(We made a list. We checked it twice. From now until New Year’s Eve, we are counting down the top ten headlines of 2018. Today, we look at #8 on our list.)
8. Cat Osterman returns to the circle
Even casual softball fans took note of an announcement in early October from one of the game’s all-time greats. Three years removed from her last time pitching competitively, Cat Osterman announced that she will be mounting a comeback with the goal of participating in the 2020 Olympic Games.
Osterman retired from professional softball in 2015 and last appeared for Team USA in 2008. She was a part of the US National Team for both the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games, earning a gold and silver medal, respectively.
One of the greatest pitchers of all-time, Osterman spent her collegiate career with the Texas Longhorns and holds a number of Big 12 conference records. She also sits atop the Texas program record books in a number of statistical categories; she is one of just five pitchers to collect 100 wins; 1,000 strikeouts; an ERA under 1.00; and average double-digit strikeouts throughout her career.
During her time with Team USA, a tenure that stretched nearly a decade over the early part of this century, Osterman earned fifty-nine career victories and recorded a 0.38 ERA in international play. She collected 832 strikeouts during her time in the red, white, and blue.
Team USA included Osterman on the list of invitees to Team USA selection camp in early January, giving an immediate opportunity for the former Longhorn to again don the red, white, and blue. Osterman also currently serves as the associate head coach and pitching coach at Texas State.
Photo via Texas State Athletics
