1 00:00:00,560 --> 00:00:02,840 Speaker 1: Welcome to Good Game with Sarah Spain, where we're excited 2 00:00:02,880 --> 00:00:05,600 Speaker 1: to be helping introduce the newest iteration of the Chicago 3 00:00:05,680 --> 00:00:08,840 Speaker 1: Bandits at a big AUSL event at our hometown today. 4 00:00:09,440 --> 00:00:12,879 Speaker 1: Did you know that softball was invented in Chicago all 5 00:00:12,960 --> 00:00:15,600 Speaker 1: the way back in eighteen eighty seven. As my guy 6 00:00:15,680 --> 00:00:20,080 Speaker 1: Sherman Dilla Thomas says, everything dope about America comes from Chicago. 7 00:00:21,079 --> 00:00:23,720 Speaker 1: It's Wednesday, January twenty eighth, and on today's show will 8 00:00:23,720 --> 00:00:25,360 Speaker 1: be skipping the need to know and getting you up 9 00:00:25,400 --> 00:00:28,120 Speaker 1: to speed on all things college softball ahead of the 10 00:00:28,120 --> 00:00:30,800 Speaker 1: start of the NCUBA season next week. I caught up 11 00:00:30,800 --> 00:00:33,960 Speaker 1: with two time Olympic gold medalist and longtime ESPN Softball 12 00:00:33,960 --> 00:00:37,120 Speaker 1: analyst Michelle Smith earlier this week to discuss her big 13 00:00:37,159 --> 00:00:40,240 Speaker 1: predictions heading into twenty twenty six, the lessons from last 14 00:00:40,280 --> 00:00:43,479 Speaker 1: year that inspired major transfer portal moves in the off season, 15 00:00:43,800 --> 00:00:46,360 Speaker 1: and how the twenty twenty eight LA Olympics are bringing 16 00:00:46,360 --> 00:00:49,159 Speaker 1: more resources to the college game. Plus, we'll give you 17 00:00:49,200 --> 00:00:52,120 Speaker 1: a little nc DOUBLEA Softball Season one oh one to 18 00:00:52,159 --> 00:00:54,640 Speaker 1: help you understand the road to the College World Series, 19 00:00:54,960 --> 00:00:57,360 Speaker 1: and we'll leave you with some words that will inspire. 20 00:00:57,760 --> 00:01:08,400 Speaker 1: It's all coming up right after this, All right, selass, 21 00:01:08,560 --> 00:01:10,920 Speaker 1: Before we get to my conversation with Michelle, let's start 22 00:01:11,080 --> 00:01:14,800 Speaker 1: really big picture. On this show, we say no dumb questions. 23 00:01:15,040 --> 00:01:17,639 Speaker 1: We want to make sure fans old and new enjoy 24 00:01:17,640 --> 00:01:19,680 Speaker 1: a sport. So for those of you who haven't yet 25 00:01:19,720 --> 00:01:22,440 Speaker 1: fallen in love with college softball and maybe feel like 26 00:01:22,480 --> 00:01:25,880 Speaker 1: you have some dumb questions, let's do a brief NCAA 27 00:01:26,000 --> 00:01:29,360 Speaker 1: Softball season one oh one. When folks say the road 28 00:01:29,440 --> 00:01:33,080 Speaker 1: to Oklahoma City, here's what they mean. There are three 29 00:01:33,160 --> 00:01:36,240 Speaker 1: hundred D one softball programs. Most of them start playing 30 00:01:36,319 --> 00:01:39,919 Speaker 1: non conference travel tournaments in warm weather cities. Then teams 31 00:01:39,920 --> 00:01:42,760 Speaker 1: settle into the main chunk of the season, featuring matchups 32 00:01:42,800 --> 00:01:47,280 Speaker 1: with conference and non conference opponents, eventually culminating in conference tournaments. 33 00:01:47,640 --> 00:01:50,440 Speaker 1: So how do you qualify for the NCAA tournament. Well, 34 00:01:50,480 --> 00:01:53,880 Speaker 1: the thirty two conference tournament winners receive automatic bids, and 35 00:01:53,920 --> 00:01:56,240 Speaker 1: then thirty two more teams get selected by the D 36 00:01:56,320 --> 00:02:00,320 Speaker 1: one Softball Committee and given at large bids. The teams 37 00:02:00,360 --> 00:02:03,080 Speaker 1: that survived the bracket making it through the regional round 38 00:02:03,160 --> 00:02:05,760 Speaker 1: and then the Super Regional round earn a birth in 39 00:02:05,800 --> 00:02:09,320 Speaker 1: the Women's College World Series, and that's where Oklahoma City 40 00:02:09,360 --> 00:02:12,679 Speaker 1: factors in. OKC has hosted the tournament every year since 41 00:02:12,760 --> 00:02:15,840 Speaker 1: nineteen ninety except nineteen ninety six, when the competition was 42 00:02:15,840 --> 00:02:17,840 Speaker 1: held in Columbus, Georgia, at the same venue that was 43 00:02:17,880 --> 00:02:19,680 Speaker 1: used for that year's Olympic Softball tournament. 44 00:02:20,360 --> 00:02:21,320 Speaker 2: The Women's College. 45 00:02:21,120 --> 00:02:25,160 Speaker 1: World Series uses an eight day double elimination competition. Now, 46 00:02:25,200 --> 00:02:27,280 Speaker 1: when the time comes, we'll get into further detail about 47 00:02:27,280 --> 00:02:30,200 Speaker 1: how that works. There's an elimination bracket, a winner's bracket, 48 00:02:30,200 --> 00:02:32,120 Speaker 1: et cetera. But for now, just know that when it 49 00:02:32,160 --> 00:02:34,200 Speaker 1: gets down to the last two teams, they play a 50 00:02:34,240 --> 00:02:37,040 Speaker 1: best of three series. Whoever wins two games takes home 51 00:02:37,080 --> 00:02:39,880 Speaker 1: the title of Women's College World Series champions. 52 00:02:40,120 --> 00:02:43,280 Speaker 2: So that's the road to Oklahoma City. Got it? 53 00:02:44,080 --> 00:02:49,400 Speaker 1: Get it good? Let's get to my interview with Michelle. 54 00:02:49,960 --> 00:02:50,600 Speaker 2: Joining us now. 55 00:02:50,639 --> 00:02:53,200 Speaker 1: She's a two time Olympic Gold medal winning softball player, 56 00:02:53,240 --> 00:02:55,079 Speaker 1: a member of the USA Softball Hall of Fame, in 57 00:02:55,360 --> 00:02:58,880 Speaker 1: ESPN's lead college softball color analyst since nineteen ninety eight. 58 00:02:59,080 --> 00:03:01,160 Speaker 1: A New Jersey native, she was an All American pitcher 59 00:03:01,160 --> 00:03:03,760 Speaker 1: for Oklahoma State and graduated as the program's all time 60 00:03:03,840 --> 00:03:08,040 Speaker 1: leader in career wins, strikeouts, shutouts, innings, pitch, no hitters, 61 00:03:08,080 --> 00:03:10,760 Speaker 1: perfect games, RBI, home runs and triples. 62 00:03:11,040 --> 00:03:11,480 Speaker 2: That's all. 63 00:03:11,760 --> 00:03:14,240 Speaker 1: An Olympic champion with Team USA in ninety six and 64 00:03:14,280 --> 00:03:17,520 Speaker 1: two thousand and eight, time Japan Pro Softball League champion, 65 00:03:17,720 --> 00:03:19,560 Speaker 1: the first woman to serve as a commentator for a 66 00:03:19,600 --> 00:03:22,959 Speaker 1: nationally televised MLB game. They call her Silky because she's 67 00:03:23,000 --> 00:03:24,640 Speaker 1: so smooth. It's Michelle Smith. 68 00:03:24,760 --> 00:03:26,920 Speaker 3: Hi, Michelle, I Hey Sarah, how are you. 69 00:03:27,520 --> 00:03:29,280 Speaker 2: I'm so good? Thanks for joining us. 70 00:03:29,440 --> 00:03:31,079 Speaker 4: Ah, this is so great to be here and to 71 00:03:31,480 --> 00:03:34,120 Speaker 4: shallow softball women's sports, all that good stuff. 72 00:03:34,160 --> 00:03:35,400 Speaker 3: That's fabulous. Yeah. 73 00:03:35,440 --> 00:03:38,480 Speaker 1: Well, I was reading your resume and trying to taper 74 00:03:38,560 --> 00:03:42,080 Speaker 1: it down to something manageable. As I started diving into 75 00:03:42,120 --> 00:03:44,120 Speaker 1: like whether you were still top ten all time and no. 76 00:03:44,160 --> 00:03:45,760 Speaker 2: Hitters and things like that, I was like, let's just 77 00:03:45,840 --> 00:03:46,440 Speaker 2: keep this simple. 78 00:03:46,440 --> 00:03:48,920 Speaker 1: But I'm reading it and thinking to myself, my goodness, 79 00:03:48,920 --> 00:03:51,280 Speaker 1: how jealous you must be of the athletes unlimited softball 80 00:03:51,360 --> 00:03:53,680 Speaker 1: league players and how much damage you could have done 81 00:03:53,760 --> 00:03:55,360 Speaker 1: in a league like that if it was in the 82 00:03:55,440 --> 00:03:56,600 Speaker 1: US in your prime. 83 00:03:57,160 --> 00:03:59,880 Speaker 2: Are you happy? And is it bittersweet when you watch it? 84 00:04:00,120 --> 00:04:03,240 Speaker 4: I'm extremely happy because I realized what it was like 85 00:04:03,360 --> 00:04:06,000 Speaker 4: to have to travel halfway around the world for sixteen 86 00:04:06,080 --> 00:04:09,400 Speaker 4: years to play professional softball was really the only opportunity 87 00:04:09,480 --> 00:04:11,800 Speaker 4: to get a paycheck playing professionally. 88 00:04:12,160 --> 00:04:14,280 Speaker 3: So it is bittersweet in the sense that. 89 00:04:15,720 --> 00:04:17,560 Speaker 4: I wish I could have done that in the US, 90 00:04:17,600 --> 00:04:20,560 Speaker 4: but it's like, finally we can do that in the US, and. 91 00:04:20,520 --> 00:04:21,840 Speaker 3: So I'm so excited for the women. 92 00:04:21,880 --> 00:04:23,800 Speaker 4: I'm excited the way the collegiate game has grown, but 93 00:04:24,120 --> 00:04:26,560 Speaker 4: at the elite level, we have so many great athletes 94 00:04:26,600 --> 00:04:29,760 Speaker 4: in the sport of college. They finally get an opportunity 95 00:04:30,040 --> 00:04:32,640 Speaker 4: to excel beyond college because, let's face it, you're not 96 00:04:32,720 --> 00:04:35,120 Speaker 4: at your best in our sport at eighteen to twenty 97 00:04:35,200 --> 00:04:38,200 Speaker 4: two years old. You're at your best when your late twenties, 98 00:04:38,240 --> 00:04:38,960 Speaker 4: early thirties. 99 00:04:39,120 --> 00:04:41,880 Speaker 1: Yeah, that's a podcast for another time. How much we 100 00:04:41,960 --> 00:04:44,200 Speaker 1: kind of fail to understand that women's bodies are actually 101 00:04:44,200 --> 00:04:46,240 Speaker 1: peaking at a different age than men's, and yet we 102 00:04:46,800 --> 00:04:49,120 Speaker 1: have expectations for them to be at their best in 103 00:04:49,160 --> 00:04:51,400 Speaker 1: those moments when they're fundamentally changing. 104 00:04:52,400 --> 00:04:53,760 Speaker 2: Again, podcasts for another time. 105 00:04:54,600 --> 00:04:57,800 Speaker 1: You call softball at the college level on ESPN, and 106 00:04:57,839 --> 00:04:59,480 Speaker 1: you have for as long as anyone can remember. And 107 00:04:59,480 --> 00:05:02,760 Speaker 1: I'm wondering if you see the AUSL changing the college 108 00:05:02,800 --> 00:05:05,479 Speaker 1: game in ways that maybe I haven't considered from not 109 00:05:05,560 --> 00:05:06,640 Speaker 1: being so close to the game. 110 00:05:07,120 --> 00:05:08,920 Speaker 4: Well, I do think that a lot of athletes are 111 00:05:08,920 --> 00:05:11,640 Speaker 4: now starting to think about a career and playing professional. 112 00:05:11,680 --> 00:05:13,960 Speaker 3: I would say a decade ago that really wasn't the case. 113 00:05:14,000 --> 00:05:16,680 Speaker 4: Women went to college and then really started thinking, well, 114 00:05:16,680 --> 00:05:18,919 Speaker 4: what's my career going to be after college? Unless you 115 00:05:19,080 --> 00:05:21,520 Speaker 4: were the one percent of one percent and inspired to 116 00:05:21,560 --> 00:05:24,880 Speaker 4: be in the Olympics or possibly go play overseas in Japan. 117 00:05:24,960 --> 00:05:27,800 Speaker 4: But women nowadays, you can see when the AUSL hands 118 00:05:27,839 --> 00:05:31,080 Speaker 4: out that golden ticket, they're excited. I mean, those athletes 119 00:05:31,080 --> 00:05:33,320 Speaker 4: they break down in tears, and so it's meaningful they 120 00:05:33,360 --> 00:05:36,520 Speaker 4: get to be a professional athlete in our own country. 121 00:05:36,600 --> 00:05:39,440 Speaker 4: Their family, their friends can come out and watch them, 122 00:05:39,800 --> 00:05:41,280 Speaker 4: you know, play against the best of the best. 123 00:05:41,320 --> 00:05:43,480 Speaker 3: So I do think it is changing the landscape. 124 00:05:43,480 --> 00:05:45,839 Speaker 4: I think that it's broadening the idea that hey, I 125 00:05:45,839 --> 00:05:48,400 Speaker 4: can have a career in the sport of softball a 126 00:05:48,400 --> 00:05:50,520 Speaker 4: lot longer than just being a collegiate athlete. 127 00:05:50,800 --> 00:05:53,000 Speaker 1: You know, it's been a while since last year's college 128 00:05:53,000 --> 00:05:55,800 Speaker 1: Softball World Series. So before we get into this season 129 00:05:55,839 --> 00:05:57,920 Speaker 1: and all the teams that will be contending, let's refresh 130 00:05:57,960 --> 00:06:01,600 Speaker 1: everyone's memory. So after winning four are straight titles, Oklahoma 131 00:06:01,640 --> 00:06:04,200 Speaker 1: got bounced by Nijerie Kennedy and Texas Tech in the 132 00:06:04,240 --> 00:06:07,679 Speaker 1: semi finals last year, and then Texas bested Texas Tech 133 00:06:07,760 --> 00:06:09,000 Speaker 1: in the championship series. 134 00:06:09,040 --> 00:06:10,640 Speaker 2: So first national title for. 135 00:06:10,600 --> 00:06:13,240 Speaker 1: The Longhorns, some parody in a sport that was starting 136 00:06:13,240 --> 00:06:16,240 Speaker 1: to feel a little like the Yukon dominated women's soups 137 00:06:16,279 --> 00:06:18,240 Speaker 1: in the twenty and twenty tens for a little bit there. 138 00:06:18,640 --> 00:06:21,200 Speaker 1: So the question is can Texas repeat, Well, another team 139 00:06:21,240 --> 00:06:23,839 Speaker 1: win its first title, will Oklahoma come back with the vengeance? 140 00:06:23,880 --> 00:06:26,320 Speaker 1: All of these things are yet to be decided, and 141 00:06:26,640 --> 00:06:30,640 Speaker 1: softball is upon us. First pitch is almost here February fifth, which. 142 00:06:30,440 --> 00:06:31,039 Speaker 2: Was wild to me. 143 00:06:31,080 --> 00:06:33,120 Speaker 1: I remember looking at the calendar and being like, y'all 144 00:06:33,120 --> 00:06:34,840 Speaker 1: are playing softball in February. 145 00:06:34,920 --> 00:06:35,520 Speaker 2: It's wild. 146 00:06:35,680 --> 00:06:37,920 Speaker 1: So we don't have that much time to learn all 147 00:06:37,920 --> 00:06:40,080 Speaker 1: the things we need to know before first pitch. 148 00:06:40,080 --> 00:06:41,440 Speaker 2: So Michelle, you're gonna help us prep. 149 00:06:41,720 --> 00:06:44,159 Speaker 1: Okay, and this year I'm going to start with the 150 00:06:44,200 --> 00:06:48,000 Speaker 1: favorites because most people think that a trio of the 151 00:06:48,080 --> 00:06:50,760 Speaker 1: final four teams who finished last year will be the 152 00:06:50,800 --> 00:06:53,360 Speaker 1: clear favorites this season, Oklahoma, Texas and Texas Tech. So 153 00:06:53,400 --> 00:06:56,360 Speaker 1: let's start with Oklahoma. What's your case for why they 154 00:06:56,440 --> 00:06:57,120 Speaker 1: might end up. 155 00:06:57,080 --> 00:06:57,640 Speaker 3: Back on top. 156 00:06:58,400 --> 00:07:02,640 Speaker 4: Well, Pati Yasso, you know the championship mindset. This is 157 00:07:02,640 --> 00:07:05,680 Speaker 4: a program that competes day in and day out on 158 00:07:05,720 --> 00:07:07,640 Speaker 4: the practice field. A lot of the athletes will say, 159 00:07:07,720 --> 00:07:10,000 Speaker 4: our practices almost feel harder than our games. 160 00:07:10,200 --> 00:07:11,480 Speaker 3: They're just stacked. They're loaded. 161 00:07:11,480 --> 00:07:17,680 Speaker 4: They've got a great middle infield, they've got really good technique, 162 00:07:17,720 --> 00:07:20,200 Speaker 4: and everything they do they hit for power, which takes 163 00:07:20,240 --> 00:07:23,080 Speaker 4: pressure off of the pitching staff. The pitching staff doesn't 164 00:07:23,080 --> 00:07:24,880 Speaker 4: have to feel like they need to be perfect. They 165 00:07:24,920 --> 00:07:28,320 Speaker 4: had a very young program last year came in third 166 00:07:28,320 --> 00:07:31,080 Speaker 4: in the country, so Patty Gasso has this team geared up, 167 00:07:31,120 --> 00:07:33,080 Speaker 4: ready to go. They also got a big transfer in 168 00:07:33,120 --> 00:07:35,240 Speaker 4: Sydney Brazahon who came over from LSU. 169 00:07:35,680 --> 00:07:37,600 Speaker 3: She's going to really help that pitching staff. 170 00:07:37,640 --> 00:07:41,080 Speaker 4: So immediately a lot of people are probably thinking, Okay, 171 00:07:41,160 --> 00:07:43,360 Speaker 4: Oklahoma could be the number one team in the country. 172 00:07:43,360 --> 00:07:46,040 Speaker 4: Preseason polled, a lot of people voted them that they're 173 00:07:46,120 --> 00:07:49,080 Speaker 4: definitely I think going to be in Oklahoma City again. 174 00:07:49,480 --> 00:07:51,240 Speaker 3: Just an amazing program. 175 00:07:51,480 --> 00:07:54,680 Speaker 1: Patty Gasso has been the head coach there since ninety five, 176 00:07:55,320 --> 00:08:00,400 Speaker 1: has won eight national championships. Just an unbelievable career winning 177 00:08:00,440 --> 00:08:03,880 Speaker 1: percentage and salary and status in a sport that's still 178 00:08:03,920 --> 00:08:06,920 Speaker 1: building names that people recognize. What do you hear about 179 00:08:06,920 --> 00:08:09,280 Speaker 1: her style as a coach? What do you hear about 180 00:08:09,280 --> 00:08:11,280 Speaker 1: her that makes her different? Why is she one of 181 00:08:11,320 --> 00:08:15,000 Speaker 1: the few that has established herself as someone people even 182 00:08:15,000 --> 00:08:16,720 Speaker 1: outside of the softball world have heard of it. 183 00:08:16,720 --> 00:08:17,680 Speaker 2: Know about well. 184 00:08:17,840 --> 00:08:20,400 Speaker 4: Patty did a really good job of making sure she's 185 00:08:20,440 --> 00:08:22,440 Speaker 4: got a great staff around her, her son as her 186 00:08:22,600 --> 00:08:23,240 Speaker 4: hitting coach. 187 00:08:23,840 --> 00:08:25,720 Speaker 3: You know, she's got a great pitching coach. 188 00:08:25,760 --> 00:08:27,640 Speaker 4: But I think the main thing she understands is that 189 00:08:27,680 --> 00:08:29,760 Speaker 4: if we can limit the amount of damage that our 190 00:08:29,760 --> 00:08:32,120 Speaker 4: opponents do, In other words, have good pitching in the circle, 191 00:08:32,160 --> 00:08:34,320 Speaker 4: not perfect, but good pitching in the circle and a 192 00:08:34,360 --> 00:08:37,280 Speaker 4: really good defense. She was a great defender herself when 193 00:08:37,280 --> 00:08:39,480 Speaker 4: she played at Long Beach State, so she puts a 194 00:08:39,520 --> 00:08:42,360 Speaker 4: lot of emphasis on the ability for her teams to 195 00:08:42,400 --> 00:08:45,520 Speaker 4: defend once the balls put in play, so they're very 196 00:08:45,520 --> 00:08:48,640 Speaker 4: hard to score runs on. So they limit damage on 197 00:08:48,640 --> 00:08:52,280 Speaker 4: the scoreboard, and then they do damage to the scoreboard offensively. 198 00:08:52,360 --> 00:08:54,719 Speaker 4: I mean they just they usually lead the country and 199 00:08:54,760 --> 00:08:56,680 Speaker 4: home runs, they hit for power. 200 00:08:57,240 --> 00:08:59,160 Speaker 3: They draw more walks. 201 00:08:58,800 --> 00:09:01,440 Speaker 4: Than anybody else, so they understand how to get into 202 00:09:01,520 --> 00:09:04,560 Speaker 4: leverage counts and they use those counts efficiently, so either 203 00:09:04,559 --> 00:09:07,400 Speaker 4: by taking walks or hammering the ball for extra base hits. 204 00:09:07,840 --> 00:09:10,040 Speaker 1: So a good coach who knows strategy but also clearly 205 00:09:10,040 --> 00:09:12,120 Speaker 1: knows how to recruit to fill the spaces and create 206 00:09:12,160 --> 00:09:14,040 Speaker 1: a team that can play in the style that she wants. 207 00:09:14,160 --> 00:09:16,200 Speaker 4: Yeah, and she's a players coach. You know, the young 208 00:09:16,240 --> 00:09:18,960 Speaker 4: women love to play for her. She cares about them 209 00:09:19,080 --> 00:09:21,000 Speaker 4: and it's a very family atmosphere. 210 00:09:21,320 --> 00:09:23,880 Speaker 1: Let's talk about Texas. Why should we believe that the 211 00:09:23,880 --> 00:09:25,679 Speaker 1: Longhorns can repeat again? 212 00:09:25,840 --> 00:09:29,560 Speaker 4: Another team that had a lot of young kids that 213 00:09:29,600 --> 00:09:31,079 Speaker 4: were able to pull it through. I mean, there was 214 00:09:31,120 --> 00:09:32,559 Speaker 4: one point they didn't look like they were going to 215 00:09:32,600 --> 00:09:34,920 Speaker 4: punch their ticket out of Super Regionals because Clemson gave 216 00:09:34,960 --> 00:09:37,080 Speaker 4: them a hard time at home. But they make it 217 00:09:37,120 --> 00:09:40,319 Speaker 4: to the Women's College World Series. Reesatwood, their catcher behind 218 00:09:40,320 --> 00:09:43,320 Speaker 4: the dish is outstanding. Mike White was a pitcher himself, 219 00:09:43,840 --> 00:09:46,120 Speaker 4: played men's fast pitch for Team USA, so he's a 220 00:09:46,160 --> 00:09:48,640 Speaker 4: great pitching coach. It's done a really good job of 221 00:09:48,720 --> 00:09:51,480 Speaker 4: just getting his pitching staff in shape to really be 222 00:09:51,520 --> 00:09:53,600 Speaker 4: able to help out Tiagan Kavan who is their ace 223 00:09:53,600 --> 00:09:56,080 Speaker 4: in the circle, and she just really came up at 224 00:09:56,080 --> 00:09:58,160 Speaker 4: the right time in the Women's College World Series. 225 00:09:58,320 --> 00:09:59,360 Speaker 3: They also have Vivi. 226 00:09:59,320 --> 00:10:03,160 Speaker 4: Martinez who was the shortstop who was injured two falls 227 00:10:03,200 --> 00:10:05,640 Speaker 4: ago and so she missed the whole twenty five campaign. 228 00:10:06,120 --> 00:10:08,320 Speaker 4: When she is back and she is strong in that 229 00:10:08,360 --> 00:10:11,160 Speaker 4: shortstop position, she's outstanding. So they have a lot of 230 00:10:11,160 --> 00:10:14,319 Speaker 4: great defenders. They also hit the ball for power, and 231 00:10:14,360 --> 00:10:17,080 Speaker 4: they are a very feisty team. So I think that 232 00:10:17,120 --> 00:10:19,439 Speaker 4: they're they're gonna hold onto that trophy and not want 233 00:10:19,440 --> 00:10:21,360 Speaker 4: to let anybody rip it out of their hands. 234 00:10:21,440 --> 00:10:24,160 Speaker 1: You mentioned a young team, so sort of surprised folks, 235 00:10:24,160 --> 00:10:26,120 Speaker 1: not just because it with the Longhorns first title, but 236 00:10:26,240 --> 00:10:28,840 Speaker 1: because of maybe a lack of experience. Is there some 237 00:10:29,040 --> 00:10:31,760 Speaker 1: magic that's gone when you have veterans who know what 238 00:10:31,800 --> 00:10:35,439 Speaker 1: to expect, who maybe feel the pressure of repeating as opposed. 239 00:10:35,120 --> 00:10:36,920 Speaker 2: To youngsters who are like, what do we have to lose? 240 00:10:37,360 --> 00:10:38,439 Speaker 3: Well, that's a great point. 241 00:10:38,480 --> 00:10:40,679 Speaker 4: The pressure of repeating right, this will be the very 242 00:10:40,720 --> 00:10:43,280 Speaker 4: first time that Texas has been in that position, So 243 00:10:43,520 --> 00:10:44,160 Speaker 4: there is that. 244 00:10:44,160 --> 00:10:44,960 Speaker 3: That is a thing. 245 00:10:45,080 --> 00:10:47,200 Speaker 4: It's just like sophomore slump, whatever you want to call. 246 00:10:47,280 --> 00:10:49,959 Speaker 4: All of a sudden, that expectation is on you. How 247 00:10:49,960 --> 00:10:52,760 Speaker 4: do you handle that? How do you perform? So they're 248 00:10:52,760 --> 00:10:54,200 Speaker 4: going to have to manage that, and I'm sure they 249 00:10:54,240 --> 00:10:57,800 Speaker 4: spent the fall talking about that, the expectation of what 250 00:10:57,960 --> 00:11:00,439 Speaker 4: now comes with the target on your back, even though 251 00:11:00,440 --> 00:11:02,200 Speaker 4: it's been there for quite a while. But you know, 252 00:11:02,240 --> 00:11:04,480 Speaker 4: Mike White, He's won a lot of championships himself, so 253 00:11:04,520 --> 00:11:06,280 Speaker 4: I'm sure he's done a good job of really getting 254 00:11:06,280 --> 00:11:09,640 Speaker 4: that team together and knowing. 255 00:11:08,600 --> 00:11:11,480 Speaker 3: To expect that it's going to be tough. 256 00:11:11,840 --> 00:11:13,240 Speaker 1: I would like to be in the locker room for 257 00:11:13,280 --> 00:11:15,959 Speaker 1: some of these teams, especially ones coming back from a title, 258 00:11:16,000 --> 00:11:18,840 Speaker 1: and see the different strategies of coaches, whether they think 259 00:11:18,840 --> 00:11:20,480 Speaker 1: it's the kind of team that will get up for 260 00:11:20,520 --> 00:11:22,520 Speaker 1: the idea of like no one believes in you, they 261 00:11:22,520 --> 00:11:24,360 Speaker 1: think it was a fluke, or whether they're the kind 262 00:11:24,400 --> 00:11:26,040 Speaker 1: of team that's like, Okay, this is the last day, 263 00:11:26,080 --> 00:11:28,200 Speaker 1: we're mentioning the title and from here on out, it 264 00:11:28,240 --> 00:11:28,840 Speaker 1: never happened. 265 00:11:28,840 --> 00:11:30,640 Speaker 2: We're not mentioning it. It's a new year. 266 00:11:30,640 --> 00:11:33,280 Speaker 1: Like, there's so many different ways to approach trying to 267 00:11:33,320 --> 00:11:34,920 Speaker 1: get a team back another year. 268 00:11:34,960 --> 00:11:37,199 Speaker 2: But gosh, I'd love to be in those rooms and 269 00:11:37,240 --> 00:11:38,000 Speaker 2: see how they do it. 270 00:11:38,400 --> 00:11:41,600 Speaker 1: Speaking of a team that could do it, Texas Tech, 271 00:11:41,640 --> 00:11:43,880 Speaker 1: they were just a few plays away from winning it 272 00:11:43,920 --> 00:11:44,600 Speaker 1: all last year. 273 00:11:45,000 --> 00:11:46,920 Speaker 2: What makes them a favorite this year? 274 00:11:47,120 --> 00:11:49,760 Speaker 4: I mean, they were so close and that is what 275 00:11:50,000 --> 00:11:52,520 Speaker 4: drives you in the off season to continue to work hard. 276 00:11:52,960 --> 00:11:55,840 Speaker 4: Nigeria Kennedy in the Circle best athlete you know in 277 00:11:55,920 --> 00:11:58,560 Speaker 4: the game along with Jordi from So you know, they're 278 00:11:58,640 --> 00:12:01,440 Speaker 4: both two pitchers that and hitters that can get it done. 279 00:12:01,440 --> 00:12:04,240 Speaker 4: But Kennedy and the Circle has been outstanding. They also 280 00:12:04,360 --> 00:12:07,720 Speaker 4: brought in some really big recruits. They've had deep pockets. 281 00:12:07,760 --> 00:12:10,760 Speaker 4: They've played the portal well. Jerry Posso is an amazing 282 00:12:10,840 --> 00:12:13,640 Speaker 4: coach and he's a manager. 283 00:12:13,160 --> 00:12:14,199 Speaker 3: So he coaches well. 284 00:12:14,400 --> 00:12:16,720 Speaker 4: But he also has the ability to keep his team 285 00:12:16,760 --> 00:12:19,560 Speaker 4: in the dugout as well as the locker room happy. 286 00:12:19,600 --> 00:12:23,000 Speaker 4: Even with all that talent. Mia Williams came over from Florida. 287 00:12:23,400 --> 00:12:28,040 Speaker 4: The couple players came UCLA kat Katelyn Terry. She is 288 00:12:28,080 --> 00:12:30,320 Speaker 4: a great two way player, a little bit of right field, 289 00:12:30,360 --> 00:12:32,560 Speaker 4: pitching in the circle. So this is a team that 290 00:12:32,720 --> 00:12:35,319 Speaker 4: is stacked. They just have so much. They also are 291 00:12:35,360 --> 00:12:37,560 Speaker 4: going to have a really good middle infielder. They had 292 00:12:37,559 --> 00:12:40,880 Speaker 4: a freshman last year, sophomore now Cayley Tony at shortstop 293 00:12:41,320 --> 00:12:42,320 Speaker 4: was unbelievable. 294 00:12:42,360 --> 00:12:43,400 Speaker 3: That kid can swing it. 295 00:12:43,520 --> 00:12:45,880 Speaker 4: She can field, and now with me Williams at second 296 00:12:45,960 --> 00:12:48,359 Speaker 4: base right beside her, they're going to have great. 297 00:12:48,120 --> 00:12:49,800 Speaker 3: Defense behind Nija. 298 00:12:49,960 --> 00:12:53,200 Speaker 4: But this is a program that is celebrated in Lubbock. 299 00:12:53,280 --> 00:12:56,679 Speaker 4: I mean, they love winners and they have put a 300 00:12:56,720 --> 00:12:58,080 Speaker 4: really good team on the field. 301 00:12:58,240 --> 00:12:59,880 Speaker 3: They had that experience last year. 302 00:13:00,000 --> 00:13:01,920 Speaker 4: They are a young team, but they've got a lot 303 00:13:01,960 --> 00:13:04,679 Speaker 4: of World Series experience. So I think that they're going 304 00:13:04,720 --> 00:13:05,800 Speaker 4: to be one of the teams. 305 00:13:05,480 --> 00:13:08,200 Speaker 1: To be You mentioned head coach Jerry Glasgow, which is 306 00:13:08,600 --> 00:13:11,400 Speaker 1: just I'm thinking Glasgow versus Gasso is just setting itself up. 307 00:13:11,440 --> 00:13:12,680 Speaker 2: We need to get that matchup. 308 00:13:13,720 --> 00:13:16,280 Speaker 1: But he mentioned in the offseason that they were so 309 00:13:16,520 --> 00:13:19,240 Speaker 1: close and he was focusing in the transfer portal on pitching, 310 00:13:19,280 --> 00:13:22,720 Speaker 1: catching an infield, as far as depthon experience, and then 311 00:13:22,800 --> 00:13:25,160 Speaker 1: power on the offensive side. You mentioned they had the 312 00:13:25,280 --> 00:13:29,840 Speaker 1: number one transfer class this year, including three all Americans, 313 00:13:29,920 --> 00:13:32,400 Speaker 1: Mia Williams from Florida, Taylor Panell out of Tennessee, and 314 00:13:32,480 --> 00:13:35,800 Speaker 1: Jasmin Burns from Ohio State, all of whom had World 315 00:13:35,800 --> 00:13:39,719 Speaker 1: Series experience last year, and then one hundred plus home 316 00:13:39,800 --> 00:13:42,080 Speaker 1: runs coming from the transfers that they brought in. This 317 00:13:42,160 --> 00:13:44,400 Speaker 1: was a team that only hit sixty I think last year. 318 00:13:44,600 --> 00:13:47,400 Speaker 1: What is the difference in this team specifically if you 319 00:13:47,480 --> 00:13:48,600 Speaker 1: add that power. 320 00:13:48,559 --> 00:13:50,280 Speaker 4: So, I think the biggest thing it does is it 321 00:13:50,320 --> 00:13:52,920 Speaker 4: takes the pressure off of Nisa having to throw every 322 00:13:53,160 --> 00:13:56,400 Speaker 4: single inning or every big game. So they're going to 323 00:13:56,480 --> 00:13:59,080 Speaker 4: have strength behind her, but they're also going to be 324 00:13:59,080 --> 00:14:00,840 Speaker 4: able to put runs up on the board. So even 325 00:14:00,840 --> 00:14:04,679 Speaker 4: when they're playing in Oklahoma or they're playing you know, 326 00:14:04,760 --> 00:14:07,160 Speaker 4: teams that are going to test them in series's, we're 327 00:14:07,200 --> 00:14:09,760 Speaker 4: going right down the road and playing Texas, they're not 328 00:14:09,840 --> 00:14:11,400 Speaker 4: going to have to throw her Game one and three. 329 00:14:11,440 --> 00:14:14,560 Speaker 4: They can maybe throw her Game one and then maybe 330 00:14:14,559 --> 00:14:16,800 Speaker 4: spot her in game two or three if they want to, 331 00:14:16,840 --> 00:14:18,880 Speaker 4: but use other arms. So I think the ability to 332 00:14:18,880 --> 00:14:20,800 Speaker 4: put runs up on the board, it's the same way 333 00:14:20,840 --> 00:14:24,440 Speaker 4: it affords Oklahoma the ability to use your incomplete pitching 334 00:14:24,480 --> 00:14:26,800 Speaker 4: staff and not feel the pressure that you have to 335 00:14:26,800 --> 00:14:28,640 Speaker 4: throw them in midweek games, or that you have to 336 00:14:28,640 --> 00:14:30,920 Speaker 4: throw them game one and three of every series. And 337 00:14:31,000 --> 00:14:32,800 Speaker 4: so what that does is if you can keep your 338 00:14:32,840 --> 00:14:35,080 Speaker 4: aces at under two hundred innings, by the time you 339 00:14:35,120 --> 00:14:37,680 Speaker 4: get to the end of the season, they're fresh, they're strong, 340 00:14:37,720 --> 00:14:40,360 Speaker 4: and they can roll into super Regionals and then possibly 341 00:14:40,440 --> 00:14:43,160 Speaker 4: June and the Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City 342 00:14:43,360 --> 00:14:45,680 Speaker 4: with a fresh arm instead of a beat up base. Yeah. 343 00:14:45,720 --> 00:14:47,800 Speaker 1: I'm not as well versed in softball, and I'm curious 344 00:14:47,800 --> 00:14:50,520 Speaker 1: about that. You know, early on when I started watching, 345 00:14:50,560 --> 00:14:53,360 Speaker 1: I would be amazed when players would throw complete games 346 00:14:53,360 --> 00:14:56,040 Speaker 1: and go out the next day. It's just nothing like baseball. 347 00:14:56,120 --> 00:14:58,760 Speaker 1: Right your arm can recover and you can get back 348 00:14:58,800 --> 00:15:01,320 Speaker 1: out there. But is is there any sort of long 349 00:15:01,400 --> 00:15:05,000 Speaker 1: held wisdom or even more recent clarity on whether or 350 00:15:05,040 --> 00:15:07,680 Speaker 1: not a team is more likely to survive if it 351 00:15:07,760 --> 00:15:10,520 Speaker 1: has one ace that's completely unstoppable that you just ride 352 00:15:10,520 --> 00:15:12,240 Speaker 1: it till the wheels come off, or if it has 353 00:15:12,720 --> 00:15:15,680 Speaker 1: depth but doesn't have that one completely lights out pitcher. 354 00:15:15,800 --> 00:15:19,280 Speaker 1: Is there a consensus on the best approach to take 355 00:15:19,320 --> 00:15:20,080 Speaker 1: in the current game. 356 00:15:20,440 --> 00:15:23,680 Speaker 4: I think coaches are starting to realize that having the 357 00:15:23,800 --> 00:15:27,040 Speaker 4: depth in the bullpen is really really important, but it's 358 00:15:27,120 --> 00:15:30,280 Speaker 4: also the important to understand how to use that depth. 359 00:15:30,320 --> 00:15:33,280 Speaker 4: When do you pull your ace pitcher, when do you 360 00:15:33,320 --> 00:15:35,720 Speaker 4: bring in your leftir righting. Now we have these matchups 361 00:15:35,760 --> 00:15:37,720 Speaker 4: that we've always seen in baseball. You have your lefty 362 00:15:37,800 --> 00:15:40,440 Speaker 4: lefty matchup, you're right a writing matchups. So coaches are 363 00:15:40,520 --> 00:15:42,600 Speaker 4: learning to use that. But I think more importantly to 364 00:15:42,640 --> 00:15:45,160 Speaker 4: your question getting toward the end of the East, the 365 00:15:45,280 --> 00:15:47,520 Speaker 4: end of the season, is that the number of innings 366 00:15:47,680 --> 00:15:49,760 Speaker 4: you know how to train your athlete a little bit better. 367 00:15:49,840 --> 00:15:53,040 Speaker 4: It's more of the physicality of the athlete, the mentality. 368 00:15:53,320 --> 00:15:55,440 Speaker 4: How are they doing so that they're a complete pitcher 369 00:15:55,440 --> 00:15:58,040 Speaker 4: in the circle and they're just not worn out emotionally 370 00:15:58,120 --> 00:16:00,640 Speaker 4: or mentally, because the more innings you throw on or duress, 371 00:16:01,120 --> 00:16:04,000 Speaker 4: it just tends to weigh on you emotionally and mentally 372 00:16:04,600 --> 00:16:06,400 Speaker 4: as the season goes on. So the more that you 373 00:16:06,440 --> 00:16:10,200 Speaker 4: can keep the whole athlete, you know, whole, the entire 374 00:16:10,240 --> 00:16:12,600 Speaker 4: athlete hole, the better job they're going to do at 375 00:16:12,640 --> 00:16:14,120 Speaker 4: the end of the season. And so I think we're 376 00:16:14,120 --> 00:16:17,000 Speaker 4: seeing more of that from sports psychologists to nutritionists to 377 00:16:17,120 --> 00:16:21,040 Speaker 4: hydration you know, stretching all those things are making our 378 00:16:21,080 --> 00:16:23,359 Speaker 4: pictures toward the end of the season be more complete. 379 00:16:23,520 --> 00:16:25,840 Speaker 2: And there's the re entry thing, which I don't really 380 00:16:25,880 --> 00:16:26,800 Speaker 2: know the strategy on that. 381 00:16:26,840 --> 00:16:30,560 Speaker 1: I mean, if someone's out, it's probably fatigue, right, and 382 00:16:30,600 --> 00:16:33,440 Speaker 1: they're not likely to just power back up if they 383 00:16:33,480 --> 00:16:35,840 Speaker 1: sit an ending or two. But is that ever really 384 00:16:35,840 --> 00:16:38,600 Speaker 1: a strategy that gets used if maybe somebody else falls 385 00:16:38,640 --> 00:16:40,280 Speaker 1: apart that you thought was going to take you home, 386 00:16:40,320 --> 00:16:41,560 Speaker 1: where you just go, all right, we're going back to 387 00:16:41,560 --> 00:16:43,560 Speaker 1: our starter. They might be tired, but we think they've 388 00:16:43,560 --> 00:16:45,480 Speaker 1: got the mental fortitude to finish it right. 389 00:16:45,520 --> 00:16:47,520 Speaker 4: And so baseball folks out there are going, like, what 390 00:16:47,560 --> 00:16:48,720 Speaker 4: are you talking about baseball? 391 00:16:48,760 --> 00:16:49,640 Speaker 3: Once you're out, you're out. 392 00:16:49,640 --> 00:16:52,240 Speaker 4: In softball, if you're a starter, if you're one through ten, 393 00:16:52,320 --> 00:16:55,640 Speaker 4: one through nine, basically starting, you can and you're pulled 394 00:16:55,640 --> 00:16:57,080 Speaker 4: from the game, you can re enter. And so we 395 00:16:57,120 --> 00:16:58,960 Speaker 4: do see that every once in a while with the pictures. 396 00:16:59,280 --> 00:17:01,560 Speaker 4: If the bullpen is not able to help them out, 397 00:17:01,720 --> 00:17:03,640 Speaker 4: some coaches will go right back to their ace because 398 00:17:03,640 --> 00:17:05,680 Speaker 4: a lot of times that ace just has more experience, 399 00:17:05,720 --> 00:17:07,320 Speaker 4: and if the game is on the line and it's 400 00:17:07,359 --> 00:17:10,080 Speaker 4: the seventh inning or you're an extra innings. They want 401 00:17:10,080 --> 00:17:12,720 Speaker 4: that kid out there. Let's face it, no administration or 402 00:17:12,760 --> 00:17:15,359 Speaker 4: no professional team wants to lose a game when their 403 00:17:15,359 --> 00:17:18,439 Speaker 4: ace is on the bench. So if it's tight, trust me, 404 00:17:18,440 --> 00:17:19,359 Speaker 4: they're going right back. 405 00:17:19,200 --> 00:17:19,640 Speaker 3: In the game. 406 00:17:19,680 --> 00:17:22,560 Speaker 1: God, there are so many Major League Baseball managers that 407 00:17:22,600 --> 00:17:25,200 Speaker 1: would kill for the chance to be like, never mind, Oops, 408 00:17:25,280 --> 00:17:27,880 Speaker 1: that wasn't the move. We were actually much better off 409 00:17:27,920 --> 00:17:30,119 Speaker 1: before he pulled you. 410 00:17:30,119 --> 00:17:32,960 Speaker 2: You know. Physiologically, the reason. 411 00:17:32,920 --> 00:17:36,160 Speaker 1: Softball players can go so much longer is the arm angle. Right, 412 00:17:36,160 --> 00:17:38,399 Speaker 1: It's that it's underhand as opposed to the stress on 413 00:17:38,440 --> 00:17:39,760 Speaker 1: the shoulder of the overhand pitch. 414 00:17:39,840 --> 00:17:42,680 Speaker 4: Right, that is correct, Yes, assuming that you have good mechanics, 415 00:17:42,720 --> 00:17:45,720 Speaker 4: assuming your hips are in the proper position, your shoulders 416 00:17:45,760 --> 00:17:47,879 Speaker 4: are in the proper position, your arm actually acts like 417 00:17:47,920 --> 00:17:50,520 Speaker 4: a pendulum, and as long as your shoulder joint is 418 00:17:50,560 --> 00:17:53,879 Speaker 4: acting like a pendulum, it's not as stressful as throwing 419 00:17:54,040 --> 00:17:56,640 Speaker 4: as overhand, but there's still a lot of stress. 420 00:17:56,320 --> 00:17:57,200 Speaker 3: On the body for sure. 421 00:17:57,320 --> 00:18:00,320 Speaker 1: As a former javelin athlete, I think there's certain movements 422 00:18:00,320 --> 00:18:02,800 Speaker 1: that are actually not really intended, and overhand throwing is 423 00:18:02,840 --> 00:18:04,760 Speaker 1: actually one of them where if you overdo it, it's 424 00:18:04,800 --> 00:18:06,600 Speaker 1: bad for you, whereas you could just pitch for days 425 00:18:06,640 --> 00:18:09,840 Speaker 1: if you're silky, like Michelle Smith, as your nickname used 426 00:18:09,840 --> 00:18:11,520 Speaker 1: to say, if you got that right arm angle and 427 00:18:11,560 --> 00:18:14,600 Speaker 1: the right mechanics, you can just keep at it. Let's 428 00:18:14,600 --> 00:18:16,639 Speaker 1: talk about Tennessee, the fourth team that was in the 429 00:18:16,640 --> 00:18:18,840 Speaker 1: final four last year but not really getting the same 430 00:18:18,880 --> 00:18:21,320 Speaker 1: love as the other three at the top. Do you 431 00:18:21,359 --> 00:18:24,119 Speaker 1: think they are a separate tier from that first trio. 432 00:18:24,560 --> 00:18:26,399 Speaker 4: I don't think so. I think they're going to be 433 00:18:26,600 --> 00:18:28,760 Speaker 4: just as strong as they've been in the bass. When 434 00:18:28,800 --> 00:18:31,879 Speaker 4: you have Carlin Pickens in the circle throwing the ball 435 00:18:32,000 --> 00:18:35,040 Speaker 4: in the high seventies, I mean most pitchers are hoping 436 00:18:35,040 --> 00:18:37,520 Speaker 4: to be in the high sixties. She's in the high seventies. 437 00:18:38,240 --> 00:18:40,560 Speaker 4: You're going to be in every single game. And she's 438 00:18:40,600 --> 00:18:43,280 Speaker 4: one of those kids. Because she is such a long, 439 00:18:43,400 --> 00:18:46,040 Speaker 4: lanky pitcher, she can get away with throwing a lot 440 00:18:46,119 --> 00:18:49,240 Speaker 4: of innings. You know, Coach I did hear say Coach Weekly, 441 00:18:49,280 --> 00:18:51,600 Speaker 4: I did hear say. She wants to also try to 442 00:18:51,720 --> 00:18:54,399 Speaker 4: limit the number of innings that Pickens is going to 443 00:18:54,480 --> 00:18:56,720 Speaker 4: throw to two hundred or under because she feels like 444 00:18:56,720 --> 00:18:58,560 Speaker 4: she'll be her best at the end of the season. 445 00:18:58,760 --> 00:19:00,760 Speaker 4: But again, it really comes down being able to put 446 00:19:00,760 --> 00:19:02,680 Speaker 4: some runs up on the board. But I think Tennessee 447 00:19:02,760 --> 00:19:05,199 Speaker 4: is a program that is going to compete day in 448 00:19:05,200 --> 00:19:07,960 Speaker 4: and day out. They've got some great bats and as 449 00:19:08,000 --> 00:19:09,800 Speaker 4: long as they can put runs up on the board, 450 00:19:09,840 --> 00:19:12,080 Speaker 4: for me, that's the question With Tennessee. They've got to 451 00:19:12,080 --> 00:19:14,159 Speaker 4: be able to put at least four plus runs up 452 00:19:14,200 --> 00:19:16,200 Speaker 4: on the board. If they do that, with Pickens and 453 00:19:16,240 --> 00:19:17,840 Speaker 4: the pitching staff that they have, I think they're going 454 00:19:17,920 --> 00:19:18,399 Speaker 4: to be okay. 455 00:19:18,720 --> 00:19:20,480 Speaker 2: Slices might remember Carlin Pickens. 456 00:19:20,480 --> 00:19:23,159 Speaker 1: We mentioned her a couple different times breaking speed records, 457 00:19:23,160 --> 00:19:24,919 Speaker 1: and she sent us on a wild goose chase to 458 00:19:24,920 --> 00:19:28,159 Speaker 1: see if a Japanese pitcher had technically thrown faster or 459 00:19:28,280 --> 00:19:30,640 Speaker 1: was it not officially recorded, And we sort of ended 460 00:19:30,720 --> 00:19:32,600 Speaker 1: up in a fuzzy place of like, we think it's 461 00:19:32,680 --> 00:19:35,679 Speaker 1: definitely an NCAA record, we're not so sure about forever 462 00:19:35,760 --> 00:19:38,160 Speaker 1: and ever and every other place that's off ball is played. 463 00:19:38,200 --> 00:19:40,840 Speaker 1: But you will continue to hear her name because she 464 00:19:41,320 --> 00:19:44,000 Speaker 1: brings the heat like that, which is which is really fun. 465 00:19:44,760 --> 00:19:47,200 Speaker 1: Beyond Texas Tech, what are some other teams we should 466 00:19:47,240 --> 00:19:48,960 Speaker 1: take a look at that look really different? 467 00:19:49,000 --> 00:19:50,520 Speaker 2: This year due to the transfer portal. 468 00:19:51,560 --> 00:19:53,840 Speaker 3: You know, I think Florida looks a little different. 469 00:19:53,880 --> 00:19:58,200 Speaker 4: Plus and minus that the transfer portal, Tim Walton knows 470 00:19:58,240 --> 00:20:00,160 Speaker 4: does a really good job of putting a great team 471 00:20:00,440 --> 00:20:03,359 Speaker 4: on the field. Alabama, they've actually got a couple of 472 00:20:03,400 --> 00:20:07,200 Speaker 4: young pitchers that are coming that portal moves, but really 473 00:20:07,320 --> 00:20:10,440 Speaker 4: really good pitching staff coming in, but young, you never 474 00:20:10,480 --> 00:20:11,600 Speaker 4: really know what you're gonna. 475 00:20:11,359 --> 00:20:12,080 Speaker 3: Get with the freshman. 476 00:20:12,480 --> 00:20:15,919 Speaker 4: I think Georgia, Georgia picked up some good arms Addison Fisher, 477 00:20:16,040 --> 00:20:19,240 Speaker 4: she transferred over from you know, you know, so I 478 00:20:19,320 --> 00:20:21,240 Speaker 4: just think that there's an opportunity for a lot of 479 00:20:21,240 --> 00:20:24,399 Speaker 4: these teams that have had some good portal pickups to 480 00:20:24,480 --> 00:20:28,679 Speaker 4: make a difference. One of the great portal coaches of 481 00:20:28,760 --> 00:20:30,760 Speaker 4: the last four or five years has been Kenny Gayeski 482 00:20:30,760 --> 00:20:33,000 Speaker 4: at Oklahoma State University. He's done a great job of 483 00:20:33,080 --> 00:20:35,560 Speaker 4: really picking up some good pitchers. Two years ago he 484 00:20:35,560 --> 00:20:37,800 Speaker 4: picked up Ruby Mylin, who has done a great job. 485 00:20:37,840 --> 00:20:41,200 Speaker 4: She came over from Washington. She'll be a senior this year. Again, though, 486 00:20:41,240 --> 00:20:44,119 Speaker 4: those are programs that have they have good arms in 487 00:20:44,160 --> 00:20:46,800 Speaker 4: the circle, but it comes down to defending behind them 488 00:20:47,000 --> 00:20:48,600 Speaker 4: and then putting runs up on the board. You know, 489 00:20:48,640 --> 00:20:50,679 Speaker 4: in the past, our game used to be all about pitchers. 490 00:20:50,680 --> 00:20:52,639 Speaker 4: If you didn't have an ace in the circle, you 491 00:20:52,680 --> 00:20:55,639 Speaker 4: were in trouble. But now you can have a I 492 00:20:55,680 --> 00:20:58,199 Speaker 4: would say an ace. But also if you have the 493 00:20:58,240 --> 00:21:00,000 Speaker 4: ability to put a lot of runs up on the board. 494 00:21:00,440 --> 00:21:03,399 Speaker 4: That I like to say it sometimes that your fourth 495 00:21:03,400 --> 00:21:06,160 Speaker 4: best pitcher in the bullpen is your offense, because when 496 00:21:06,160 --> 00:21:08,399 Speaker 4: you can put up five plus runs a game, it 497 00:21:08,520 --> 00:21:11,560 Speaker 4: just gives everybody in the bullpen the opportunity to throw 498 00:21:11,800 --> 00:21:14,600 Speaker 4: three or four outs a game, and before you know it, 499 00:21:14,640 --> 00:21:16,520 Speaker 4: you're throwing three or four kids in a game, and 500 00:21:16,520 --> 00:21:19,360 Speaker 4: you've got yourself a complete game with multiple pitchers. 501 00:21:19,520 --> 00:21:20,400 Speaker 2: Yeah. Yeah. 502 00:21:20,520 --> 00:21:23,040 Speaker 1: Our friend of the show, Mikaela Chester, was talking about 503 00:21:23,040 --> 00:21:25,240 Speaker 1: some of the teams that made big moves on the 504 00:21:25,359 --> 00:21:29,160 Speaker 1: NCAA dot com site. She talked about Oregon and m Tennessee, 505 00:21:29,720 --> 00:21:32,720 Speaker 1: LSU and Arizona as well having some changes. So there 506 00:21:32,720 --> 00:21:35,520 Speaker 1: will be some teams that look different this year outside 507 00:21:35,560 --> 00:21:36,480 Speaker 1: of the Big four. 508 00:21:36,320 --> 00:21:37,000 Speaker 2: That we mentioned. 509 00:21:37,000 --> 00:21:38,800 Speaker 1: What other teams do you think you can pencil in 510 00:21:38,840 --> 00:21:40,159 Speaker 1: as of now that you think are going to make 511 00:21:40,160 --> 00:21:41,919 Speaker 1: it to Oklahoma. 512 00:21:41,240 --> 00:21:43,600 Speaker 4: Oh, making it to Oklahoma City, Yeah, that's you know what. 513 00:21:43,640 --> 00:21:45,720 Speaker 4: It's funny because four or five years ago I could 514 00:21:45,800 --> 00:21:48,200 Speaker 4: name the eight no problem, and I said last year, 515 00:21:48,200 --> 00:21:50,439 Speaker 4: and I do feel like moving forward, I could probably 516 00:21:50,440 --> 00:21:53,399 Speaker 4: pick like four, maybe five, and then there's probably you know, 517 00:21:53,520 --> 00:21:57,119 Speaker 4: three or four that that could just pop out of 518 00:21:57,160 --> 00:21:59,639 Speaker 4: nowhere and make it. I think Clemson has been on 519 00:21:59,640 --> 00:22:01,600 Speaker 4: the version. Jehan Ritman has done a really good job 520 00:22:01,640 --> 00:22:04,200 Speaker 4: at that program. They were so close last year. They 521 00:22:04,240 --> 00:22:07,240 Speaker 4: took Texas to a Game three and a tight, tight 522 00:22:07,440 --> 00:22:09,880 Speaker 4: Game three and just fell a little short. And then look, 523 00:22:09,920 --> 00:22:12,680 Speaker 4: Texas goes and wins the national championship. So I think 524 00:22:12,720 --> 00:22:16,199 Speaker 4: that's a program to look for. I think Arkansas is 525 00:22:16,280 --> 00:22:19,920 Speaker 4: always strong, haven't made it, have been so close so Courtney, 526 00:22:20,000 --> 00:22:23,520 Speaker 4: Difle and company just so close. I think that there's 527 00:22:23,520 --> 00:22:26,119 Speaker 4: an opportunity for them to to really push hard and 528 00:22:27,119 --> 00:22:30,200 Speaker 4: get over that humplum and finally get to Oklahoma City, 529 00:22:31,040 --> 00:22:33,760 Speaker 4: Texas A and M. They were a big surprise, especially 530 00:22:33,760 --> 00:22:35,800 Speaker 4: being the number one seed last year and then lost 531 00:22:35,840 --> 00:22:36,240 Speaker 4: at home. 532 00:22:37,119 --> 00:22:39,360 Speaker 3: But you know, Trishaford always does a great job. 533 00:22:39,400 --> 00:22:41,399 Speaker 4: They have a lot of portal kids that came in 534 00:22:41,440 --> 00:22:43,480 Speaker 4: a couple from Oklahoma State that are big bats. So 535 00:22:43,880 --> 00:22:46,880 Speaker 4: you know, I think that there. I think I think 536 00:22:46,920 --> 00:22:49,639 Speaker 4: it's almost like a box of chocolates. You don't know 537 00:22:49,680 --> 00:22:50,480 Speaker 4: what you're gonna get. 538 00:22:50,600 --> 00:22:53,040 Speaker 1: It's exciting when a sport grows like this because it 539 00:22:53,080 --> 00:22:56,520 Speaker 1: keeps a guests hundred percent. Yeah, we got to take 540 00:22:56,520 --> 00:23:07,040 Speaker 1: a break more with Michelle right after this. Nebraska is 541 00:23:07,040 --> 00:23:09,240 Speaker 1: a team they lost to Tennessee in the super Regionals 542 00:23:09,240 --> 00:23:12,119 Speaker 1: but were really close. And South Carolina do you think 543 00:23:12,119 --> 00:23:14,400 Speaker 1: they're going to continue that they had their best season ever? 544 00:23:14,440 --> 00:23:17,240 Speaker 1: Are they on an upward trajectory or was their luck 545 00:23:17,560 --> 00:23:19,360 Speaker 1: at play for their success last year. 546 00:23:19,760 --> 00:23:22,400 Speaker 4: I think there's a lot of newness at South Carolina, 547 00:23:22,440 --> 00:23:24,199 Speaker 4: a lot of energy. But no, I think they're on 548 00:23:24,240 --> 00:23:25,840 Speaker 4: their way up. I mean, I don't think that was 549 00:23:25,880 --> 00:23:27,520 Speaker 4: a fluke by any means. And back to your point 550 00:23:27,560 --> 00:23:31,040 Speaker 4: about Nebraska. Absolutely, if Nebraska had not gone to Tennessee, 551 00:23:31,080 --> 00:23:32,600 Speaker 4: I mean think about it, they didn't get the hosts 552 00:23:32,600 --> 00:23:34,440 Speaker 4: at home, they had to go to LSU. They knock 553 00:23:34,480 --> 00:23:37,640 Speaker 4: off LSU, then they go up to Tennessee and they 554 00:23:37,640 --> 00:23:40,400 Speaker 4: have to face Carlin Pickens and they go a three 555 00:23:40,440 --> 00:23:41,160 Speaker 4: game set there. 556 00:23:41,240 --> 00:23:43,919 Speaker 3: So I think that you know, and I heard you know, 557 00:23:43,960 --> 00:23:44,720 Speaker 3: we were. 558 00:23:44,440 --> 00:23:47,080 Speaker 4: Listening and talking to you know all US softball people, 559 00:23:47,119 --> 00:23:49,360 Speaker 4: you know, preseason yeating a little bit, getting getting ready 560 00:23:49,400 --> 00:23:51,720 Speaker 4: for the season. But I think this is why the 561 00:23:51,760 --> 00:23:55,119 Speaker 4: pre conference tournament tournaments are so important, is that the 562 00:23:55,160 --> 00:23:57,080 Speaker 4: coaches need to win big games. And I think we're 563 00:23:57,080 --> 00:24:01,840 Speaker 4: going to see Nebraska using Jordi ball now married uh so, 564 00:24:01,960 --> 00:24:03,720 Speaker 4: I think we're going to see her maybe throw a 565 00:24:03,760 --> 00:24:07,480 Speaker 4: little bit more in the pre conference games that are 566 00:24:07,520 --> 00:24:10,520 Speaker 4: super important because they need those RPI points to potentially 567 00:24:10,560 --> 00:24:13,040 Speaker 4: host at home. I think if they hosted home, it's 568 00:24:13,080 --> 00:24:16,280 Speaker 4: a massive advantage for them to make it to Oklahoma City. 569 00:24:16,480 --> 00:24:18,199 Speaker 1: What are a few of the very best players from 570 00:24:18,200 --> 00:24:19,800 Speaker 1: around the country we should get to know that might 571 00:24:19,840 --> 00:24:21,359 Speaker 1: be in the national Player of the Year race? 572 00:24:22,520 --> 00:24:24,520 Speaker 3: Well, I think it's going to be Resatwood. 573 00:24:24,680 --> 00:24:28,040 Speaker 4: I think Nija Kennedy, Jordy fro As we were just 574 00:24:28,080 --> 00:24:32,040 Speaker 4: talking about, Audrey vandergriff is a very good athlete from Alabama. 575 00:24:32,720 --> 00:24:38,240 Speaker 4: Cassidy Pickering, great hitter from Oklahoma, Teak and Kavan obviously, 576 00:24:38,320 --> 00:24:41,240 Speaker 4: Texas Pickens, Teller Pinsley. 577 00:24:41,280 --> 00:24:42,120 Speaker 3: I mean I could go down. 578 00:24:42,240 --> 00:24:44,920 Speaker 4: I obviously like to stay in the circle a little 579 00:24:44,920 --> 00:24:45,720 Speaker 4: bit because I feel like. 580 00:24:45,640 --> 00:24:47,720 Speaker 3: Our pictures control the game so much. 581 00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:49,800 Speaker 2: You want a picture. And there's a lot of senior 582 00:24:49,880 --> 00:24:51,520 Speaker 2: pictures that are really great this year. 583 00:24:51,680 --> 00:24:54,040 Speaker 4: There absolutely there are, and so that's going to be 584 00:24:54,040 --> 00:24:55,959 Speaker 4: fun to watch too to see how they, you know, 585 00:24:56,240 --> 00:24:59,520 Speaker 4: get drafted into the AUSL. But there's so many really 586 00:24:59,520 --> 00:25:04,520 Speaker 4: good hitters and pitchers. Taylor Shoemaker from Florida had an 587 00:25:04,560 --> 00:25:08,119 Speaker 4: amazing freshman campaign. As a sophomore, now she's gonna be 588 00:25:08,119 --> 00:25:09,840 Speaker 4: a little more known, so we'll see, you know, how 589 00:25:09,840 --> 00:25:12,639 Speaker 4: does she react in that sophomore season. But there's so 590 00:25:12,840 --> 00:25:16,160 Speaker 4: many good athletes out there that are coning their skills. 591 00:25:16,200 --> 00:25:19,960 Speaker 4: So there's a lot like the fifty top list to 592 00:25:20,359 --> 00:25:23,000 Speaker 4: really keep your eye on. I was like voting for 593 00:25:23,359 --> 00:25:25,080 Speaker 4: the athletes. I'm like, oh my gosh, this is so 594 00:25:25,119 --> 00:25:28,000 Speaker 4: hard and there's fifty of them and then having. 595 00:25:27,800 --> 00:25:30,280 Speaker 3: To narrow them down. It's gonna be fun to watch that. 596 00:25:30,359 --> 00:25:32,600 Speaker 4: There's a lot of great athletes and they show out 597 00:25:32,640 --> 00:25:34,359 Speaker 4: well on the field and on television. 598 00:25:34,440 --> 00:25:36,040 Speaker 3: It's gonna be a good year for softball. 599 00:25:36,359 --> 00:25:36,560 Speaker 2: Yeah. 600 00:25:36,560 --> 00:25:38,879 Speaker 1: The season starts on the fifth with a couple of 601 00:25:38,920 --> 00:25:41,359 Speaker 1: tournaments are really where most of these teams get going. 602 00:25:42,320 --> 00:25:44,960 Speaker 1: The one down in Clearwater, Florida actually last year had 603 00:25:45,000 --> 00:25:47,480 Speaker 1: five teams that ended up in the top twenty five rankings. 604 00:25:47,600 --> 00:25:49,280 Speaker 2: So you saw a lot of talent there. 605 00:25:49,359 --> 00:25:52,920 Speaker 1: There's Texas, Arizona, all the places you can play softball 606 00:25:52,960 --> 00:25:55,600 Speaker 1: in February allegedly, but with the winter storm going on, 607 00:25:55,680 --> 00:26:00,000 Speaker 1: we'll see where are you watching to see the best 608 00:26:00,119 --> 00:26:02,560 Speaker 1: talent playing against each other early in the season like this, 609 00:26:02,640 --> 00:26:04,640 Speaker 1: ahead of ahead of conference games. 610 00:26:04,520 --> 00:26:05,520 Speaker 3: So early in the season. 611 00:26:05,560 --> 00:26:08,040 Speaker 4: Clearwater, Florida, when the season opens up, is going to 612 00:26:08,040 --> 00:26:10,440 Speaker 4: be the nfc A leadoff Classic, and you're right, there's 613 00:26:10,440 --> 00:26:12,879 Speaker 4: a lot of great teams there. The following weekend is 614 00:26:12,960 --> 00:26:15,920 Speaker 4: the ESPN Event and we're going to actually have forty 615 00:26:15,960 --> 00:26:18,640 Speaker 4: games and four days. We've got multiple game every game 616 00:26:18,720 --> 00:26:21,720 Speaker 4: is actually on television. Yeah, forty games and four days. Yeah, 617 00:26:21,760 --> 00:26:24,560 Speaker 4: it's a lot. We have five different broadcast crews that'll 618 00:26:24,560 --> 00:26:26,880 Speaker 4: be there. So we've got two games on ESPN, eight 619 00:26:26,920 --> 00:26:30,840 Speaker 4: games on ESPN two we're on the U ESPN plus 620 00:26:30,840 --> 00:26:32,639 Speaker 4: the SEC network, ACC Network. 621 00:26:32,680 --> 00:26:35,119 Speaker 3: So I mean, if you if you're missing or just. 622 00:26:35,160 --> 00:26:41,280 Speaker 4: Sunshine, you know where to be looking over that Valentine's 623 00:26:41,359 --> 00:26:44,879 Speaker 4: Day weekend and then after that is Mary Nutter and 624 00:26:44,920 --> 00:26:48,280 Speaker 4: that's in Palm Springs, California and that's another outstanding event 625 00:26:48,359 --> 00:26:51,119 Speaker 4: that if you're really in the California area and you 626 00:26:51,119 --> 00:26:52,800 Speaker 4: want to see some great softball, you drive down to 627 00:26:52,840 --> 00:26:53,440 Speaker 4: Palm Streams. 628 00:26:53,680 --> 00:26:55,840 Speaker 1: Yea, And it sounds like there's a lot of opportunities 629 00:26:55,840 --> 00:26:57,680 Speaker 1: for new fans to maybe tune into some of those 630 00:26:57,680 --> 00:26:59,200 Speaker 1: tournaments to get a feel for who some of the 631 00:26:59,200 --> 00:27:01,399 Speaker 1: best teams are going to be, and also who our 632 00:27:01,440 --> 00:27:04,400 Speaker 1: favorite broadcasters are. Every year you're at a year out 633 00:27:04,440 --> 00:27:06,520 Speaker 1: like you, Michelle, before we let you go, I want 634 00:27:06,520 --> 00:27:09,080 Speaker 1: to ask if there's any big picture topics that will 635 00:27:09,119 --> 00:27:11,040 Speaker 1: be discussed in the world of softball this year. I 636 00:27:11,040 --> 00:27:14,359 Speaker 1: know in the past there's questions about rules about facilities 637 00:27:14,400 --> 00:27:16,760 Speaker 1: and what kind of funding needs to go into facilities 638 00:27:16,800 --> 00:27:19,520 Speaker 1: to keep up. Maybe World Series location and whether it 639 00:27:19,520 --> 00:27:21,200 Speaker 1: should always be in the same place where it should 640 00:27:21,200 --> 00:27:23,560 Speaker 1: move around based on knowing that the best facilities in 641 00:27:23,600 --> 00:27:26,280 Speaker 1: Oklahoma City. But is that a home advantage like all 642 00:27:26,280 --> 00:27:28,879 Speaker 1: those things? Is there something that will be sort of 643 00:27:28,880 --> 00:27:32,639 Speaker 1: talked about, discussed or debated this season, either ahead of 644 00:27:32,640 --> 00:27:34,520 Speaker 1: the Olympics in twenty tweitter or just in general. 645 00:27:35,200 --> 00:27:37,520 Speaker 4: Well, I do think to your point, and I'm always 646 00:27:37,560 --> 00:27:40,679 Speaker 4: talking about how we have to have better facilities in 647 00:27:40,680 --> 00:27:44,320 Speaker 4: our sport outside of the university. Stanford just built a 648 00:27:44,320 --> 00:27:48,439 Speaker 4: fifty eight million dollars stadium. They're opening up February fifth, 649 00:27:48,480 --> 00:27:50,800 Speaker 4: so kudos to them. Cal is going to build a 650 00:27:50,840 --> 00:27:52,680 Speaker 4: new stadium, So we've done a good job at the 651 00:27:52,680 --> 00:27:55,840 Speaker 4: collegiate level. We need communities, though, like Oklahoma City to 652 00:27:55,960 --> 00:27:58,760 Speaker 4: build stadiums, and that's why the LA Olympics are going 653 00:27:58,840 --> 00:28:02,080 Speaker 4: to be in Oklahoma City as well as canoeing will 654 00:28:02,080 --> 00:28:04,679 Speaker 4: also be an Olympic sport in Oklahoma City. But we 655 00:28:04,760 --> 00:28:07,000 Speaker 4: need for more facilities for the sport and I think 656 00:28:07,000 --> 00:28:08,760 Speaker 4: once we do that, So that's one thing. We're always 657 00:28:08,800 --> 00:28:12,400 Speaker 4: looking at rules. Absolutely, We're always talking about the obstruction rule. 658 00:28:13,040 --> 00:28:14,760 Speaker 4: You know, there's all sorts of things. Pace of play. 659 00:28:14,760 --> 00:28:17,000 Speaker 4: We're always trying to make the game quicker, you know, 660 00:28:17,040 --> 00:28:19,320 Speaker 4: instead of it, you know, being a two and a 661 00:28:19,359 --> 00:28:21,480 Speaker 4: half hour game. We need to keep it that two 662 00:28:21,560 --> 00:28:24,960 Speaker 4: ten window because let's face it, pace of play is 663 00:28:24,960 --> 00:28:27,760 Speaker 4: a big thing in every single sport nowadays. 664 00:28:27,800 --> 00:28:31,520 Speaker 3: With the pitch clock and everything. It's absolutely helped, you know. 665 00:28:31,600 --> 00:28:33,840 Speaker 4: I think our sport is continuing to evolve and I 666 00:28:33,840 --> 00:28:35,800 Speaker 4: think as long as that we keep our pulse on 667 00:28:37,080 --> 00:28:40,840 Speaker 4: what the game is showing us and make appropriate rule changes. 668 00:28:40,880 --> 00:28:42,400 Speaker 4: I think we're going to do a good job, and 669 00:28:42,520 --> 00:28:43,720 Speaker 4: we have the last couple of years. 670 00:28:44,120 --> 00:28:47,480 Speaker 1: As a two time Olympian, yourself a two time gold medalist, 671 00:28:47,840 --> 00:28:50,360 Speaker 1: how would you have felt about playing in Oklahoma City 672 00:28:50,360 --> 00:28:52,440 Speaker 1: and a great facility instead of being able to be 673 00:28:52,520 --> 00:28:55,000 Speaker 1: in the athlete village and surrounded by the rest of 674 00:28:55,040 --> 00:28:57,680 Speaker 1: the pageantry and excitement around the games in LA. 675 00:28:57,800 --> 00:29:00,800 Speaker 4: That's a great question because I think it comes down 676 00:29:00,800 --> 00:29:05,680 Speaker 4: to a couple things. Is that facilities, but when you're 677 00:29:06,040 --> 00:29:08,880 Speaker 4: two hours away, and in Atlanta we were two hours away. 678 00:29:08,880 --> 00:29:11,800 Speaker 4: In Columbus, Georgia, when you're two hours away from the 679 00:29:11,840 --> 00:29:14,320 Speaker 4: main village, you're not going to watch anything else anyway, 680 00:29:14,360 --> 00:29:16,280 Speaker 4: because you're so focused on playing your sports. So it 681 00:29:16,280 --> 00:29:18,240 Speaker 4: doesn't matter if you're two hours by airplane or two 682 00:29:18,240 --> 00:29:20,720 Speaker 4: hours by car. You're so focused on your games. You're 683 00:29:20,760 --> 00:29:22,520 Speaker 4: not going to have the opportunity to see anything else. 684 00:29:22,560 --> 00:29:25,000 Speaker 4: You will for opening ceremonies and then hopefully after the 685 00:29:25,040 --> 00:29:27,360 Speaker 4: women are done competing, they can go to LA and 686 00:29:27,480 --> 00:29:30,120 Speaker 4: kind of get into everything else that's going on. But 687 00:29:30,600 --> 00:29:32,640 Speaker 4: you know, at that point, I think we have to 688 00:29:32,720 --> 00:29:34,840 Speaker 4: keep the perspective I think the other things, Sarah, and 689 00:29:34,880 --> 00:29:37,160 Speaker 4: we're going to see this moving I think forward in 690 00:29:37,160 --> 00:29:40,320 Speaker 4: the Olympics. I doubt the Olympics are hosted by just 691 00:29:40,480 --> 00:29:43,080 Speaker 4: one city anymore. It's going to be countries, or it's 692 00:29:43,120 --> 00:29:46,160 Speaker 4: going to be multiple European countries because the games have 693 00:29:46,200 --> 00:29:49,040 Speaker 4: gotten so big and so expensive that burden is really 694 00:29:49,080 --> 00:29:52,120 Speaker 4: tough on one city. If you have multiple close cities, 695 00:29:52,160 --> 00:29:56,200 Speaker 4: then you start sharing the expenses, the transportation, the security, 696 00:29:56,280 --> 00:29:58,960 Speaker 4: the hotel rooms, all that stuff. So I think we're 697 00:29:58,960 --> 00:30:01,080 Speaker 4: going to start to see this sort of a setup 698 00:30:01,120 --> 00:30:03,720 Speaker 4: move forward in the Olympics as the games continue to grow. 699 00:30:04,000 --> 00:30:06,000 Speaker 2: Well, my producer Alex and I are headed to Italy 700 00:30:06,080 --> 00:30:08,720 Speaker 2: and that's going to be the most geographically spread out games. 701 00:30:08,760 --> 00:30:10,560 Speaker 1: So we'll see if that ends up getting beaten by 702 00:30:10,640 --> 00:30:12,760 Speaker 1: future games as they try to accommodate the size and 703 00:30:12,800 --> 00:30:15,480 Speaker 1: all the attendees and everything. Do you know, is Softball 704 00:30:15,560 --> 00:30:17,400 Speaker 1: late enough in the schedule that they will be able 705 00:30:17,440 --> 00:30:19,200 Speaker 1: to go to the opening ceremonies and then fly to 706 00:30:19,240 --> 00:30:20,000 Speaker 1: Oklahoma City. 707 00:30:20,280 --> 00:30:20,960 Speaker 3: I'm not sure. 708 00:30:21,280 --> 00:30:23,880 Speaker 4: I hope so I do think that will be the case, 709 00:30:24,040 --> 00:30:26,360 Speaker 4: and I'm hoping that, you know, they have kind of 710 00:30:26,400 --> 00:30:28,880 Speaker 4: considered that when they did make the move to Oklahoma City. 711 00:30:29,040 --> 00:30:30,800 Speaker 1: That would be nice for them, at least that would 712 00:30:30,800 --> 00:30:32,720 Speaker 1: be greaticipate and softball is the kind of sport where, 713 00:30:32,720 --> 00:30:34,080 Speaker 1: of course you want to be focused and have your 714 00:30:34,160 --> 00:30:36,360 Speaker 1: legs ready to go and everything, but it's a little 715 00:30:36,360 --> 00:30:38,320 Speaker 1: bit easier maybe to walk in that and still feel 716 00:30:38,360 --> 00:30:39,960 Speaker 1: like you'll be ready for your games as opposed to 717 00:30:39,960 --> 00:30:44,280 Speaker 1: some other sports. Well, Michelle, this was extremely educational. We're 718 00:30:44,320 --> 00:30:46,480 Speaker 1: really excited to tackle the new season with all this 719 00:30:46,560 --> 00:30:48,320 Speaker 1: knowledge under our belt. So thanks so much for giving 720 00:30:48,360 --> 00:30:48,800 Speaker 1: us the time. 721 00:30:49,120 --> 00:30:50,800 Speaker 3: Absolutely, Sora, thanks for having me on. 722 00:30:53,160 --> 00:30:55,280 Speaker 1: Thanks again to Michelle for hanging out and making us 723 00:30:55,320 --> 00:30:57,840 Speaker 1: a whole lot smarter. We got to take another break 724 00:30:57,880 --> 00:31:01,240 Speaker 1: when we return. Can I get an aimen from the congregation? 725 00:31:09,840 --> 00:31:12,160 Speaker 1: Welcome back Slices. We love that you're listening, but we 726 00:31:12,200 --> 00:31:13,720 Speaker 1: want you to get in the game every day too, 727 00:31:13,960 --> 00:31:15,560 Speaker 1: So here's our good gameplay of the day. 728 00:31:15,960 --> 00:31:17,680 Speaker 2: Follow Michelle on social media. 729 00:31:17,880 --> 00:31:20,200 Speaker 1: We'll link to our instagram in the show notes and 730 00:31:20,320 --> 00:31:22,520 Speaker 1: check out the college softball schedule and make a plan 731 00:31:22,600 --> 00:31:25,000 Speaker 1: to watch or attend some games this season. 732 00:31:25,240 --> 00:31:26,880 Speaker 2: We'll link to that in the show notes as well. 733 00:31:27,160 --> 00:31:28,880 Speaker 1: We always love to hear from you, so hit us 734 00:31:28,920 --> 00:31:31,479 Speaker 1: up on email good game at Wondermedia network dot com 735 00:31:31,760 --> 00:31:33,880 Speaker 1: or leave us a voicemail at eight seven two two 736 00:31:33,880 --> 00:31:37,480 Speaker 1: o four fifty seventy and don't forget to subscribe, Rate 737 00:31:37,520 --> 00:31:43,640 Speaker 1: and review. It's easy watch Timberwolves chaplain Matt Moehberg Dropin' bars, 738 00:31:44,320 --> 00:31:48,600 Speaker 1: rating ten out of ten points for brutal honesty review. 739 00:31:49,120 --> 00:31:51,520 Speaker 1: We're all still reeling from the murder of nurse and 740 00:31:51,560 --> 00:31:54,160 Speaker 1: helper Alex Pretty at the hands of ice last weekend, 741 00:31:54,440 --> 00:31:57,320 Speaker 1: and the horrors that seem to await us every time 742 00:31:57,360 --> 00:31:59,640 Speaker 1: we wake up and turn on our TVs, pull out 743 00:31:59,640 --> 00:32:02,120 Speaker 1: our phone, or for far too many of us, just 744 00:32:02,160 --> 00:32:03,360 Speaker 1: walk out our front doors. 745 00:32:03,960 --> 00:32:06,080 Speaker 2: Some turn to faith in this time, and while that's 746 00:32:06,120 --> 00:32:06,760 Speaker 2: not usually. 747 00:32:06,560 --> 00:32:09,040 Speaker 1: Where I look for comfort, I did find some in 748 00:32:09,080 --> 00:32:11,440 Speaker 1: a statement put out by the co chaplain for the 749 00:32:11,560 --> 00:32:15,720 Speaker 1: mnba's Minnesota Timberwolves, pastor Matt Moburg. Now, I can't speak 750 00:32:15,760 --> 00:32:18,840 Speaker 1: for the man himself or his church, the Table MPLS, 751 00:32:19,080 --> 00:32:21,040 Speaker 1: but I did see on the church's website that they 752 00:32:21,040 --> 00:32:25,160 Speaker 1: call themselves radically inclusive, and they claim quote beyond simply 753 00:32:25,200 --> 00:32:29,720 Speaker 1: welcoming or allowing, we affirm and celebrate our LGBTQ siblings 754 00:32:29,760 --> 00:32:32,200 Speaker 1: at every level of church participation in leadership. 755 00:32:32,480 --> 00:32:34,160 Speaker 2: End quote. So that's a good start. 756 00:32:34,720 --> 00:32:37,480 Speaker 1: An article about Moburg and his college alumni magazine also 757 00:32:37,520 --> 00:32:39,840 Speaker 1: claims that during the George Floyd protests, he acted as 758 00:32:39,880 --> 00:32:42,400 Speaker 1: an ally at the protests and led a community food 759 00:32:42,440 --> 00:32:45,600 Speaker 1: formula in diaper drive. After the murder of Renee Good, 760 00:32:45,680 --> 00:32:49,200 Speaker 1: Moburg posted this, and it's even more relevant now that 761 00:32:49,240 --> 00:32:51,800 Speaker 1: Alex Pretty has been murdered as well. I'm going to 762 00:32:51,840 --> 00:32:54,040 Speaker 1: read it in full because it's worth reading in full. 763 00:32:54,680 --> 00:32:56,560 Speaker 2: Quote. If you're a. 764 00:32:56,560 --> 00:33:00,080 Speaker 1: Church posting prayers for peace and unity today while my 765 00:33:00,200 --> 00:33:03,400 Speaker 1: city bleeds in the street, miss me with that softness 766 00:33:03,400 --> 00:33:06,680 Speaker 1: you only wear when it costs you nothing. Don't dress 767 00:33:06,720 --> 00:33:11,280 Speaker 1: avoidance up as holiness. Don't call silence peace making. Don't 768 00:33:11,360 --> 00:33:14,959 Speaker 1: light a candle and think it substitutes for showing up. Tonight, 769 00:33:15,040 --> 00:33:16,880 Speaker 1: an ice agent took a photo of me next to 770 00:33:16,920 --> 00:33:19,160 Speaker 1: my car, looked me in the eye and told me 771 00:33:19,560 --> 00:33:24,239 Speaker 1: we'll be seeing you soon. Not metaphor not hyperbole, a 772 00:33:24,320 --> 00:33:27,720 Speaker 1: threat dressed up in a badge and a paycheck. Peace 773 00:33:27,800 --> 00:33:30,240 Speaker 1: isn't what you ask for when the boot is already 774 00:33:30,240 --> 00:33:33,400 Speaker 1: on someone's neck. Peace is what the powerful ask for. 775 00:33:33,440 --> 00:33:37,680 Speaker 1: When they don't want to be interrupted. Unity isn't neutral. 776 00:33:38,240 --> 00:33:41,720 Speaker 1: Unity that refuses to name violence is just loyalty to 777 00:33:41,760 --> 00:33:45,840 Speaker 1: the ones holding the weapons. Stop using scripture like chloroform. 778 00:33:46,160 --> 00:33:50,160 Speaker 1: Stop calling your fear wisdom. Stop pretending Jesus was crucified 779 00:33:50,200 --> 00:33:53,480 Speaker 1: because he preached good vibes and personal growth. You don't 780 00:33:53,480 --> 00:33:56,520 Speaker 1: get to quote scripture like a lullaby while injustice stays 781 00:33:56,560 --> 00:33:57,160 Speaker 1: wide awake. 782 00:33:57,920 --> 00:33:59,960 Speaker 2: You don't get to ask God to heal the layer. 783 00:34:00,040 --> 00:34:03,200 Speaker 1: And if you won't even look at the wound, there 784 00:34:03,280 --> 00:34:05,640 Speaker 1: is a kind of piece that only exists because it 785 00:34:05,680 --> 00:34:08,840 Speaker 1: refuses to tell the truth. That piece is a lie, 786 00:34:09,280 --> 00:34:12,799 Speaker 1: and lies don't grow anything worth saving. The scriptures you 787 00:34:12,840 --> 00:34:15,640 Speaker 1: love weren't written to keep things calm. They were written 788 00:34:15,680 --> 00:34:18,719 Speaker 1: to set things right. And sometimes the most faithful thing 789 00:34:18,760 --> 00:34:21,839 Speaker 1: you can do is stop praying around the pain and 790 00:34:21,920 --> 00:34:26,320 Speaker 1: start standing inside it. If that makes you uncomfortable, good 791 00:34:27,160 --> 00:34:32,600 Speaker 1: growth always is end quote. Piece is what the powerful 792 00:34:32,680 --> 00:34:37,240 Speaker 1: ask for when they don't want to be interrupted. Unity 793 00:34:37,320 --> 00:34:40,040 Speaker 1: that refuses to name violence is just loyalty to the 794 00:34:40,080 --> 00:34:44,919 Speaker 1: ones holding the weapons. Wow, now it's your turn, y'ell 795 00:34:45,239 --> 00:34:47,880 Speaker 1: rate and review. Thanks for listening, See you tomorrow. 796 00:34:48,239 --> 00:34:48,680 Speaker 2: Good game. 797 00:34:48,719 --> 00:34:54,760 Speaker 1: Michelle, Good Game, Pastor Moburg, Hugh Ice Again and Forever. 798 00:34:56,800 --> 00:34:59,600 Speaker 1: Good Game with Sarah Spain is an iheartwomen's sports production 799 00:34:59,680 --> 00:35:02,400 Speaker 1: in part ownership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You 800 00:35:02,440 --> 00:35:05,360 Speaker 1: can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or 801 00:35:05,400 --> 00:35:08,760 Speaker 1: wherever you get your podcasts. Production by Wonder Media Network, 802 00:35:08,960 --> 00:35:11,400 Speaker 1: our producers are Alex Azzi and Bianca Hillier. 803 00:35:11,719 --> 00:35:12,960 Speaker 2: Our executive producers are. 804 00:35:12,960 --> 00:35:16,359 Speaker 1: Christina Everett, Jesse Katz, Jenny Kaplan and Emily Rudder. Our 805 00:35:16,480 --> 00:35:19,840 Speaker 1: editors are Emily Rutterer, Lucy Jones, Britney Martinez and Gianna Palmer. 806 00:35:20,080 --> 00:35:23,440 Speaker 1: Production assistants from Avery Loftus and I'm Your Host Sarah 807 00:35:23,440 --> 00:35:23,720 Speaker 1: Spain