We need to start lobbying for another “First Pitch on the Diamond” event to start next season. This year’s event got the Gators off on the right foot and I honestly believe it carried us back to OKC. I personally enjoyed meeting like minded alumni and fans, the coaches and most importantly the players. The event was so much fun and informative. I liked how everyone opened up and became family and friends. It lasted the whole season. I want to find that magic again next season.
Credit to Patti Gasso. She said game 2 was historically one of the best ever played at the WCWS with ups and downs by both teams. She was very complimentary of the UF team.
100% agree. In CTW's post-game comments, you could see his wheels already turning for the 2025 season. He particularly said the incoming recruits are bringing in speed and abilities this team did not have and the 24 team just lacked that little something to get over the hump to win the national championship. I didn't see a coach anywhere near to the retirement rumor being circulated. My guess is the rumor was hatched by a rival to interfere with anyone UF might want to recruit out of the transfer portal.
Some OU fans are saying that Walton flipped off Hansen's family after the game. To me that's a video or it didn't happen story. And if he did, I'm sure it was not unprovoked. Does provoking a coach really make you that much better?
In CTW's postgame presser, he mentioned he was looking forward to having Cassidy McClellan coming off injury and available for next year. I thought it odd to mention an injured player who is on his mind for 2025. Cassidy's bio on the UF roster: Cassidy McLellan - Softball - Florida Gators Is this the player for RF to replace Katie Kistler?
It seems things run in extremes at OU. From smartass players during the game to thanking God in prayer afterwards. It must be the apples didn't fall far from the tree.
Possible. She will certainly get the chance but.......there's Taylor Shumaker on the horizon. LOL! Taylor has already played 6 games this summer for the Batbusters. She is 11-15 with 10 runs scored and 7 rbis and 2 walks. I went out on a limb a year ago stating that Taylor is our next Skylar Wallace. I'm NOT backing down from that limb. I. Can't. Wait.
Taylor Shumaker plays SS or is it her likeness and hitting style? I'm sure you don't keep a player like Shumaker off the field, just not sure which position.
McLellan was in a battle with Kistler and Baylee Goddard for RF when the season started, but Katie prevailed. McLellan was getting a good bit of playing time when she got hurt and will certainly have a chance to win the RF job in the fall. However, 2 incoming freshmen outfielders are elite and it won't surprise me if Townson Thomas or Taylor Shumaker wins the job. Several people who follow travel ball closely say that Shumaker is a superstar in the making. https://floridagators.com/news/2023/11/8/softball-inks-five-on-signing-day.aspx
I am, of course, one that thinks Taylor will be a superstar. I haven't seen Thomas play as much as I have Taylor but from the little I have seen and much of what I have heard, she could also be the next superstar. No clue where Tim is going to find places to play all of these elite kids.
I find it hilarious these rumors have started circulating after we pulled an upset and nearly pulled off the impossible and beat OU in back to back WCWS games. I remember after Canady kept OU off balance for most of the game in the WCWS candy was supposed to transfer there. I think I remember seeing a post about a pitcher I don’t remember from where but she beat OU a few years back and SHE was rumored to also to be transferring there. I’m seeing a pattern here. Lol