Girl's 14U game. Bases loaded, 2 outs, 2-2 count on the batter. Batter swings at the next pitch (strike 3), but catcher drops the ball. My partner moves out from behind the catcher while giving the "safe" signal (no verbal). Catcher picks up the ball and throws it back to the pitcher in the circle. The batter is outside the batter's box, taking a few practice swings. For 10 L-O- N-G seconds, nobody says or does anything. Finally, it dawns on everyone "UNCAUGHT THIRD STRIKE." EVERYONE starts screaming and hollering. The batter-runner takes off for first base, but the pitcher throws to the first baseman and the B-R is out by a good 30 feet. Only Pete and I knew what the situation was but could not say a thing.
This is what you call a "Title IX Sport". It wouldn't exist past the high school level if the federal government didn't INSIST it be included. No fan base to speak of, no money, no professional future. It's just played at such a low level compared to real sports. AND….all the ridiculous chanting by the players. It makes it miserable to watch. Either be a cheer leader, or a ball player. Pick one!
Christina, baseball fills stadiums and makes BILLIONS. There is basically NO fan base for softball. Nobody wants to pay to watch it. It exists at the college level just because the government mandated it. We went to a pro game once when my daughter played. The stands were empty.
Jason Terrell I watch it. If they gave more attention and funding to this sport equally as the men then it would be filling up. Softball is just as important any sport.
Jason Terrell And to say they have to pick sport is so beyond hypocritical that we should tell men sports that must pick NASCAR or Indy. If you don't respect the sport, fine your decision but don't you dare make fun or discourage the players who play it.
