Cat Osterman and Team USA

Cat Osterman has done it all on the softball field. She was a 4-time All-American at the University of Texas, a 2-time medal winning Olympian and a 6-time National Pro Fastpitch All-Star. Cat retired from pro ball after the 2015 season and is currently an assistant coach at Texas State University.

When it was announced that softball was returning to the Olympics in 2020, Cat put her retirement on hold and dedicated herself to making Team USA. As it stands right now, Cat will be on that team in Tokyo in July 2020. For now though, Cat is with Team USA in Rosemont, IL.

Team USA is in Rosemont at the Chicago Bandits facilities through the end of the week as part of the exhibition schedule. Tonight, Team USA plays the Bandits in a doubleheader. Tomorrow, Team USA plays a split doubleheader. The first game is against the USSSA Pride and the second is against the Bandits. On Sunday, Team USA faces the Bandits again to close out their stay in Rosemont.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Cat back in 2014, when she was pitching for the USSSA Pride. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Cat Osterman. It was such a thrill to talk to Cat. She is a great person, in addition to being one of the all-time great pitchers.

Along with Cat, I have had the honor of interviewing Jennie Finch and Monica Abbott. The three of them are possibly the three best pitchers ever. Team USA featured two of those three. Monica joins Cat to play for Team USA.

Having Team USA play in Rosemont is a rare opportunity to get a glimpse at the future Olympic team. It is also the chance to see some of the best players in the world up close. Other great players include Rachel Garcia, who just won the NCAA title with UCLA.

This transcends just softball. This is history. I'll won't be in Tokyo to see the team perform, but I will be in Rosemont watching them practice and play exhibition games. I also hope to get a few interviews and some interesting stories. Check here for coverage.

Check ChicagoBandits.com for more on this series and the Bandits. Check TeamUSA.org to learn more about the Olympic softball team.

Cat Osterman and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2014.