ESPN REPORT : Legendary Texas Softball Pitcher Cat Osterman has been honored as the The Greatest College Softball Pitchers of all Time, beating Tennessee’s Monica Abbott, Arizona’s Jennie Finch, UCLA’s Lisa Fernandez and Oklahoma’s Keilani Ricketts
Cat Osterman’s name is synonymous with excellence in the world of college softball. Recently, she was honored as one of the greatest college softball pitchers of all time, a testament to her unparalleled skill, dedication, and impact on the sport. This recognition places her alongside other softball icons such as Monica Abbott, Jennie Finch, Lisa Fernandez, and Keilani Ricketts, highlighting her as a true trailblazer in the game.
Born in Houston, Texas, Cat Osterman’s journey into softball began at a young age. She started playing the sport in first grade, took a brief hiatus to explore soccer and basketball, but returned to the diamond in fifth grade. Her natural talent quickly became evident, and by high school, she was setting records that would foreshadow her future success. Notably, in 2001, she struck out 33 batters in a 14-inning game, setting a national record for strikeouts in a game of less than 20 innings .
Osterman’s collegiate career at the University of Texas was nothing short of spectacular. Over her tenure, she compiled a remarkable record of 136 wins and 25 losses, with a minuscule ERA of 0.51. Her dominance on the mound was further exemplified by her 2,265 career strikeouts, a testament to her pitching prowess .
Her accolades include being a three-time USA Softball National Collegiate Player of the Year and a four-time National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) All-American. She also earned two ESPY Awards for Best Female College Athlete, solidifying her status as one of the most decorated athletes in the sport’s history .
Osterman’s pitching was characterized by precision, power, and consistency. She remains the NCAA record holder for the highest career strikeout-per-seven-inning ratio at 14.34. Additionally, she is the only player in NCAA Division I history to lead the nation in ERA on three occasions. Her repertoire included 20 no-hitters, seven of which were perfect games, showcasing her ability to dominate opposing lineups .
In 2006, during her senior season, Osterman achieved a 37-2 record with an ERA of 0.37. She struck out 590 batters in 266 innings, averaging 15.5 strikeouts per seven innings. Her performance included five no-hitters, nine one-hitters, and 11 two-hitters, underscoring her exceptional skill and consistency .
Osterman’s talents extended beyond collegiate softball. She was a key member of the U.S. women’s national softball team, contributing to their gold medal victory at the 2004 Athens Olympics. In addition to her Olympic success, she won back-to-back world championships with Team USA in 2006 and 2010, starting in the gold-medal games of both tournaments .
After her collegiate and international success, Osterman continued to excel in professional softball. She was drafted first overall in the 2006 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) draft and became the career leader in strikeout ratio (10.90) and no-hitters (6) in the league. Her dominance was further highlighted when she joined the Athletes Unlimited Softball league in 2020, where she won the inaugural championship and was the top individual points leader .
Osterman’s impact on the sport of softball is immeasurable. In 2022, she was inducted into the National Softball Hall of Fame, joining an elite group of athletes who have shaped the history of the sport . Additionally, the University of Texas honored her legacy by retiring her jersey number, making her the first Texas softball player and only the third woman to receive such an honor .
Cat Osterman’s career is a testament to her exceptional talent, work ethic, and passion for the game of softball. Her achievements have set a standard of excellence in the sport, inspiring future generations of athletes. As she continues to contribute to the game, her legacy as one of the greatest college softball pitchers of all time remains firmly intact.
