Friday night's softball game vs. the National Pro Fastpitch All-Star Team brought out an overflow, standing room only crowd to Beckham Field. The game, part of NPF's "Back to School" Tour, was a great end to South Carolina's fall practices as fans were
able to get a sneak peek of this year's squad under new head coach
Beverly Smith. Click here to watch a video feature about the game on GamecocksOnline.com.
It was an important night for the sport of softball. I saw and spoke to several young softball players and softball teams in their uniforms in the crowd, all excited about the chance to see their idols play on the pro team as well as watching the hometown girls of SC. As Coach Smith put it, "for them, the dream is alive." Pitcher Cat Osterman was one of the biggest stars of the evening, attracting quite an audience even just warming up to take the mound. Osterman said the Back to School Tour has been a lot of fun for the players and a great way to meet new fans and build awareness for their league. They've had great, boisterous crowds everywhere they've been and, said Osterman, "this one was no different."
Both Coach Smith and the NPF squad praised the crowd and thanked them for their support. Women's Basketball Coach Dawn Staley mingled with fans throughout the game and even helped toss out t-shirts. Several members of our National Champion Baseball team were also on hand to get a glimpse of the elite playing. As one starstruck player said, "I'm here to see Cat." Little did they know they would end up getting just as much attention. Not only did Gamecock fans encircle the baseball players for autographs, even NPF star pitcher Danielle Lawrie (won a National Championship with University of Washington, 2009 National Player of the Year) sought out College World Series MVP Jackie Bradley, Jr. for a picture.
Both the Gamecocks and NPF graciously stayed on the field for over an hour after the game signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. However, even among superstars, Cocky can always steal the show - our beloved bird was quite popular among picture seekers.
The night set the stage for an exciting and energetic 2011 season for the Gamecocks. See the slideshow below for more photos from the game:
- Brittany Lane, Spurs Up Blog
It was an important night for the sport of softball. I saw and spoke to several young softball players and softball teams in their uniforms in the crowd, all excited about the chance to see their idols play on the pro team as well as watching the hometown girls of SC. As Coach Smith put it, "for them, the dream is alive." Pitcher Cat Osterman was one of the biggest stars of the evening, attracting quite an audience even just warming up to take the mound. Osterman said the Back to School Tour has been a lot of fun for the players and a great way to meet new fans and build awareness for their league. They've had great, boisterous crowds everywhere they've been and, said Osterman, "this one was no different."
Both Coach Smith and the NPF squad praised the crowd and thanked them for their support. Women's Basketball Coach Dawn Staley mingled with fans throughout the game and even helped toss out t-shirts. Several members of our National Champion Baseball team were also on hand to get a glimpse of the elite playing. As one starstruck player said, "I'm here to see Cat." Little did they know they would end up getting just as much attention. Not only did Gamecock fans encircle the baseball players for autographs, even NPF star pitcher Danielle Lawrie (won a National Championship with University of Washington, 2009 National Player of the Year) sought out College World Series MVP Jackie Bradley, Jr. for a picture.
Above: Baseball players with Cat Osterman
Above: Two NCAA Champions: Jackie Bradley, Jr. and Danielle Lawrie
Both the Gamecocks and NPF graciously stayed on the field for over an hour after the game signing autographs and taking pictures with fans. However, even among superstars, Cocky can always steal the show - our beloved bird was quite popular among picture seekers.
The night set the stage for an exciting and energetic 2011 season for the Gamecocks. See the slideshow below for more photos from the game:
- Brittany Lane, Spurs Up Blog
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