Photoessay #251 - U.S. National team

In 2004, the U.S. National team did a tour of college tournaments as preparation for the Olympics in Athens. As they will for this (the last) Olympic year. In one of her first collegiate tournaments, Susanna's team (University of Oregon Ducks) played the National Team in Tampa Florida. I'm sure that Susanna started in center field and was struck out by the best (twice by Jennie Finch, once by Cat Osterman). The team proudly declared that, unlikely many college teams, they did not lose by the mercy rule and went the entire 7 innings before losing 7-0 (not scoreboard). Afterwards the teams lined up commingled for this pleasing shot. I've always wanted to set up a picture like this at Canada Cup, just never has worked out. Susanna is in the first row, second from the right, on one knee next to Lovie Jung. Dirty as usual, I'm sure the National Team kept her plenty busy in the outfield.

Once, John T and I looked at this picture and identified every single person.

I remember trying to get to Florida for this tournament. Janine's Uncle Jerry offered me a place to stay. Quite a ways into the planning, we realized that he lived in the wrong coast! I didn't make it, just too costly and difficult. I would have like to see the Ducks play the National Team but I have been to plenty of games and have seen the U.S. team play at Canada Cup.

If you get a chance, please advocate for including softball in the Olympics again. A few years ago, softball was thrown out along with baseball. A huge crisis for the softball community. Softball is out for 2012, trying to get it reinstated for 2016. Softball lost by one vote.

Edit---I know I shouldn't be doing this but I now have this old version of Photoshop with all kinds of weird filters that nobody would use. But this one I kind of like...it's called 'poster edges' and it's almost better.

Note: this photo was poor quality to begin with, printed crooked on bond paper and has been stuck up on my wall with thumbtacks for 4 years, full of dust and spider webs. Have mercy!