DISQUS

bobcarp · 1 year ago

Cat, I'm so glad to hear that you aren't done yet! I did see the picture of the cleats left at home plate and the mention of your name and I was very sad. So glad it is not true. With your fire and competitiveness you have a lot of ball left and great times await you ahead. I dont think the homerun pitch in the final game is anything that could be called a mistake. The pitch was about head level and wasnt even a strike. I gotta give the girl credit for getting enough of the bat on the ball, but it is hardly anything that could have been anticipated.

Best of luck to you at DePaul and all future endeavors. The players at DePaul are very lucky to have someone like you as a coach.

Rob Carpenter
Sacramento, California

americanbulldog · 1 year ago

It's good to see that you're doing better Cat. The emotions that you showed the world were genuine and real, I can say it got me a lil choked up and big guys aren't supposed to do that. I know there's nothing that can be said to turn back time, or make the pain go away, but I can say we're still proud of you. To see an athelete with that much heart is admirable. We all know you ladies deserved the gold, but there's a saying that has always stuck with me, " the sun shines on a dogs a$$ every once in a while", roughly translated that means, some times people, teams ,companies, etc, get lucky. So even though Japan had a good team, they got LUCKY!!
Take care Cat, we'll be looking for you with DePaul =)

John Brokaw
Rancho Cordova, California

GoChris · 1 year ago

Ms. O-

You are an inspiration, whether you have a gold medal, a silver medal or no medal around your neck. You will always be a winner...

Yer pal,
Chris
Los Angeles, CA

N8Dog · 1 year ago

HI Cat,
I just wanted to let you know that my heart broke for you after that game. I know how hard you have trained, but I'm so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. I really enjoyed watching you play, and I think I have finally caught up on my sleep. I'm sorry I feel like I'm starting to ramble. I know that you said you can't respond to these comments, but If you ever can, I would really love to talk to you sometime.
Anyway, I hope that all goes well with you in the future.

Sincerely,
Nate

Brian · 1 year ago

It's so good to hear that you're doin ok. Best of luck this season with DePaul and in grad school as well. Can't wait to see you back in the circle!

;->


"The modern hero, the modern individual who dares to heed the call and seek the mansion of that presence with whom it is our whole destiny to be atoned, cannot, indeed must not, wait for her community to cast off its slough of prife, fear, rationalized avarice, and sanctified misunderstanding. "Live," Nietzsche says, "as though the day were here." It is not society that is to guide and save the creative hero, but precisely the reverse. And so every one of us shares the supreme ordeal -- carries the cross of the redeemer -- not in the bright moments of her tribe's great victories, but in the silences of her personal despair."

- Joseph Campbell

Kennedy25 · 1 year ago

Hey Cat, just so you know , you and your team did SOOOOOOOOO AMAZING in the olympics and you guys had the BEST softball team out there, and you were the BEST softball pitcher out there. you and your team are the REAL WINNERS and NO ONE deserves that gold medal besides you guys!!!=)=)=) sure you may have gotten the silver medal, but that is still so GREAT cuz you guys got the silver medal out of a million other softball teams, and any ways japan just got lucky in the olympics cuz YOU and your team were the BEST team out there and you and your team are WAY BETTER than japan and theres NO doubt about that!!!=)=)=) when i heard that those five players from Team USA were retiring, i was so sad and i was gunna miss watching them play on team USA=(, but i was still glad that you were still on the team and i would still be able to watch you play on team USA=).hey but hopefully they will put softball back into the olympics by 2016 and then you and the rest of team USA will have another chance to win the gold(which i know you guys willl) =) and hopefully i'll get to play for team USA by then cuz i'll be old enough=) that would be SOOOOOOO GREAT to play on team USA and to play on Team USA with YOU, that is like my biggest dream ever!!!=)=)=) YOU ROCK CAT #8 AND YOU ARE THE GREATEST SOFTBALL PITCHER IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE UNIVERSE AND YOU ALWAYS WILL BE, I WANT TO FOLLOW IN YOUR FOOT STEPS AND BE JUST LIKE YOU AND PITCH AS GREAT AS YOU!!!U-S-A,U-S-A,U-S-A, WOOOOOO!!!!!=)=)=)USA SOFTBALL TEAM ROCKS AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE GREATEST SOFTBALL TEAM IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE UNIVERSE,WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!=)=)=)=)=)=)=)=) YOUR #1 BIGGEST FAN IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE UNIVERSE, KENNEDY #25

bigcatfan · 1 year ago

Hi Cat
I'm not done yet!! You are damn right your not done yet. As long as that dream burns in you you will not be done yet. I cried so hard when the game was over not because you girls lost but because i knew the pain you must be going through. It's like life as you knew it is over the world has ended but like you said life does go one. I myself am very proud of you and i dream of a day when you do go for the gold and bring it home with you. Thank you for being who you are and for letting me be a fan of yours. Your forever fan Roger

Pirates7softballrules98 · 1 year ago

Cat, I'm in fifth grade and think you are the most aresomest person ever! For my birthday(which is 3 days after labor day) I am going to try to buy your replica jersey! I play pitch. machine and wear your glove and wear your wristband. I wear it to every game cause me and my best friend thinks it's bad luck if I don't. She has one too. But mine is purple and hers isn't. To each other, we say "May the prescence of Cat be with you." The whole team loves you and when I tell them , you will get double the fan mail! your the best! : )

tmadams · 1 year ago

Hi Cat,
First of all, thank you for the wonderful memories this past summer. I had the great opportunity to see a few of the Bound for Beijing games in Oklahoma City and Midland and got the chance to get a few autographs and pictures with some of my favorite Team USA players, one of them being you! I played softball all through my teens and early twenties and now I'm nearly 40 and still love and respect the game of softball. I have been sharing all of Team USA's success this summer with my coworkers and when you lost the gold medal game, I was heartbroken and felt your pain all the way back here in the US. I wish that I could have reached out and hugged each player of Team USA! You are all winners!! When softball is back in 2016, and I hope and pray that it will be, Team USA will prevail. I can see it now...Redeem Team part 2!!!!

catfan4ever · 1 year ago

Hey Cat!
I was really disappointed about the game. They should really put softball back in the 2012 olympics because I'll be be stuck watching some boring stuff in 2012. The one summer day I'll never forget was when I got to see you pitch at the Midland,Texas game. I've watched you play at UT and this must have been more upsetting than lossing in the WCWS. No matter what God never shuts a door without opening another. Everyday keep your head held up high because you never know what will happen next. Thank-you Cat for eveything you do one of these days I wanna be just like you and thank-you for giving me the best summer of my life.

YOU'RE #1 FAN
Catfan4ever

KVTER · 1 year ago

Was wondering if you were going to get on anytime soon!! i hope you can get over your disappointment. It didn't really matter if you guys won or lost...at first i thought it did but then i realize what you guys have done for the sport and for myself and inspired me to be a better person. Also cmon' what kind of set up would allow you guys to beat them twice and them only have to win once? i think we all know the better team did not prevail. anywase hope to see you next summer in Oklahoma (i believe) for the world cup! God Bless and good luck!

aic2219 · 1 year ago

I really wanted to post this on this note of yours, you probably already read it once on the previous one. I'm very to happy to hear that your handling the loss ok, I was sincerely worried about you girls because it was devastating. You put it all into perspective even more reason why your a role model. Last but not least I was pretty upset with the different media resources for using the wrong players names, such as yours when it was Tairia. However I'll leave those publications unmentioned as I wrote to the letter of the editors! Because they continuously used Vicky's picture in place of Andrea too. Anyway have a great weekend in Utah!

Hey Cat, knowing that you'll read this means the world to me! Unfortunately I didn't make it in line in time to meet you in Ohio. I was fortunate enough to get 10 of you 15 which was so surreal to me. I played softball from the age of 5 until I was about 18. I began playing all year around in '96 when I was in sixth grade also the first year Softball made its debut in the Olympics. My biggest regret in my life so far is not playing my senior year (just because of the coach). I had the love for the game and should have just sucked it up, who knew it would have come back to haunt me. I could have then maybe played in college if I had that extra year. I wish I could take it all back. I have lived through USA Softball since then and am so proud of what you ladies have recently accomplished. Being that I'm 24, now, I have you guys both younger and older than me as role models. I so wish I could play somewhere now, but there is no fastpitch in Ohio except for Akron Racers, however as I said before being that I don't have any records or stats I don't have a chance. I'm sure you get so many inspirational messages and helping hands, but if there is anything I can do to help support Back Softball Please let me know. My dreams are through you all now. Lastly you must know I had to say something about Beijing. I live in Columbus, Ohio so every game but a few were on at midnight live. I watched every game live on TV and online at the same time, as well as keeping track of all the strikeouts you three ladies earned. I stayed up till 4am waiting to see if the Canada game would come back on. I woke up early to see you ladies in those later night games you had, where it was 6 or 7 am here, which is huge because I am not a morning person at all. I stood by you all 110% those entire 21 days you were there, with my own superstitions to where my bound for beijing shirt with my own pair of softball shorts never taking off my red, white and blue bracelets and wearing proudly my Jennie Finch tattoo! ( Not to mention doing this while working three jobs) I fought through the lack of sleep easily knowing what you ladies were representing in Beijing for us! Gold, Silver or Bronze are only a color of medal, they may or may not represent 1st, 2nd or 3rd. To me ‘Gold’ is dedication, heart, role models, the best or a representation of ones entire country. Team USA Softball is definitely without a doubt Gold in my eyes, in an interview I believe it was you that said something along the lines of, you win some you lose some, but it was Japans day this time. Hopefully this does help bring softball back, it’s a hard thing to swallow that that is how the USA had to go out for now to prove a point, but I believe it will help. You all played your hearts out and you must be proud of your performance, you did awesome and just remember the entire games as a whole: 2nd Olympian to have a no hitter, which is a hard feat to the Aussies. You’re awesome Cat! I hope to meet you some day possibly next Spring at one of the NPF games if you play! I have 10 pictures with your teammates I need a few more to make it complete. Wanted to know if I send you a photo that I took at one of those Ohio games, if you would sign that and send it back to me? Thanks for reading Cat, and I wish you the best here on out and hopefully we’ll meet sometime soon!

cubbygirl · 1 year ago

I'm glad you're doing ok. That's what I've been waiting to hear. Sorry about the sinus infection. I don't expect the pain to go away any time soon but you will learn from this experience . You didn't let the team or your fans down. The offense let you down by leaving the bases loaded twice, not hitting and not giving you any run support. I know you feel like Candrea's career shouldn't end this way and I was shocked when I learned from your Aunt Michelle's blog that he was leaving.I knew your cleats weren't those at home plate as I had a good feeling as upset as you were after losing, you couldn't just walk away. Have a good safe trip to Salt Lake this weekend. You said Candrea said he still loves you after the game. So does your fans. I know it's probably not easy to smile right now but you have such a beautiful smile, Thanks for giving me some of the best days of my life this summer. Hope to see you in OKC next July as I will definitely be there and you better be there also.I'm glad our posts made you smile and feel better. Hang in there and take care of yourself. You're still the greatest
Cubbygirl

Hawkins · 1 year ago

I'm from the LA branch of IO (an improv theater across from Wrigley). If you ever wanted to come out and be a "guest monologist" for the Armando show, where they do funny scenes based off of a true monologue, let me know and I can help hook that up (no pay, just a fun night)

Chicago, best food in the world (dying for a Giordano's pie) worst weather, great cultural arts.

gofastpitch · 1 year ago

Hi cat! i am from MO i saw you play in springfield and you sighned my shirt you are awesome and my idol i am a left handed pitcher and 10 years old i wanted to go to the olympics so bad but i couldnt i got up at 5:30 to watch the gold medal game and cried the rest of the day! and reading your blog made me a little bit more i am so sorry about your loss and seriously hope they bring softball back to the olympics!

i hope one day to be an olympian just like you! good luck with depaul and the rockford thunder by!!!!!!!!!!!

bexters · 1 year ago

Cat, im glad to see that you have finally posted. I have been frequently checking your page for an update. There really isn't anything I can personally say to make you feel better about that loss. It sucked- but winning and lossing is always a team effort. You never credit yourself with a win so i hope you dont take this loss as your fault. On a better note, your loss has had no impact on how much your fans love you. When you played at Texas, those few weeks thats ESPN played the college games were among my highlights. Similarily, this summer has filled me with so much happiness watching you girls grow together. Cat, you will always be gold to me.

pitcherperfect · 1 year ago

Hi Cat! I am from San Antonio Texas, I have followed you since you were at UT. I am 10 now and have been pitching for awhile now. You, Jenny, and Monica are my heros. You are my favorite and my true idol. I am sorry for all that you are going through, I cried along with you and for you...My mom cried too. I learned from you, I am always hard on myself and get rattled when I hit a batter but you were so composed when you did...I know its ok now when I have a bad game, errors were not only yours. You are my hero, you are my teams hero, my coach say CHIN UP no matter what. Now I say to you CHIN UP NO MATTER WHAT!!! I'll be there in 2016 to reclaim our gold, beside you or you at my side coaching me on. SO get ready......
Mackenzie #27 (8 was taken)

Lena1963 · 1 year ago

I became a real fan of fast pitch softball during these Olympics, I watched all the games online. I enjoyed watching you play very much, and I hope you keep playing for a long time to come.

The Olympics are intense, I saw a lot of men and women cry over outcomes, it's what makes the games special.

AlienMr · 1 year ago

I'm sorry you cried so much. I wish more of what happened after the game was aired because I felt so disconnected afterward and had no idea what was going on. I wanted to see the medal ceremony, but after the game, NBC cut to some other sport and I really needed to sleep. I figured I could catch the encore online later, but even online, it wasn't shown in full. It would've been nice to see the video of 2016 made out of softballs on the field and the union of all the medal teams. Instead, I could only get photos online of that, the cleats and the team's emotions. I really wanted to see more of what you guys were going through. I felt jipped that after watching all these games, we were cut off from what was going on. I really felt like a part of the team, even being across the globe, so it only seemed fitting to be able to share the team's emotions. You guys may have parted ways from Beijing, but I'm sure you guys will keep in touch. I'll bet there was a lot of support going around after the game, but I know only time can heal. I know you're going to be busy with grad school and work and we're already fortunate enough that you blog, but keep us up to date! :D ...and Candrea's not the only one who still loves you. <3

catostermanfan4life · 1 year ago

keep on playing softball a loss is a loss but having a usa jersey is a victory for your fans and we will continue to support you

cdenman · 1 year ago

Cat-
Congrats on a great Olympics. Falling short of goals is difficult, and there are tons of emotions that go along with that, especially on an International stage with so much riding on the futire of softball in the Olympics. The team played great, and it's easy to pass along little lines like "it just wasn't your day" but it is still difficult to deal with. Keep playing, keep dreaming, and keep your head up. You're awesome and I enjoyed getting to watch you play.

btiell · 1 year ago

Cat,

It was great being in Beijing and hanging out wtih Craig, Michelle, Liz, and the rest of the crazy Osterman/Kellen crew. Kimmy and I started watching the gold medal game on NBC when we returned to Ohio (still jet lagged). Kim went to school and I had to watch the rest of it live on the internet during faculty workshops. Little did our administration know I was on the internet and emailing your aunt who returned messages via her blackberry while she was in the stands recovering with everyone else from the shock. (Great post-game pics at the USA house.)

Kimmy and I have attended 10-12 games in the past 2 Olympics....(we won't know what to do without our Olympic softball fix in London!). One of our Olympic highlights has to be witnessing what seemed to be a private showing of USA Softball vs. Canada when the announcers/volunteers cleared the stands. Wow. That was smart! Anyway, I look forward to catching up to you and your family in Chicago soon. Way to represent!

~Dr. (Bonnie) Tiell

lovethegame · 1 year ago

Cat,
I know how disappointed I am FOR the team...I'm sure it only pales in comparison what you all must feel..Glad to hear you haven't hung up your cleats...the youth of American softball need positive role models like you and your USA teammates...

wb87040 · 1 year ago

Hi Cat,
I am native american and from NM. I have enjoyed watching softball for years. I have watched you when you played for the Texas Longhorns and then onto the national teams. I am an olympic "die hard" fan. I watched all the games the US softball team played (no matter what time they were shown). I think you ladies are the best at what you do and you should hold your heads up. I know you feel a gold medal would've been better but it just wasn't meant to be. I hope and pray that the IOC will reinstate softball and the 2016 olympics. I know you will be a little older at that time but keep doing what your doing Cat and you'll probably be the next Lisa Fernandez on the plate for the american team. Good Luck with your schooling and coaching. I look forward to seeing you with your DePaul team at the college world series next spring.

morghan99 · 1 year ago

my daughter was crying with you, she is nine years old and just got through pitching in the state finals in Monroe Louisiana. She lost in the finals and i think it all came back to her. She thinks you are great so keep your head up and stand tall.

cjwahwahsuck · 1 year ago

Hey Cat-

Saw you play in Topeka Ks! Was awsome- Just wanted to say You guys are still number 1 in the world- 1 loss doesnt mean anything! I watched the KFC Tour and ya'll only loss 1 game there - and in prior years how many have ya'll Lost? Right - so keep your head up and playing for those of us who can't.

akolbus1 · 1 year ago

Hi Cat,

Just wanted you to know my daughter and I are very proud of you and admire you very much. I couldn't believe it either when I heard Japan had won but you should still be proud of your accomplishments nonetheless.

We got to see you in Midland, MI in June this year and on my desk at work I have a picture of you and my daughter Sophia together from after that game. It is a picture both she and I will treasure for a long time to come.

Best of luck to you with grad school and coaching at DePaul. They're very lucky to have you!

kdag04 · 1 year ago

You have made us all proud. I went to A&M, so I don't root for many Longhorns, but you are the exception! Thanks for making all Texans proud.

grandmere · 1 year ago

Cat!
So many of us share your heartbreak and disappointment, but know you will come through this stronger and with your beautiful spirit intact. You are a lovely young woman, and a role model for so many little girls; that is an accomplishment of which you can be so proud.

My granddaughter lives in Austin, and it was she who first told me about you. She played on a team in Marietta Georgia which won the State Championship her senior year, and she now coaches a team of little girls in Austin. I think they are called The Bats, appropriately enough for Austin! She also rides in some of Lance Armstrong's charity rides, as well as playing on one or two recreational teams.

While the sad memories will eventually fade for you, the happy ones will remain, of the friends you made, and the knowledge of how much joy and inspiration you have brought to so many! I will treasure the memory of your frown when you concentrate on your pitch, the signals your fingers send to your teammates, but most of all, your radiant smile; truly beautiful.

From an 83 year old grandmother, who has just three sports idols, Tiger, Cat, and my granddaughter KRob. THE CAT is in good company!

jheise12 · 1 year ago

Cat,
I am sorry to hear that you cried that much. I wish there was something I could do to take this pain/ sick feel away and if I could I would. However, it is good to hear your going to continue to play. Being so close to Rockford i will have to come watch some of your Rockford Thunder games. Being at college I know you are going to be busy with school. However, the fact that you are real smart means you won't have any trouble (unlike me who for some reason took 22 credits this semsiter only god know why). You have to be one brave person to talk to the media after a loss I don't know how you did it, but I couldn't have done it. Coaching sounds like that is going to be fun. We are proud of you. You are the best pitcher ever and don't ever forget that. Good luck.

darose · 1 year ago

Hang in there, Cat. You guys have NOTHING to be ashamed of ... and a lot to be proud of! And the whole country is proud of you. Credit to Ueno - she pitched an unbelievably grueling and amazing day (I'd like to see some pampered MLB pitcher do that! :-) and you guys definitely made her work her butt off to earn that win and that medal.

You guys gave it your all, and you did great. Sleep easy knowing that you guys were great representatives of your country and your sport. You guys created a lot of new softball fans this year, and in the long run that's probably far more important than the color of your medal.

An NYC fan.

fastpitch_lover11 · 1 year ago

Cat,
I agree with "darose" you guys have nothing to be ashamed of. And as far as you guys got I'm sure theres about a thousand other 12 year-old girls like me that pitch there butts off every afternoon because they wanna be where you guys are. We all feel your pain. Even my history teacher stopped class last week to talk about how good you guys did. But hang in there and keep going always!

-sarah #11

marine56 · 1 year ago

Cat, I have been watching you pitch for a long time, at Texas and the U
SA team, and you can always hold your head high. You come from a wonderful family and you have been blessed. You will be back in 2016. You will be successful in anything you do. I was proud that you represented the USA and your team mates. you did wonderful. take care and God Bless You.

Mrbaseball · 1 year ago

Still the best pitcher out there, good luck in coaching and keep that rise ball flying, even a loss like that cant keep you down.

dnpryor · 1 year ago

OHHH Thank God you're not done. Damn the internet!! :o)

Good luck with your coaching - looks like KU will have to look out for you in the coaching circuit as opposed to just getting rocked by you in the circle. Best wishes to you and yours, especially in school, because as a 9th year senior, I know of all the distractions you'll face.

Take care Cat and enormous amounts of love and respect to you!
-Dustin

LOsterman · 1 year ago

Hey Cat!

Given that you are from Texas, I might even be related to you in some way!

I am so proud of of what you did!!

You and your team represented the United States of America well!

Go for London in 2012!

We might even go!!!

You are definitely an Osterman, we shoot for the moon, land amongst the stars and never settle for less than our best!

You also wear my lucky number!

I was born in the 8th month on the 8th day in the 8th hour.

As far as I am concened, the #8 rocks!

Re: The silver medal

A wise woman one told me that she believes God answers prayers in three ways: Yes, Not yet or I have something better in mind for you.

Hang in there for the "Not Yet or I have something better in mind for you part :)

Go for it in 2012!!

Peace, Prosperity, Love and Prayers

Sincerely,

Laura Ann Osterman
Founder and President
Heaven's Miraculous Angelic Giving Inspirational Child, Inc.
1497 W Bridalveil Place
Oro Valley, AZ 85737

www.heavensmagic.org

P.S. I play softball occasionally with my students.

Who knows maybe there is a future Cat out there? :)

If you want to send anything to inspire the kids, I left you my contact info. :)

DRDR · 1 year ago

Hang in there Cat. Everyone who has followed this team knows the dedication and success of you and your teammates. One loss cost you a gold medal, but it cannot take away all the joy and inspiration you brought to your fans along the way. Understand that the shameful media members who claimed the inevitability of each of your victories do not speak for your fans, who know the hard work that went into every pitch, every throw, every catch, and every at bat. Your team maintained the Olympic ideal, far better than IOC head Jacques Rogge, who repeated on NBC that absurd sentiment, "There is a silver lining to every cloud, and the fact the Japan has beat the United States might help the future of softball." His words are despicable, and he far more than you should be leaving the Olympics with regrets for his performance. The IOC delegates who would be swayed by one gold medal result are those who were too ignorant to recognize the amazing accomplishments of USA softball over the years against its formidable rivals -- accomplishments well-known and celebrated by all of your fans. It is no silver lining that your loss might persuade ignorant delegates who already proved themselves unworthy of their offices by voting softball out of London 2012 without knowing the most basic facts about the sport. I will never forget that despite all your suffering from all these media members and IOC delegates who failed the Olympics in their duties, you and your teammates served the Olympic ideal so admirably. I know your unflappable work ethic will serve you well outside the circle as both a graduate student and as a coach, and I look forward to hearing from you about all of your great achievements going forward.

Brian · 1 year ago

such proper sentiments couldn't possibly be more adequately expressed.

;->

volunteer · 1 year ago

Losing gold medal isn't terrible , but losing heart is .
support you !

jewlz · 1 year ago

Buenos Dias Senorita Bonita ! (okay that was your spanish lesson for the day)

Well Cat I'm not going to tell you not to be so hard on yourself, because i know you still will be. I don't play softball at your level but i still play... but i am almost positive we both love the sport the same. So i know what it feels like to loose a game you soooooo much wanted.

My little advise.. well i believe there is always a right and a wrong, a left and a right, a si' and a no (spanish lesson # 2 ..lol) but when you've done what you feel was your best and things still turn out the way they do.. then i believe there is reason behind it. Maybe we really don't understand it and might not see it... but with time we will.

You are an amazing pitcher ! i would of loved to have caught for you. (yes i am a catcher) Keep your head held up high Cat...all of us love you, yes the medals are great and all .. but we love you for you.

Take care !

Spring, TX

cubbygirl · 1 year ago

I've got to ask. What' do all those motions mean that you go through with your hands before you throw that first pitch of the inning?I love watching you do all of that. I can't tell you how many times I watched the replay of the gold medal game waiting for you to come back and talk to us. and every time I watched it I cried It wasn't because you lost that I cried it was because I knew how much this meant to you and seeing you so upset made me upset also.I know it will take time for this pain to go away and even though you can't personally communicate with me right now, I'm here for you. now and I always will be.
Cubbygirl

beka_b · 1 year ago

Cat,
Your so rad! Being an athlete of your caliber you will hold this burden on your shoulders til' your 80! Its what you do as an elite athlete and it hurts everyday. You are your hardest critic for sure, you know no matter what you cant go back and I'm sure everytime you replay it in your head or watch it you see only yourself, that feeling is going to take a lot of TIME to overcome. It will definitely be an emotional battle within yourself, that only you can understand. Ah, the road to self discovery is a long and emotional rollercoaster but this will make you that much stronger, mentally and emotionally. Gold, Silver, or Bronze you played on sports biggest stage for the U.S. of A and did an amazing job and in the real world thats all that matters. I know in Cat's world its not good enough but since I live in the real world I get the last word!LOL:) Tonight is going to be a fun night for us girls we get to hang out with your teammate Kelly K. I hope that you have a wonderful weekend and be safe!

justpitch · 1 year ago

cat,

i need you to know that you inspire my daughter, thank you. she is 12 and dilligently does her work. she cried too. i don't know if she cried cause we lost or because you were crying. maybe a little of both. we both thought that it took a lot of guts for you to do the interview after the game. you always carry yourself with poise and grace. my daughter is not going to win every game either. in the darkest hour of your olympic experience, you are still teaching my daughter how to lose graciously. you are a super role model. we are proud to have you represent us in the olympics. thanks.

justpitch

soonerfan83 · 1 year ago

Hi cat! Just wanted to say that you guys we're awesome! I'm glad that your going to continue with softball. You are such an inspiration to all the girls who play softball that want to pitch like. You guys did the best you could and no one can take those cherished memories you have with your teammates on the USA team at the Olympics! Good luck to you at Depaul and Grad School!

Your fan,
Gina Mcgirt

xxHalixx · 1 year ago

Cat

i dont care if you pitch the worst game of your life or the best..your still always going to be my favorite and nothings going to change that..keep doing what you do cause your awesome..

hali

USA · 1 year ago

Hey Cat,

I think you are going to make an awesome coach. I think you guys are the best team in the Olympics. But like you said, you can't win all the time. But I think that you are the BEST PICHER IN THE WORLD!!!!!!

fastpitch_lover11 · 1 year ago

Cat,
hang in ther, i'm 12 and if i were in your position i wouldnt quit bawling for the next week trust me i understand... keep going and hang in ther 4 2012 and as for what you said about mike candrea it is true your coach wanted you guys to win but i dont think that after all you guys have given him, pouring you guys heart and souls into this game and going 4 the gold as hard as you guys did...... he has NOTHING to be ashamed of and neither do you! and if i were in his position i would be the proudest coach in the world!!!! hang in ther and keep going always... NEVER give up.

-sarah gilbert #11

DavidBeane · 1 year ago

Cat, my 10 year-old daughter and I met you in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, back in May as part of the "Bound for Beijing" tour. You are one of the reasons my daughter has taken softball to heart. She started playing as a 9 year-old, watches your instructional DVD often and works hard on developing her windmill mechanics. We have been following your career with interest for the past couple of years and never miss an opportunity to watch you and the national team compete. Having coached 10U girls softball for two years, following on the heels of 8 years coaching Little League baseball for my sons, I am now a dedicated convert to the sport of girl's softball. Although my daughter was unable to watch most of Team USA's Olympic games (12 mid-night start time for most of the games), I watched them all and was sleep deprived in the office during the period of time you were competing in Beijing. My daughter did have an opportunity to watch the gold medal game and of course was saddened by the loss, but she said to me that Cat tried her best. I hope you can take solace that one little girl (and her father) know that you gave it your all. We are very proud of your accomplishments and know that you will be back in the circle again soon inspiring the next generation young girls who aspire to follow your lead. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors.

David Beane
Reading, Pennsylvania

8_fan · 1 year ago

Dear cat,
honestly i dont care what the ending score was. whether you win or lose i still belive in you and think you are the best pitcher in the world and no one can change my mind about that, not jennie, or monica, but you! you pitched an awesome game and you must know that..so, you wish you can take away at least 2 pitches? well, we all do, even me!!! they got 2 hits. it happens. what are you going to do?
If i was your coach, i would be so proud of you. i am glad you did not put your cleats up there, like the other girl did . That takes a lot of courage and strength.
I just want to let you know that you are the reason i get out on the rubber everyday and practice. you are the reason i do my exorcizes every night because you inspire me and when i get older i am going to be just like you .
do you remember when you were in the bound for bejjing tour in ft.lauderdale. i was the girl that was speachless and you gave me the red sweat band that had a number 8 on it. by the way i am so greatfull for that...thanks!
i know the olympics will be back iin 2016 and guess what... i WILL be in it. because i look at your picture everyday and it pushes me more and more! you help me so much ! so, thank you.
love , your truly biggest fan,

lexie

Strout · 1 year ago

Ms. Osterman:

Welcome Home I can only imagine the jet lag you must be going thru.

I just wanted to write you a little note to say thank you for all of the sacrifices you and your family have had to endure in order to represent USA Softball.

I will confess that I have never really followed Women Softball until the Olympics in 2004. This year I got up at some crazy hour to watch you ladies play. I thought to myself, I wonder if that cutie left handed pitcher is playing this year; the next inning came and there you were with your trademark intimidating intense expression on your face & that confident swagger that makes you Cat, letting us know that we are watching greatness. The expression on your face when you point to the catcher after a strike out, that's the best.

There is no statement that can describe taking Softball & Baseball out of 2012 !! Greatness comes at a price, unfortunately for you ladies this is the politics of being a champion; if they don't think they can stop you, the only other thing they can do is take it away from you.

I wish there is something that could be said or done to take away yours and the rest of the teams pain & disappointment. It hurts, that's how you know you love what you do because sometimes it breaks your heart; you know being an athlete that pain is the motivation that keeps your drive & determination going. Keep your head up; it might seem far away, there is another Gold Medal still out there with your name on it.

In case you actual do read this: I noticed the types of books you read. Two books I would highly recommend you read when you get a chance are "The Art of War" & "The Ten Commandments for Business Failure". These books will not only help you with your mindset for softball, but they will also help you in building the Cat Osterman Softball business empire. Since Cat is not only your nickname but also your business name and brand name with all your endorsements, I hope for your sake your business advisors got the name Cat Osterman trademarked.

You are a class act, a great role model in a world where few are left, a great ambassador for the USA & women's softball, and you're one great pitcher. Keep flashing your million dollar smile. Your boyfriend is a lucky man. Cat Osterman: aka: The Texas Assassin, aka: The Sexy Lefty.

Good luck to you in all your future endeavors.

Melissa44 · 1 year ago

Cat,

u guys had an awsome year in the olympics and u couldnt hav done better! Yea it stinks a lot tht u didnt win the gold, but think on the bright side! Now tht the japanese won it makes the olympic ppl relize tht another softballl team can beat u guys and put softball bac in the olympics as a more comptitve sport!! Its fine tht u won the silver u guys still had an awsome year and no one can change tht! it was just one game, just lik all the other games, u were awsome when u pitched! i could keep my eyes off of the TV! Monica did great to! kudos to her she did great! u guys r awsome and i cnt wait to see u ever play again!

U ROCK!!!!

ur bggest fan
melissa44 ( now 10)

trossman · 1 year ago

Cat, I want to tell you that no matter the outcome of that game, you made a difference in the life of my daughter. She is 10 and an aspiring pitcher. We watched every game of the Olympics together and cheered you all the way. She and I both learned many softball lessons and strategies because of your dedication, motivation,and talent. Thank you so much for caring so much and setting a great example for my daughter and all the other young girls who watch and love to play.

speedracer12 · 1 year ago

Cat,
Glad to hear that you're back. Sorry to hear about the sinus infection though. I hate those things!
You played your heart out and that's all anyone can ask. I'm not going to say that I know how you feel because I don't. No one does until they take a walk in your shoes. I just want you to know that you did amazing.
I'm glad that you're not done yet. You are an inspiration to a lot of people including myself. Hopefully one of these days I will get to watch you play in person instead of on tv.
Hope you feel better soon,
Speed Racer 12
P.S. I knew that wasn't you in the picture! =)

grandmere · 1 year ago

I know you don't answer these personally, but maybe you will write another blog, telling us if you expect to be on the show Oprah is doing with 150 of our athletes from the Olympics. You KNOW we will all be watching!

Warmest regards from Grandmere

Turner · 1 year ago

I am so sorry Cat. I was really hoping you would pull that game out. But im glad to see that your recovering good. It would have taken me a lot longer. Im still getting over the state championship over a month ago. I couldnt do the Olympics. But its good to hear from you. I will always be your fan forever. We all love you Cat.

Turner #8

nicole2016usamom · 1 year ago

Cat - We brought our daughter Nicole age 11 to see you when you guys played in Knoxville and in Salem. She wanted so badly to see you pitch and she got that wish in Salem (it was worth the drive from Knoxville). Nicole was able to get you to sign the picture of the two of you we took in Knoxville (boy was that line CRAZY). She tried out for the middle school team and made it as a 6th grader. She has only played softball for 2 years but she started out pitching right off because that is what I did in college (I was no where near your level of course). I worried she only wanted to pitch because I did, but I can honestly say that she LOVES it. Now I would like to tell you about the trouble we are having as a family right now so you will see how much you truly touch little girls lives and even help some through tough times! I had to miss her middle school tryouts on Aug 12th because I am a teacher and we were having parent night. I got there for the end and she was crying when she came off the field because she didn't think she did well enough to make the team. Her dad decided to tell her right after tryouts (in a parking lot) that he had moved out and that we were getting a divorce. Then she was crying for a totally different reason. Nicole goes to my old pitching coach in Chattanooga (I drive down there once a week and have for almost 2 years now) and he told me that he thought she would either end up quitting for a while because she couldn't deal with everything or she would throw herself into softball and get better even faster. We have a life size cut out of you in the basement (she wrote to you about that on one of your other blog postings) and she just stares at it when we go down in the basement to pitch. She gets a determined look on her face when she looks at the cut out of you. She told me that she HAS to work even harder because she can't let you down since she told you that she was going to be on the 2016 USA team when we saw you in Salem. You probably don't remember but she gave you a collage of pictures from the Knoxville game and she told you her dream when she gave it to you. I really believe that you are one of the reasons that Nicole has been able to put her frustration of her dad moving out into pitching instead of something destructive. Cat, I know that it hurts right now that you didn't win the gold but just know that to my little girl you are the gold in her life and you are helping her (and me) get through the worst of times!!! We love you Cat as do so many others because you are such a wonderful role model for our children!!! I KNOW how tough it is to lose but your coach is right - there are tougher things and just know that YOU are helping a very special little girl get through one of those tougher things!!!

silversalmon · 1 year ago

Reading what you wrote brought tears to my eyes, and I am a guy:) hugs all around. Again, being in the Air Force and deployed, away from my family you are a true inspiration to the USA and make me proud to serve this country, and please make sure you inspire those that wish to follow in your foot steps for I am sure that softball will be brought back to the olympics and you are a wonderful role model, thank you Cat for teaching the youth the true meaning of sportsmanship

dawnlopez69 · 1 year ago

Hi, I wanted to say that you guys are great. You took the pride of the whole USA and made us very proud. For people like me that never made it to the olympics, we lived the dream through you and the team. No one likes to lose but you are still an inspiration to me and others like me. I love the team and am very proud that you ladies played every game, always giving more than 100% of yourselves for us. I want to thank you and the team for representing us so well.

babyhuey · 1 year ago

Hey #8! What is up? Good luck at DePaul! I know DePaul is primarily a basketball school, how will you cope with that? I hope it (softball) won't be put on the back burning like some many other programs. Will you be on the recruiting trail? I'm sure with your name alone will bring in some strong blue chippers. Well gotto go #8! Keep pitching, and don't let anyone or anything anchor you down.

homerm2 · 1 year ago

hi cat, I went to one of your games. I think you are awsome. I want to be just like you when I grow up. I am a picher now. You are my rolemodle. Your the best keep it up.

jvctc4 · 1 year ago

thank you for sharing with us, who live your dreams vicariously through your actions and your blogs, we follow you, and win or lose, nothing changes in our esteem, because the best team does not always win, but you are #8 in our hearts, and your pioneering place in woman's softball is historic and will forever be remembered, like the legend that you are! What other sport can you pay $5, sit right on the field, and watch a legend in action, the best there is, not playing for money, but for the love of the game?! Thank you!!

aec12 · 1 year ago

Thank you for everything you have done for our sport. You are a tremendous athlete and a great role model to everyone. I wish I could help ease the pain, but I know no words can take away the feelings you have. Watching the heartbreak on all of your faces tore me up. You guys are truely the best in the world no matter what medal you brought home. They scored two more runs that day, but the dynasty you built, all you have done for the sport, and the people you have inspired put you on top. As a little girl, all I wanted to do was play for team USA. I will be ending my softball career this year after my second year in junior college, but I will always wear red, white and blue in my heart. Thank you for everything you have done for this great game. Good luck with your coaching career at DePaul and in the circle for Rockford.

wave · 1 year ago

Miss Osterman,

I am a chef from Indiana who started watching your career when you were a freshman. How I love watching your ball movement! Ive seen your joy and your sorrow, and they both bring me to tears. Seeing you following this last loss was heartbreaking. I had snot on my face, my shirt drenched in tears... maybe it was the other way around. I think I truly lost my mind. I was unconsolable. From a man still roiling from all that is wrong with sport and sportsmanship, I wanted to tell you something: I couldnt have been more proud of you.

Youve brought great honor to women, to yourself and your teammates, to your country, to softball, to the competitive spirit and to all of sport. I've delighted in watching every nationally televised game you've ever played. I couldnt be more blessed every time you step into the circle. You are my hero. I share your disappointment, but remain thrilled by your every effort. Theres no one in the world I would rather watch spin a ball, I just wasnt prepared to ever again see you in tears. I will leave you to catch up on the rest of your messages. Now if youll excuse me, this shirt is getting disgusting!

I wish you peace, love, and joy for all the rest of your days... and as many games as your heart desires. Thank you, Miss Osterman!

~~ wave

uncascrooge · 1 year ago

You know something...this may never ease your disappointment but someday, when your are sitting at home and your grandkids are out there playing softball and asking their grandmother to throw for them, you will see just how much you have influenced and helped thousands, if not, tens of thousands, of young girls and young women and helped them have the internal strength and self-estreem that they deserve.

There are so many negative popular role-models out there. You should be so very happy that you are a popular positive role-model who show young women that hard work pays off and that sometimes you will be disappointed but life goes on and so do you.

Congrats Cat. Just know you really have made you family, friends, hometown, schools, college, state and nation proud of you.

Keep smilin' and cookin'
Scrooge

spferg · 1 year ago

I am a mother to a little girl who is 9..she loves softball and just made a "travel team" in our area.. The example you have set on the field will remain always and will influence many generations to come..remember WHEN softball gets back in the Olympics.. we will need players to send and they need role models to follow.. Keep the faith..

cats_bigest_fan_maggie · 1 year ago

cat u r amazing and i hope u have some fun time off and i wish u could meet me one day so i guess this is a good ending to a good year.
ur biggest fan eve and always will be
maggie smith

wj33 · 1 year ago

Hey Cat, I just wanted to say that i sorta know how ur feeling right now after falling to Japan in the olymipics. I had a similar experience not too long ago in June. My highschool softball team made it too the state tournament. We had an awesome team 2 really great pitchers and it seemed like we had everything going for us. We did great the first day and then the second day lost to a team but we were ok cause we still were not out yet. So we had to play tuff teams all day but we some how made it to the championship game. It was a tight game and it came down in the 7th inning and it was tied. The girl from the other team hit a homerun and made the score 6 to 5. So we had one more chance but unfortuantly we could not score and when they got the last out and our team just stood there in shock because it was like that was supposed to be us not them. It was one of the worst feelings in my life. I felt so lost. So i know how it must have felt when Japan made that last out to win.
I was actually watching the game at home. I felt so sorry for you and your team. It also brought back alot of memories to me.
Well sorry i may have bored you with my story. But your my favorite athlete out of everyone else. I would love to meet you someday. Thats like one of my life long goals is to meet Cat Osterman. So if you read this thanks for taking the time to listen to me.

khook · 1 year ago

hey cat i just wanted to let you know what an inspiration you are to me as well as my little sister. Youre pitching is phenominal as well as your composure on the mound. For my sixteenth birthday i was lucky enough to snag tickets to the 2006 wcws and i got to cheer on the burnt orange and witness youre last games as a longhorn. by the way that was my best bday present ever. but i continued to follow you and usa softball and somehow you motivated me to stay up late til the early morning to watch all of your olympic games. My little sister even sacraficed sleep and for a 12 year old thats rare lol...but all i want you to know is that watching those games together with my sister was the most time id spent with her all summer. We bonded by watching you represent our country with pride and dignity. And now that im off in college seperated from my family i will cherish the time i got to spend with my little sister and i owe it all to you for going out there and playing ball...no matter the outcomes are of any game that time spent with my sis will always be rememebered and i just wanted to say thanks....keep your head up so you can see the good you have helped create and good luck with all you do...p.s hook'em horns

webb151 · 1 year ago

I'm glad you are not done playing. I was a little worried because someone said you were retiring with the others. I hope you are on the 2016 Softball Redeem Team in Chicago. How cool would that be?

Kenyatta24 · 1 year ago

Hello Cat,
Like everyone else, I think your fantastic. I noticed you lived in Chicago. Also that you'll be coaching at Depaul soon. I too live in Chicago and I think your gourgeous.
OK OK !! Stop laughing. I would love to meet you. Contact me if you dont think I'm insane.

Take Care

Marsalis Polk

wburgcanchaser · 1 year ago

Cat, I just wanted to say thank you to you and your team mates for being so kind to my daughter, Phoebe and my granddaughter's Cassidy and Caiti this weekend. It was an experience they will never forget and your hands on learning and teaching was invaluable. I wish I could have been there to see Cassidy and even more Phoebe be in the box up against you. It was a thrill for her and thanks for the pictures after. Kudos to you for being a remarkable athelete and human being! Phoebe's Mom Mrs. B

kAtie95 · 1 year ago

I wish you could anwser this 4 me, but if you can't I understand. Will there still be a team USA without being in the Olympics? I cried 2 about the game and stared at the blank screen for 20 mins, before realizing why i was still there. I don't regret waking up at 5:30 to watch the game though.

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!2016!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Katie

cubbygirl · 1 year ago

Means Cat can't answer you I will. Yes there will still be a Team USA without softball being in the Olympics because they still have the World Cup and Pan Am games. It's also my understanding that Cat still plans on playing for Team USA.

solshine7 · 1 year ago

You still rock! But I can only imagine how much it hurt. Wishing you all the best!

-Karen

www.ThinkVirtue.com

chokestar · 1 year ago

even though you didnt get the job done in beijing or in the ncaa we still have faith in you 8!! it takes time to be an ace. keep working hard.

pitchergirl28 · 1 year ago

Cat,
I am really happy to have someone like you to look up to. You are such a positive role model for girls like me. I hope you make the Jennie Finch camp in Williamsport, PA. I am attending the camp and would really like to get to work with you. (you should have the Cat Osterman Camp.lol...)I know there will be a few of the Olympic teammates there. Just not sure who! Keep up the great pitching!
Mal

Chels13 · 1 year ago

Hey Cat I know that it was hard to go that. I was sitting on the couch watching the game and I started to cry with you all. Im sorry but as my favorite song says Keep Your Head Up. Things will turn out the way they are supposed to You're still an amazing and my favorite player!

breaker333 · 1 year ago

cat,..... i'm glad coach candrea has the team back in the usa where you belong, and somewhat back to normal... i read jennie's blog also, and what the team endured was very tough, but it'll pass... the NPF missed the players that were gone this past season.. it definitly affected the teams that made it to kimberly for the championship games.. we missed you out in the circle at sunset park... attendence was down this year, but hopefully with the olympic players back on their respective teams next season, we'll have a huge crowd waiting for you all.. erica beach kept us rockin' at the park and tanners again this year.. the bandits had a great hittin' team, and lindsay gardner from the thunder taking the battle of the bats was great... beat out oly by 1 home run.. good luck with Depaul this season and we'll see you in kimberly next august... your friend in softball, johnny b.

smberryhill · 1 year ago

Cat my name is Simone I am 10 yrs old. I just wanted to let you know you are the best. I am a pitcher also and I do everything I can to be just like you. In 2016 I will 19 yrs old and I would love to be there with you as our coach. Revenge would be sweet. Good luck in all you do and remember - we all love you - God Bless.

Kennedy25 · 1 year ago

Hey Cat, i just got back home from Touson,Arizona. i went to go play in a softball tournement up there with my softball traveling team and we did great, we got 3rd place=) it was really fun and i pitched, i pitched in like all of the games we played in and i almost had a shut out game, it was GREAT!!!!=)=)=) im just glad to be back home so i could use my laptop and write to you. Cat you are the BEST softball pitcher in the WHOLE ENTIRE UNIVERSE and you always will be. one day i want to be just like you and be a great pitcher just like you. hopefully they put softballl back into the olympics by 2016 and hopefully your still gunna play on Team USA by then cuz i'll be old enough to play on Team USA. to play on Team USA is like my dream and to play on Team USA with you is like my biggest dream ever. you are the greatest and i want to be just like you. YOU ROCK CAT #8 AND YOU WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST SOFTBALL PITCHER IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE UNIVERSE=)=)=). USA SOFTBALL TEAM ROCKS AND WILL ALWAYS BE THE BEST SOFTBALL TEAM IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE UNIVERSE!!!!!!=)=)=) U-S-A , U-S-A, U-S-A,WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!=)=)=)=) YOUR #1 BIGGEST FAN IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE UNIVERSE, KENNEDY #25

8fan · 1 year ago

Hey Cat glad to have you home and promising to still play....i saw the picture in usa today naming you as the person placing her cleats on home plate and i thought "thats not her" but the caption says it is so i wonder who was it?....well i dont want to lose anyone from this team to retirement or anywhere else....i am very proud to be a supporter of you and a supporter of the USA team! since joining the sport as a fan some years ago i have friends and co workers watching the sport ( i supply them with schedules).....thank you so much for being there and playing as hard as you do! as soon as you come in my area to play or be at a show i will be there to get my #8 shirt signed....and remember
you are the best!
your biggest fan in sharon pa

billmountain · 1 year ago

Cat - you and the ENTIRE team have made America proud. Walk tall with your head held high, NONE of you have anything to be ashamed of. You win some, you lose some but every single one of you ladies are something special. Individually and collectively. From one American to you all: THANK YOU...job well done!!!

CatTEAMUSA · 1 year ago

Yeah what you said

BearDown928 · 1 year ago

Hi Cat

I was hoping you and Team USA would bring home the gold. Honestly, that's the only event I cared to watch. I'm proud of your efforts and wish you the best. In my heart you and Team USA are gold medal winners. Your achievements are absolutely outstanding!!!! It's almost hard to believe your stats. You are truly a talented, gifted, & beautiful woman. I would love to have the chance to meet you in person someday. Take care #8

aus10xr7 · 1 year ago

No matter what your country still loves you. And I know you made my 8 year old daughters life so far. She has been practicing everyday since your game at Akron. She is also a left hander. She wants to be just like you and hopes to meet you again someday. Thank You for being a positive role model for her. Hope to see you again.

steelers7 · 1 year ago

Cat -you are stil the best! Good luck coaching and completing your degree. If you are still having trouble with the sinus infection, I would try some olive leaf extract and probiotics myself. Good Luck in your professional career. I would like to get you to NW Ohio for an autograph session.

softballgirl2 · 1 year ago

Hey Cat!! Youre still awesome!!!! Dont think of losing the game as not getting the gold medal; think of it as getting a silver medal!! Best of luck to you with your coaching and playing in the NPF!! (Although you dont need luck because you have skill) I went to the Bound 4 Beijing game when u did awesome against Robert Morris University in Washington, PA. I got Jennie's autograph but not yours, but that doesnt mean I dont like Jennie more than you, I wanted to go in both lines, but I couldnt. And dont worry we'll get softball back for the Olympics!!!!!! I have a question for u about pitching. I know you dont reply to the comments but you do read them so can you please answer this in your next blog? When you are doing the L and your arm is up should you be facing the back of your hand? Thanks!

USA · 1 year ago

Hey Cat, you and the team were awesome! You are the best pichter in the WHOLE WORLD=)=)=)I hope to meet you one day. Your biggest fan Vika

marine56 · 1 year ago

Cat, I have watched you play softball for a long time, when pitching for Texas and on with the USA Team, and you are outstanding. But most inportantly you are a super person, thank you for an outstanding performance in Beijing, gold or silver you are the best. Good luck in your coaching and schooling. I hope to see you in Chicago in 2016. Larry Rock

Kennedy25 · 1 year ago

Hey Cat, wats up=), im about to go to softball practice with my softball traveling team in a little bit so i wanted to write to you. you are the BEST softball pitcher in the whole entire universe and you always will be=) i was just SOOOOOO GLAD that i got to see you play in the 2008 beijing olympics, you pitched SOOOO AMAZING and you were the BEST softball pitcher out there=). hopefully i'll be able to play on the USA softball team with you in the 2016 olympics, that would be sooo great. i mean to play on Team USA is so great but to play on Team USA with you would be the GREATEST thing in the whole entire universe!!!=)=)=) i hope to be just like you and pitch as great as you and just be a great softball olympian just like you. your the grestest softball pitcher ever and you are my role model and i look up to you, your the GREATEST. YOU ROCK CAT #8 AND TEAM USA ROCKS!!!=)=)=) U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A, WOOOOOOOOOO=)=)=) YOUR #1 BIGGEST FAN IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE UNIVERSE, KENNEDY #25

cubbygirl · 1 year ago

It seems that you had a good time at the clinic in Utah. I think it was a good thing you went. I was initially a little concerned about you going, but you appear to be doing ok now. I 'm sure not all the pain and emotions has gone away but like you said in the article it gave you a chance to give back to the softball community which has given so much to you and those little girls idolize you regardless of what you do. . Have you been back to your office yet? Have you started classes yet? Keep smiling and take care and remember your real fans will always be there for you no matter what.
Cubbygirl

softballdiva16 · 1 year ago

hey cat, i hope you feel better and if the olympics ever come back i will play hard for you. You have taught me that you cant win everything even when your that good. You have always been my idol and you still are and will always be. When i watch you pitch you make me want to be just like you. You give me the will to drive myself to be a great pitcher. I hope you will write a blog soon! Your #1 fan , softballdiva16!

cubbygirl · 1 year ago

Like I said in a previous post. I watched the nbcolympics.com video of the gold medal game over and over but never watched the medal ceremony and the post game part or the highlights until this morning. I'm so sorrry Someone got pure joy shoving a camera in your face over and over like they did.. Media can be so cruel that way. I felt bad for you before. Now I feel even worse. I hope you continue to feel a little bit better each and every day. Remember I'll always be here for you.
A Cat Fan Forever
Cubbygirl

softballchick_430 · 1 year ago

Cat, I know you can't reply back directly to out questions, but could you reply to this question in your blog?.... What brand of sleeve do you wear on your elbow? I am a pitcher and have tenis elbow and would like to know what you use. If you could, please post this. =) I can't wait to see you in Florida at the holiday camp.... it will certainly be a drive from here in Texas!!!!

KVTER · 1 year ago

Cat, just wondering why you didn't go to the Oprah show? Figured you'd be there since it was in Chicago and i thought you lived there. Atleast I don't think you were there I saw most of the team like 12 or 13 but was kind of disappointed I didn't get to see you. Anywase hope you're doing better, you've done so much for the youth of softball.

apoetslife · 1 year ago

your beauty is a mystery
and mystery
is the dress
worn by that of life

Kennedy25 · 1 year ago

Hey Cat, i was gunna write to you yesturday but i had softball practice write after school and when i got home i went to go watch my friend's game so i'm writing to you today=). ya so i wish i could go to Michele Smith's camp so i could see you, but i might go to one of your other pitching camps later on=) but i really hope to go see you play on the USA softball team when you guys start playing again=) your just an AMAZING softball pitcher and i know that no other softball pitcher is as great as you but one day i hope to be as great as you. i want to follow in your foot steps and be a GREAT softball pitcher just like you=) i really hope to go to the University of Texas and play on the softball team there just like you. but hopefully they will put softball back into the olympics by 2016 and you'll still be on the USA softball team and hopefully i'll make the USA softball team by then and be able to play on the same team with you and then win a gold medal=). that would be the BEST thing in the whole universe, i mean playing on the USA softball team is like my dream but to play on the USA softball team with you is like my BIGGEST dream ever, YOU ROCK CAT#8 =) well im gunna play in a softball tournement here in Yuma, Arizona in november with my softball traveling team, hopefully we'll win 1st place=) YOU ROCK CAT #8 AND YOU'LL ALWAYS BE THE BEST SOFTBALL PITCHER IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE UNIVESE AND I WANT TO BE JUST LIKE YOU ONE DAY!!!=)=)=) U-S-A, U-S-A, U-S-A,THE USA SOFTBALL TEAM ROCKS AND IS THE BEST SOFTBALL TEAM IN THE WHOLE ENTIRE UNIVERE=)!!!! YOU ROCK!!!=)=)=) YOUR #1 BIGGEST FAN EVER, KENNEDY #25

cat_osterman8 · 1 year ago

Hey Cat! I feel for you when you lost to Japan in the Medal game.... You left it all out on the field and you gave it your all! Best wishes in the season to come with Rockford! Go Cat! I'm always rooting for you! And I always have to go blab to my friends about a no hitter or a great pitching performance by the best pitcher!!!! Your an amazing woman Cat! Keep pitching! Your still a gold medalist to me and everyone else! Take care and follow your dreams!

Your Fan,
Audrey

ovolacto · 1 year ago

The best do not always win. That is why they play the game even when they know who the best already is. I think it was sweet of your team to let those Japanese girls have that one, minor joy in their lives. After all, your team had so many. Besides, when it comes to Gold Medal Babes, you will always be tops on my list!

CatTEAMUSA · 1 year ago

YOU SAID! THEY WILL ALWAYS BE THE GOLD MEDAL GALS!

GO TEAM USA & GO OVOLACTO!

CatTEAMUSA · 1 year ago

Cat, knowing that you would read this would probably change my life! Win or Lose, your fans will always think of you as a Gold Medal Winner! If you're ever down don't be, because you know that you have fans that love you more than anything! I know because I'm one of them! Im so happy to be apart of U.S.A because they have the GREATEST SOFTBALL TEAM IN THE UNIVERSE!!!! I'm only 10 yrs old, but my dream is to follow in your footsteps! Please read, and if you can, PLEASE REPLY IT WOULD MEAN THE WORLD TO ME!!! Thank's For Reading ( if you do)!
Love: YOUR BIGGEST FAN IN THE UNIVERSE, Delaney!!

rainwarrior · 1 year ago

Cat, your game was wondeful. despite the loss you gave it your all. You and your teammates are still heroes to all who bled red, white and blue. There's never shame in doing your best. And if this is some condolencs, you were named one of the top 50 hottest athletes at the Oltmpics (though I'd have picked you #1). Take care and I'll be following your career from now on. Good luck!

cubbygirl · 1 year ago

Here's a little something special for you to read. i'm not sure what the reaction will be.
U is for United States the team they play for.
S is Sacrifices of their time and so much more.
A is for Athleticism. There's athleticism galore.
S is for Stacey Nuveman. She'll make you laugh.
O is for Osterman. The Ace of the pitching staff.
F is for Finch. The team"s most recognizable face.
T is for Tairia Flowers.who plays first base.
B is for Bustos and her home run blasts
A is for Abbott. She throws hard and fast.
L is for Laura Berg. She's ornery and funny
L is for Love they play for love of game not money.
Put it together and what does it spell.
USA Softball. A team that plays very well.
The team's chemistry is so great
They went to the Olympics in 2008
Even though the gold they did not win
Winning the silver isn't a major sin
This rhyme must end for some strange reason
Congratulations Team USA on your 2008 season

Melissa44 · 1 year ago

heyy cat!

sorry i haven't written to u in a while, i hav been so busy with my softball schedule i haven't had anytime to go on the computer! my pitching has dramtically improved since the last game tht u pitched, i lvoe watching u play so when i see u i take little tid bits of what u do in your motion and put them into mine! and my pitching has gotten alot better since i hav been doing that! u rock cat and u r the best pitcher ever and i want to be just lik u!!! i hav been working so hard to be just lik u when u were younger and to be the number 1 pitcher on my new team! and becuz of u visually helping me and me doing a little more practice and putting a little of my own style into it i hav gotten tht spot as the starting number one pitcher! okay anyway i rlly hope to see u play again soon and im rlly rlly rlly rlly excited to meet u at last!

u rock cat!!

melissa44 (10)

cuteenemo · 1 year ago

Heyy

I already cant wait for 2016! It's gonna be so cool. Rematch, xD

But really, everyone loses. Nobody could expect everybody to win every game! I mean (btw im from NY and a big Yankees fan) most likely they wont even make the playoffs, and they have for 14 years! So just know that even with a silver metal...which is still totally awesome dude xD...you will still be one of the most loved and known players in softball.

We all love you!

~Morgan (number 88)

TaeKwonDoLady · 1 year ago

Hey, Cat! You guys are just awesome! I was crushed that you lost and totally understand how upsetting it is to all of you. Any athlete always wants to win. You are such hard workers and do such a super job. It's always a pleasure to watch you pitch. So glad to hear you say you did NOT leave your cleats on the field. I look forward to seeing you pitching again soon. I'm sure you make a great coach. Hang in there!

shaheyla · 1 year ago

Hi, Cat,
I just want to say that I am really proud of the woman's softball team for all that you have accomplished I was really impressed, but what impressed me more was your message about life going on and it is true because its just a game though we would all like to win at the same time. I wish you the best of luck with your schooling and coaching. I have been watching you since you started at Texas and I am going to miss seeing you play. Again I wish you the best.

ssquare16 · 1 year ago

I know this comment is posted late but i need to say this. You all are still medal winners in my heart. I saw you on the tour Bound 4 Bejing. I stayed up till one in the morning to watch you guys play all the teams. I hate the fact that you guys paid a hard price to prove softball is becoming popular in other countries and it won't be back in the 2012 Summer Olympics. Again in my heart you all our medal winners and it's sad to see softball not in the Olympics. The comittee needs to reconsider.

From one pitcher to another,
Ssquare16

nsaneebay08 · 1 year ago

Cat , i know im writing this really late but i just want you to know i think you played your heart out and so did the team and it was an amazing job i played softball in high school but i told myself i didnt want to play college ball but after seeing what you and the USA team did att the olmypic games i decided to so i want to thank you for giving me the incouragement to play ncaa softball. Theres somthing amazing about a girl who can pitch like you do and i respect you for all you have done and i wanna thank you for everything you have done on and off the field. Even not knowing me i still feel like you are awsome and you are the reason i picked up a softball for college ball. I cant wait to see you play in 2016 its gonna kick ass and i hope to see you play again your an amazing person cat kepp playing strong
Megan #22

John Kramer · 7 months ago

We are always being together by watching you represent our country with pride and dignity. And now that im in college separated from my family i will cherish the time b seeing your playing...no matter the outcomes are of any game..
cat condo