WILLIAMSPORT — For hundreds of area scholastic softball fans in attendance Thursday night for the USA Softball Women’s National Team exhibition at Historic Bowman Field, the chance to see the best players in the world perform was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Olympic gold-medalists Jennie Finch, Jessica Mendoza, Natasha Watley, Kelly Kretschman, Cat Osterman, Crystl Bustos (two-time gold medalist) and Laura Berg (three-time gold medalist) all hit the field for Team USA. Three-time Olympic gold-medalist Lisa Fernandez was on-hand for autographs, but did not pitch.
Players from nearly every area high school team were on-hand for the game and several players were able to take part in pre-game ceremonies.
Milton junior Nicole Smith, one of the area’s best pitchers, was one such player. Mifflinburg shortstop Corrin Showalter and Warrior Run second baseman Danielle Cutchall also took part in pre-game ceremonies.
“I think it’s really cool (the team played in Williamsport),” said Smith. “Usually you have to travel far to see things like this.”
For others, having the exhibition played so close to home and in a venue that allowed for an up-close-and-personal experience, it was simply a dream come true.
Showalter said she had been looking forward to the game from the time she learned Team USA was coming.
From her second-row seat, Showalter said, “It’s great to see them so close.”
Mifflinburg lead-off hitter and third baseman Amy Cline said she was excited to see everyone play and added the experience was truly unique.
“I’ve never done anything like this before,” she said. “I saw an NBA game in Florida once, but nothing like this for softball.”
When asked who the girls were anxious to see perform, the response was overwhelmingly in favor of superstar pitcher Jennie Finch.
“When she first became well-known, I always kept up with her,” said Milton first baseman Jenna Williams. “I’ve always looked up to her. She’s a good role model.”
“I know quite a bit about her,” said Mifflinburg pitcher Emily Crandell. “I know all she’s done.”
And she’s done a lot. Finch is an Olympic gold medalist, two-time world champion and owns the NCAA record for consecutive wins (60) during her time at Arizona.
Smith, who had seen Finch during a clinic in Pittsburgh, said the right-handed hurler offered up some good advice for young players.
“She talked about how she never thought her dream would come true, but it did. It just makes you want to work harder.”
Finch said seeing young players come out is humbling.
“It is special — special to see the excitement,” she said. “We’re humbled.
“That’s the thing about having a gold medal, it’s neat to share it with everyone.”
Notes...
Thursday’s attendance, listed at 4,312, was the second largest so far over the team’s first 31 stops on the “Bound 4 Beijing” Tour. That number will be short-lived though as the team is expected to draw more than 8,000 on Saturday at Bowie, Md. The 4,300-plus on hand at Historic Bowman Field was also one of the largest crowds at the field in its current configuration... The pre-game ceremonies included the induction of nine into the inaugural class of the District 4 Coaches Association Hall of Fame. Among those inducted was longtime Milton umpire Tom Aber, who also served as home plate umpire for the evening.

chris brady: 570-742-9671
sports@standard-journal.com