I'm not a big Stanford fan, but at least they have a legitimate program and did it largely without t...more
posted 04/10/13 at 5:50pm
on Why Cal is my new favorite team
posted by Fair Game News
Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 11:16am EDT
Seeking equality on -- and off -- the field. The strong connection between organized athletics and power (political, economic, social) means sports have consequences far beyond the game. FairGameNews.com aims to challenge sex-stereotyped assumptions and practices that dominate sports -- and recognize that sports can be a tool for seeking equal treatment and fair play.
Support women's sports and SHARE this story with your friends!
Former college player Megan Wood and current college player Rachael Goldenberg discuss the Women’s College World Series.
By Megan Wood and Rachael Goldenberg
Megan: First off, can we please talk about the gender performance of the players?
Rachael: Make-up, and bows and jewels, oh my!
If you interested in reading more about Megan’s views on the player’s style, check out this link.
Rachael: So, Meg, let’s get down to business: what did you think about the world series so far? Homeruns seem to be the big story.
Megan: Offense is key this year. The game no longer revolves around pitchers duels– but instead is all about the long ball. In the finals last night, Florida and Arizona State combined for 7 home runs in 7 innings. Not to mention, Florida beat Alabama on Sunday 16-2 after hitting 4 homeruns.
Rachael: These high scoring games demonstrate a major shift in softball over the past few years. Big homerun hitters have dramatically changed the game.
Megan: Ultimately though the game’s unpredictable nature and fast- paced combination of short game and long ball is what makes for an exciting viewing experience.
Rachael: Another thing I noticed this year was a subtle, yet important change in ESPN’s introduction of the players. Last year the women were informally taped discussing their favorite musicians or movies when they were introduced. This year, the athletes were presented graphically on baseball cards which described where they were from and what position they played.
Megan: It seems as though ESPN decided to treat them more like professional athletes and less like Little Leaguers — which is fantastic.
Rachael: It’s not only great for the sport of softball to be taken more seriously but its also a big step for the female athletes to be treated as athletes first, individuals second.
Megan: Ok Rachael, most important question- who is going to win the series?
Rachael: I mean it seems like a no-brainer to me- Arizona State. They have dominated through the tournament. Combine freshman pitcher Dallas Escobedo’s unhittable rise ball with the best offense in the country and you have an unstoppable team. Oh, and they just killed Florida 14-4 yesterday.
Megan:
Sorry Rach, but I have got go with my home team Florida. If this World Series has taught us anything, it’s that anything can happen on any given day. I would not be quite so sure that Arizona has this championship all wrapped up quite so soon. Given Florida’s intensity, confidence and bats I think they can make it happen tonight.
Rachael: All right, well, I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree. One thing we can both agree upon though- what a great year it’s been for Women’s Softball!
Support women's sports and SHARE this story with your friends!
MOST POPULAR ARTICLES & POSTS
November 28, 2009 at 5:06pm
April 6, 2013 at 4:00pm
March 30, 2013 at 11:32am
April 6, 2013 at 3:59pm
April 10, 2013 at 3:12am
March 30, 2013 at 11:15am
January 30, 2013 at 9:19am
April 7, 2013 at 5:43pm
April 9, 2013 at 8:54am
April 7, 2013 at 9:36pm
LATEST ARTICLES & POSTS
Thu at 9:26pm
Thu at 9:19pm
Thu at 9:08pm
Thu at 8:59am
No one has commented on this yet. Be the first!