After thinking about the recently completed World Cup of Softball, I have come to some conclusions:
Team USA is loaded with amazing young players. It is great to see new players taking center stage in international softball.
It’s great to see so many college players play for their country’s teams. Seeing players take advantage of the opportunity to play for another country is really cool.
I love the pitch clock! Having a “shot clock” that everyone can see to keep the game moving along is a really good addition. It keeps the flow going, but doesn’t seem to take anything away from the game.
Morgan Zerkle, from Marshall, is legit. Of course, the majority of players on Team USA are from the usual powerhouse programs like Florida, Alabama and UCLA, but it’s great to see a player from “small” school becoming a star at this level.
How good would Team USA be if the players currently in the NPF were also playing in international play? I understand there are reasons why the NPF players are not playing but does anyone think Monica Abbott wouldn’t help Team USA?
The 220-foot fences really do open up the game. You still see homers, but the balls that go out are legit. It also requires the defense to defend a much greater area. The bigger field really allows the outfielders to showcase their speed. And a bunch of these kids can really run.
Seeing the stadium in Oklahoma City with so many empty seats reminds me of what a great event the Women’s College World Series has become. We should never take for granted how amazing it is to see the huge crowds we see in June.
About The Author: Tory Acheson brings a wealth of knowledge to the Fastpitch Prep staff. He has coached at all levels of the game, including the last 25 years at the college level at the University of Wisconsin – Parkside, Tennessee Tech and Kennesaw State. He began his coaching career at the high school level spending 9 years Whitnall High School in Greenfield, Wisconsin and is now working as a professional softball instructor. B
