(Fengtai Sports Center Softball Field)The first game featured China against Netherlands. China won easily 10-2. The second game was much more interesting. Australia played Japan in what turned out to be power vs. power. A solo shot to deep center gave Japan the edge 4-3.
Three other Emerson students attended the game with me and we were seated next to a few older couples from San Diego. They all worked for Budweiser and since Bud is one of the main sponsors of the Olympics, they were given tickets to nearly every event. I was sitting right next to a gentleman who was wearing an Arizona softball shirt with #44 on it. I asked him if he was an Arizona fan. He told me that he is a pitching coach and a girl he tought for many years pitched at Arizona. He asked, "Have you ever heard of Alicia Hollowell?"
For those who really know the game of softball, the name Alicia Hollowell is one you're not likely to forget. Hollowell led Arizona to a National Championship in 2006. She holds the strikeout record for the Women's College World Series and was a two-time first team All-American. She is one of the greatest pitchers ever. In my opinion, she is third next to only Jennie Finch and Cat Osterman. And here I am sitting next to the man that taught her how to throw.
We talked softball for the entire Japan-Australia game and he gave me some great tips and information. Not a bad person to learn from.
During the Netherlands-China game I went out to concession and behind me in line was the entire Netherlands Olympic baseball team. I started talking with one guy who is in the Pirates farm system and was actually called up to the Majors for a short stint last season. When I told him I was from Boston he asked me if I knew where Pawtucket was because he had played there several times. Small world.
(Me with some of the Netherlands baseball team)BOCOG also invited all foreign volunteers to track and field at the Bird's Nest this coming Saturday. I was excited about this opportunity until I found out Saturday is also the men's 100m final. The 100m final determines the fastest man in the world and Tyson Gay will be the star of that race. The 100m final is the main event of the Olympics and I cannot believe I'm going to be right there for it!
Two weeks and I'll be home!
5 comments:
there is no doubt in my mind that you are in fact, the luckiest person in the world.
I hate your life. I mean, I thought I was super awesome when I saw the 1996 Olympic gold medal team play an exhibition game in Staten Island when I was like 10, but you madam, you see my story and raise me infinitely. I mean, factor in Logan Tom...I obvi hate your life, but love and miss you incredibly. Ugh Mac I am so jealous!!!!!!!!
Catie: I think you should change your name to Catie Gump!! Some have called it unbelievable luck--but I really think that you create your own luck because of the way you put yourself out there. Good for you!
catie. if you do not bring me home something from the olympics then we cannot be friends (examples: a postcard, a piece of any athletes clothing, a vial of water from the water cube). and in case you were wondering. no, i didnt get you anything from california.
ps. let me know if that was too blunt.
Hello Cathyrn!
I'm so glad you are having a wonderful time! You will always be my litte "Gump" er ....but really I think you are creating your own destiny...and I am sooo proud!
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