The Missouri softball team was picked as the No. 9 team in the country according to the USA Today/National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) Division I Top-25 preseason poll and the ESPN.com/USA Softball preseason Top 25. This is the highest ranking ever to start the season in 11 years. So, how would a middle aged Sport Director do against a Division I pitcher in a classic pitcher-hitter’s dual?
Last year the Tigers went the College World Series for the first time in 15 years. They won the Big 12 Tournament and the NCAA Regional and NCAA Super Regional championships on their way to the WCWS. They finished 8th last year, for their highest ranking in program history.
So, I have a nine year old daughter who is very much into softball and as I watch her play, I’ve been amazed at how girls are able to hit softball pitching. I’ve always been fascinated with the short distance and the speed at which the ball gets from the pitcher’s hand to home plate. I always wondered if I could do it. Having played baseball, I know how difficult it is to hit a baseball, but I just think different dynamics come into play.
Anyway, last October I had the guts to ask Coach Ehren Earleywine if could one day maybe face Chelsea Thomas, who helped lead Missouri as a true freshmen and will be a star for the next three seasons. He said absolutely. Which floored me, because I couldn’t believe he was open to it…then he said “wear a cup.” Then I was scared.
On the video, I chat a bit with Coach Earleywine and Chelsea and then our format is set up where I have three official at-bats against Chelsea. Check out the video…and check out more on Mizzou softball who will be playing some tough competition this season.
