U.S.A Softball has a Chance at Redemption (NK)
By: Sports Editor Jordie Clark ‘19
For the first time in 12 years, softball will be featured in the Summer 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. Softball’s last appearance was in 2008 and Japan took home the Gold medal while the U.S. came up just shy with the Silver medal. Most remember the epic game between Japan and the U.S. in 2008 that lead to a heartbreaking 3–1 loss for the Americans.
After a 22-game Olympic winning streak by the U.S., it was quickly snatched by the Japanese pitcher Yukiko Ueno who gave them their first loss since 2000. Unfortunately, the U.S. didn’t get a chance to redeem themselves since softball and baseball were removed from the Olympics.
The number of events in the Olympics were growing and the venue to hold all the sports was dwindling, and the cost was unfortunately, at the time, too much to handle for countries such as Australia and South America. With that being said, baseball and softball were both eventually dropped from the Olympics, and fans were devastated and have been pushing to get both sports back into the Olympics.
Well, next year, 16 teams will battle again with bats and balls and prove to the world just why baseball and softball belong in this extravaganza show of competitive sporting events.
“What a truly great day for the sports of softball and baseball,” said ASA/USA Softball Executive Director Craig Cress. (nfca.org) “For softball and baseball to be added to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games program is a dream come true for many athletes across the world. USA Softball is proud to be the National Governing Body for the sport of softball and will continue to work diligently every day to promote our great sport of softball on the world stage.”
The Olympic agenda has been made flexible enough to allow softball back in and encourage a large fan base to tune into these games. With the inclusion of baseball and softball, an arise of gender equality reveals itself as it adds a chance for men and women to compete with a team beyond just the usual gymnastics, swimming, and other events. Another outlet has reopened for athletes to show the world just how potent it is to include ALL sports in the Olympics.
All eyes are on the U.S. this time, as they have already qualified for their spot in the Olympics, along with Japan (the host country). With their heart-breaking loss in 2008, these ladies are out for blood.
It’s been 12 years, and with new members of all 16 teams, these ladies still have a legacy to uphold and another chance to keep America on top in another aspect of the Olympic events.
Monica Abbott, one of the returning pitchers on the U.S. National team remembers very clearly the loss against Japan 12 years ago and is more than ready to get back in the circle and finish what her team has started. “Given that this left arm stays healthy, then I sure hope [to compete],” said Abbott. “Today was a big day for our sport, and it reignites and re-lights everyone’s Olympic dream and fire.”
With the fire in every heart of the national softball players, the 2020 Olympics are bound to be a blood bath, figuratively speaking of course.
These women (and men) have been waiting for over a decade to compete and now is the chance, and the networks will be pleased with the number of viewers that come along with allowing baseball and softball back into the Olympics.
