Why not softball?

Yeah, ESPN actually gave (USA) softball some air time this weekend, as they follow them through the World Cup (in OKC). USA just killed Italy, 12-0 (5 innings), tonight and it was awesome. I wish I could be there to watch our girls play. I look up to them so much (Jessica Mendoza is my favorite player of all time). It's so great to see them playing the sport. Sometimes I wish that all the girls I've played with throughout my life, loved the sport as much as the professionals do (and as much as I do). Softball isn't just a game .. it truly is a way of life. It will always be a part of my life, and I can't see myself never playing again .. especially after college. I love being part of a team. I love being a leader of that team, and being able to create such a passion between us all. ESPECIALLY when we all come together and win a huge game (ahem, or a doubleheader against UCONN!).

I'm basically ranting and raving, but the problem is that it has always bothered me that softball has never received the recognition that it deserves (and now that it's been removed from at least the 2012 Olympics). My brother said it best tonight, "I'm surprised to see softball on TV tonight." I know he meant nothing by it .. but he's right. Who ever watches softball? Man, when NCAA softball was on a month ago, I was glued to the TV and watched every single game. It's funny how people think that just because women play it, it doesn't need recognition like every other sport. WRONG. Not as many people watch softball, as say baseball, but that is because baseball has been built up as this sport that is so highly publicized, it's hard to not see it on every channel.

Why not softball?

Honestly .. why not softball? Why not any other women's sport? I would say that softball is building up, but not fast enough. Tennis and golf are the two sports that are shown the most often for women on TV. For goodness sake, the WNBA is a professional league and it is hardly ever on TV! Womens sports have to FIGHT for airtime with mens sports that are on 24/7. People have mentioned that its not fair to move a mens game for a womens game .. yet we've been moving womens games for a mens game since it was even possible to watch them on TV.

Now, I'm not trying to say that mens sports are bad (I watch them everyday .. I live, eat, and breathe all sports) .. but a little more recognition for the women that devote their lives to their sports, I really don't think is too much to ask. So for now .. I'll keep saying my peace, and plugging along. But this will never die, and I'll always do whats right for my team, our sport, and all women. If I follow the dream that I've had for awhile now, I'll be working with ESPN in a few years .. putting womens sports first. :)

Good night moon.