Cat Osterman
FILE - In this July 27, 2021, file photo, United States' Cat Osterman pitches during the first inning of a softball game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Yokohama, Japan. Osterman is closing out a decorated career during which she won an Olympic gold medal and two silvers and last year became the first Athletes Unlimited individual softball champion. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum, File)
Osterman retiring after strong Athletes Unlimited season

By Cliff Brunt Sep. 26, 2021 12:31 PM EDT

FILE - In this July 21, 2021 file photo, Canada's Victoria Hayward holds her helmet aloft during the softball game between Mexico and Canada at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Fukushima , Japan. Hayward will be back on the field this weekend as a softball player — and as an owner. After hitting .300 at the Tokyo Olympics, the Canadian outfielder heads one of four teams that start play Saturday, Aug. 28, at Athletes Unlimited outside Chicago.(AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
League of their own: Softball players are part-owners

By Ronald Blum Aug. 28, 2021 11:51 AM EDT

Canada's Danielle Lawrie reacts after a softball game against Mexico at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in Yokohama, Japan. Canada won 3-2. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Players, coaches criticize IOC dropping softball as sexist

By Ronald Blum Jul. 28, 2021 03:04 AM EDT

Members of team United States react after a softball game against Japan at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 27, 2021, in Yokohama, Japan. Japan won 2-0. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Japan beats US 2-0, turns incredible DP to win softball gold

By Ronald Blum Jul. 27, 2021 02:10 AM EDT

United States' Kelsey Stewart (7) celebrates her game winning home run against Japan as she runs behind Japan pitcher Yamato Fujita (16) in the seventh inning of a softball game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 26, 2021, in Yokohama, Japan. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
Stewart's walk-off HR lifts US over Japan 2-1 for 5-0 record

By Ronald Blum Jul. 25, 2021 11:11 PM EDT

Australia's Chelsea Forkin (25) celebrates with teammates after scoring in the eighth inning of a softball game against United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Yokohama, Japan. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)
US beats Australia, sets up gold medal rematch with Japan

By Ronald Blum Jul. 25, 2021 01:36 AM EDT

United States' Monica Abbott, center right, and Cat Osterman, center left, embrace defeating Mexico during a softball game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 24, 2021, in Yokohama, Japan. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Osterman pitches US softball over Mexico 2-0 for 3-0 start

By Ronald Blum Jul. 24, 2021 03:29 AM EDT

Teammates United States' Monica Abbott, left, and Cat Osterman embrace after defeating Canada in their softball game at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 22, 2021, in Fukushima , Japan. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Abbott 1-hitter lifts US over Canada for 2-0 softball start

By Ronald Blum Jul. 21, 2021 10:29 PM EDT

Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, practices at the Ariake Tennis Center ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
The Latest: 3rd Czech athlete tests positive in Tokyo

Jul. 21, 2021 09:56 PM EDT

United States' Cat Osterman pitches during the softball game between Italy and the United States at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Wednesday, July 21, 2021, in Fukushima , Japan. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Osterman strikes out 9, US tops Italy 2-0 in softball opener

By Ronald Blum Jul. 21, 2021 12:56 AM EDT

In this June 21, 2021, file photo, a resident receives a Moderna COVID-19 vaccine shot at their office in Tokyo. Tokyo's COVID-19 infections surged to a six-month high Wednesday, July 21, 2021, with the Olympic host city logging 1,832 new cases just two days before the Games open. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko, File)
The Latest: Top shooter tests positive, will miss Tokyo

Jul. 20, 2021 10:34 PM EDT

Japanese softball player Kawabata Hitomi misses the ball during the team's training session at the Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium ahead of the 2020 Summer Olympics, Tuesday, July 20, 2021, in Fukushima, Japan. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Olympics finally to start, 1 year later and far from Tokyo

By Ronald Blum Jul. 20, 2021 02:04 AM EDT

Softball is back on the Olympic schedule _ for Tokyo

By The Associated Press Jul. 02, 2021 01:43 PM EDT
HIGHLIGHTS FROM RIO: Softball was dropped for the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. It has been dropped again for the 2024 Paris Games but is expected to return for 2028...

FILE - USA Softball pitcher Cat Osterman pitches in an exhibition softball game against USSSA Pride in Oklahoma City, Okla., in this Friday, June 4, 2021, file photo. U.S. coach Ken Eriksen predicts tight competition in softball as the sport returns to the Olympics for the first time since 2008. The 15-woman U.S. roster includes 38-year-old left-hander Cat Osterman, the last holdover from the 2004 gold medal-winning team, and 35-year-old left-hander Monica Abbott, who joined Osterman on the 2008 team. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Americans on many teams as softball returns to Olympics

By Ronald Blum Jun. 29, 2021 12:10 PM EDT

FILE - Pitcher Cat Osterman smiles as she answers a question during a news conference to announce the USA Softball 2020 Women's Olympic Team in Oklahoma City, in this Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2019, file photo. Osterman says she will retire from the sport this year. The left-handed pitcher will represent Team USA at the Olympics before defending the Athletes Unlimited title she won last season at age 37. She surprised herself by claiming the Athletes Unlimited title and takes added confidence into her run at a second Olympic gold medal. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
USA's Osterman looks to end decorated softball career on top

By Cliff Brunt Feb. 04, 2021 03:40 PM EST

Osterman to retire after '21 season with Athletes Unlimited

Feb. 03, 2021 01:54 PM EST
Defending champion Cat Osterman has committed to return for the second season of Athletes Unlimited softball before she retires. Osterman...

FILE - In this Oct. 5, 2019, file photo, Cat Osterman pitches during a simulated game at the USA Softball Women's Olympic Team Selection Trials in Oklahoma City. Osterman is the first Athletes Unlimited softball champion. The league crowned her its individual champion on Monday, Sept. 29, 2020, based on points scored in games played during a five-week season played in a bubble at a sports complex in Rosemont, Ill. The 37-year-old left-hander compiled 2,408 points, followed by Jessica Warren, Victoria Hayward and Erika Piancastelli. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki, File)
Cat Osterman named 1st Athletes Unlimited softball champion

By Cliff Brunt Sep. 29, 2020 01:16 PM EDT

Osterman, teammates criticize softball team for anthem tweet

Jun. 23, 2020 09:08 PM EDT
VIERA, Fla. (AP) — A fast-pitch softball team was sharply criticized by U.S. star Cat Osterman and several of her teammates after it tweeted to President...