Cat Osterman is a retired American softball pitcher who won 167 games during her playing career. She is the first pitcher in softball history to win six Women’s Softball World Championships (1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997), and she did it at different ages from 16- to 33 years old. She also holds the distinction of being the first player inducted into The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for softball. Cat Osterman was born on December 15, 1967, in Torrance, California. She grew up playing baseball with her brother and father and had dreams of becoming an umpire or coach. However, she was drawn to playing fast-pitched softball as it allowed her to move around more than baseball did with its long distances between fields.
The Body Issue of Cat Ostermann
When the time came for the 2015 Body Issue of Women’s Health, the team at the publication knew that they wanted to feature one of the most accomplished female athletes of all time, Cat Osterman. The magazine wrote that the issue was “curetted to showcase the incredible bodies of women who have made a mark on the world.” All of the women profiled for the Body Issue of Women’s Health have one thing in common: They are modern-day icons. However, the women chosen for this issue are not your average models or actresses. Each of these women has done something extraordinary that has made them who they are and what they do today. Cat Osterman is a retired American softball pitcher who won 167 games during her playing career. She is the first pitcher in softball history to win six Women’s Softball World Championships (1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997), and she did it at different ages from 16- to 33 years old. She also holds the distinction of being the first player inducted into The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for softball.
Cat’s journey to the top of softball
Cat Osterman first picked up a baseball at the age of six and quickly fell in love with the game. Soon after, she and her brother were playing in tournaments together. One of Cat’s coaches, Ed Kline, was impressed by her natural ability and suggested that she play softball. He told her that a pitcher does not have to be the best hitter to excel at softball. When she got older, Cat was selected to play on the softball team at El Camino College in Torrance, California. As a freshman, she started 12 games and led the team to a record of 10-11. It was during her sophomore year that she made her mark on the college circuit, being named a First-Team All-American pitcher and hitting a solid .375 with 5 home runs and 32 RBIs.
World War II, college and pro softball
After college, Cat continued to play softball and become a star pitcher. In 1990, she led the United States to a Bronze Medal in the Women’s World Softball Championship. The next year, she again led the Americans to another Bronze Medal in the same championship. Cat also helped her team win six Softball World Championships from 1992 to 1997. She retired from softball in 2001 and became a nun. She joined the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia shortly after retiring from softball. Cat received a Silver Medal for her efforts in the World Softball Championship. Women’s softball is a bit different than men’s softball as it is played 5-on-5 with no designated hitters. As you can imagine, this makes it hard to hit well. It has also been said that the game is also quicker than men’s baseball, which is good news for those who love to watch it!
Softball Hall of Fame – Incoming!
Softball has been gaining popularity in recent years and is starting to become well-known among people who don’t even know it exists! Now, the softball hall of fame has a new addition! The first softball hall of fame was established in 1966 by the Women’s Softball Association. Although there are many different softball halls of fame out there, this one is the only one that is officially sponsored by the association. It is also the only hall of fame that is dedicated to softball and officially recognizes softball players, coaches, umpires, and administrators. Whether you are a softball fan or not, this new hall of fame is something that you should check out if you love sports!
After Softball – Today and Tomorrow?
After retiring from softball, Cat Ostermann switched to a new career as a nun. She is now a member of the Dominican Sisters of St. Cecilia order, an order of Roman Catholic women religious. She was given the name Sister Cecilia, which is the patron saint of music. Interestingly, Cat is also an ordained minister who can perform weddings for couples who want a Catholic priest at their ceremony. Cat Ostermann is a retired American softball pitcher who won 167 games during her playing career. She is the first pitcher in softball history to win six Women’s Softball World Championships (1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997), and she did it at different ages from 16- to 33 years old. Cat also holds the distinction of being the first player inducted into The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for softball. Cat Ostermann is a retired American softball pitcher who won 167 games during her playing career. She is the first pitcher in softball history to win six Women’s Softball World Championships (1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997), and she did it at different ages from 16- to 33 years old. She also holds the distinction of being the first player inducted into The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for softball.