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(SB) All Time Gator Softball Team

Discussion in 'GatorGrowl's Diamond Gators' started by ocalaman, Jun 5, 2024.

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  1. Jun 6, 2024 #21
    paidinfull

    paidinfull GC Hall of Fame

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    It doesn’t help her out any that we have had so many greats. We have the luxury of being nitpicky for a list like this. She would be an undebatable top three choice for 90+% of the teams in the country. The fact that we’ve had so many, so good, that she’s debatable for our top 3 is a blessing in and of itself.
     
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  2. Jun 6, 2024 #22
    sweatinwith6

    sweatinwith6 Sophomore

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    She went from having Rocha as a coach to Bosch. I think that explains a lot
     
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  3. Jun 6, 2024 #23
    paidinfull

    paidinfull GC Hall of Fame

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    Most of her issues were mental. Coaches can certainly have some impact there, but I think it’s more between the player and themselves.
     
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  4. Jun 6, 2024 #24
    GatorRade

    GatorRade Rad Scientist

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    So many good memories in this thread. Thanks all.
     
  5. Jun 6, 2024 #25
    4everaGator

    4everaGator GC Hall of Fame

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    Haegar is my all time favorite softball Gator, until I think about Kirsti Merritt (and Hannah Rogers!). But Lauren delivered from the rubber and at the plate like no other!
     
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  6. Jun 6, 2024 #26
    ocalaman

    ocalaman GC Hall of Fame

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    I was torn between Moultrie and Merritt for CF. Kirsti went to the same high school that I did so she's always been of my favorites, but in the end I chose Michelle for my starting lineup and Kirsti as Honorable Mention. Here are some career comparisons
    Career Batting Average - Moultrie .385 5th all time; Merritt not in the Top 10
    On Base Percentage - Merritt .467 8th all time; Moultrie not in the Top 10
    Most Runs Scored - Merritt 210 4th all time; Moultrie 204 5th all time
    Most Hits - Moultrie - 274 4th all time; Merritt not in Top 10
    Most RBI - Merritt - 172 9th all time; Moultrie not in Top 10
    Most Total Bases - Moultrie 405 9th all time; Merritt not in Top 10
    Most Stolen Bases - Moultrie 83 3rd all time; Merritt 72 4th all time

    Both had excellent Gator careers, but I don't agree that Merritt was a better college player than Moultrie. I think the careeer stats back that up. I saw it as very even, with a slight edge to Michelle. Can't go wrong either way.
     
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  7. Jun 7, 2024 #27
    GatorsOTK

    GatorsOTK Junior

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    The Kelly Barnhill disrespect in this thread is crazy. Her 2017 season was absolutely insane. I’ll give Stacey Nelson the better career, (and with having never seen her pitch) but without looking too deeply into the numbers, Kelly’s 2017 season is the most dominant in Gator softball history, IMO. Nelson and Barnhill are 1A and 1B if you ask me. And they are both in my top 5 overall with Haeger, Wallace, and Lorenz.
     
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  8. Jun 7, 2024 #28
    Porschegator

    Porschegator GC Legend

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    Canton Ohio
    Totally agree Ocala. Many of the great softball pitchers best years are 2 and 3 and get somewhat figured out by the time they are seniors. Montana Fouts is a perfect example.
     
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  9. Jun 7, 2024 #29
    ocalaman

    ocalaman GC Hall of Fame

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    Here are some of Nelson & Barnhill's career numbers to prove your point:
    Career ERA - Stacey Nelson 0.99 - 1st all time; Barnhill 1.17 3rd all time
    Lowest Batting Average Against - Barnhill .134 1st all time; Nelson .183 4th all time
    Fewest Walks/7 innings - Nelson 1.75 3rd all time; Barnhill not in Top 10
    Most K's/7 innings - Barnhill 10.53 1st all time; Nelson 6.84 7th all time
    Most Shutouts - Nelson 60 1st all time; Barnhill 44 2nd all time
    Most wins - Nelson 126 1st all time; Barnhill 104 3rd all time
    Most saves - Nelson 18 1st all time; Barnhill 7 8th all time
    Most Innings Pitched - Nelson 1141.2 1st all time; Barnhill 803.1 3rd all time
    Most Strikeouts - Barnhill 1208 1st all time; Nelson 1116 2nd all time

    I saw Stacey Nelson pitch her entire career and she was a bulldog. The first real superstar Tim Walton was able to sign and getting her opened the floodgates for the softball program bringing in elite talent. Not including Kelly Barnhill as an all time Gator pitcher (along with Hannah Rogers & Lauren Haeger) is unthinkable. Thanks for bringing it up @GatorsOTK.
     
    Last edited: Jun 7, 2024
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