rocha are not going anywhere and if there is a better coaching staff anywhere I would love to see who it is. They are building the Love Softball complex which will be the nicest facility in the nation with everything a team could want or need. They have a university that really values softball and that is clear with how they fund their program. They have a rabid fanbase and booster support so I think you can count on the Sooners keeping up with everyone else when it comes to NIL deals for the players in the program. And, while I can go on with even more reasons why, I think the point is clear.
So rather than be mad at how good Oklahoma was try to appreciate what you just saw like you would a beautiful painting or great movie. Enjoy it! And start to look forward to the sequel!
Comments? Questions? Suggestions?