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Trish18

Lisa Fernandez Left Off Beijing Roster

Posted by Trish18 on Mar 29, 2008 10:25:43 AM

 

Lisa Fernandez, a three-time Olympic champion and one of the best pitchers in the world, wasn’t good enough to beat out Jennie Finch, Cat Osterman and Monica Abbott to make the U.S. National Team’s final Olympic roster as the team readies for Beijing.

 

A few weeks ago, Fernandez admitted she was having a tough time getting her skills back, but was confident she could still play at a high level.

 

"I think I still have it," she said. "I think the advantage I have is my experience. I have the heart."

 

And she does. I’ve followed Fernandez’s career dating back to 1994 during her days at UCLA, where she led the Bruins to two NCAA championships. I watched her win a gold medal in the first Olympic Games that included the sport of softball. Every girl on my softball team had the Lisa Fernandez Louisville Slugger bat.

 

The truth is her vast amounts of experience and heart weren’t enough to earn her a spot in the Olympic rotation. When I interviewed Fernandez at the 2007 World Cup of Softball and asked her if she was planning on mounting a comeback, I believed she had a good chance of making it. Not only did she dominate opponents in the batter’s box with world-class style, but was a skilled third baseman and very strong hitter. 

 

However, head coach Mike Candrea didn’t think Fernandez got back to her usual dominating self after taking three years off to start a family.

 

"I was really hoping she would get close to where she was in 2004," said Candrea. " I wanted her to go out on top."

 

So while 37-year-old Fernandez has been left off the Olympic roster, she has been named a replacement player in the event someone gets injured. I don't think Candrea made a mistake but I sincerely wish that the Olympic roster allowed for one more player. I believe she is still the greatest softball player to ever play the game and appreciate the tremendous role she played in advancing the sport and giving female athletes someone to look up to.

 

Do you think Lisa Fernandez should have been included on the Olympic roster because of her versatility and experience—or does Team USA have the most solid squad possible now? 

 

The 2008 USA Softball Olympic team roster:

 

Monica Abbott, Salinas, Calif. (University of Tennessee ’07)

 

Laura Berg, Santa Fe Springs, Calif. (Graduate ’98)

 

Crystl Bustos, Canyon Country, Calif. (Palm Beach C.C.)

 

Andrea Duran, Selma, Calif. (UCLA ’06)

 

Jennie Finch, La Mirada, Calif. (Arizona ’02)

 

Tairia Flowers, Tucson, Ariz. (UCLA ’04)

 

Vicky Galindo, Union City, Calif. (Cal ’05)

 

Lovieanne Jung, Fountain Valley, Calif. (Arizona ’03)

 

Kelly Kretschman, Indian Harbour Beach, Fla. (Alabama ’01)

 

Lauren Lappin, Anaheim, Calif. (Stanford ’06)

 

Caitlin Lowe, Tustin, Calif. (Arizona ’07)

 

Jessica Mendoza, Camarillo, Calif. (Stanford ’02)

 

Stacey Nuveman, La Verne, Calif. (UCLA ’02)

 

Cat Osterman, Houston, Texas (Texas ’07)

 

Natasha Watley, Irvine, CA. (UCLA ’05)

10,585 Views Tags: olympics, trish-oberhaus, usa, softball, lisa-fernandez, beijing


Comments (31)
Apr 15, 2008 12:27 AM Guest Gerald Warner  says:

Lisa is an exceptional asset to softball and a great role model for every girl who plays the game.  She has proven that commitment and a great work ethic can take an average-height kid to greatness as a pitcher, position player, and hitter.  The image of softball worldwide would benefit with Lisa on the USA roster.
Apr 15, 2008 12:40 AM Guest Darlene Craviotto  says:

Seems to me that after everything Fernandez has done for the sport our USA team could've found a spot for her on the roster.  She's the heart and soul of softball, and to treat her like this is an insult.  After all, we always whoop everybody's ass worldwide anyway---Come on, Mike, reach into your pocket and buy the lady a plane ticket to Beijing!
Apr 15, 2008 2:40 AM Guest Bob McFall  says:

Lets face it, she has made an impact on the game and our entire softball family. I do not know if she was offered a "player-coach" type position, or if she even wanted that, but you have to figure it would be good for the game for her to  make the team. Hats off to Coach Candrea though if Lisa did not want a role as such and he had to decide which player deserved it. Talent has to be the key issue and her level of play has been appreciated but may be an issue at 37 yrs old compared to these other greats he chose.
Apr 15, 2008 3:36 AM Guest jill  says:

Lisa and Jennie Finch need to know when to pack it in. Days are done. I guess maybe they could go on the Apprentice. I think it's a travesty to softball everywhere that Jennie Ritter did not make the team. The USA team had a chance to take a player that has done so much for the game of softball in this part of the country. God forbid a player is not from, California, Arizona or Florida. Big time politics as usual.
Apr 15, 2008 4:11 AM Guest Kathy Paskiewicz  says:

I feel Lisa Fernandez is an asset to the team and to find out she did not make the USA Team was upsetting. She has made a large impact on softball and the USA softball family.  She has a tremendous arm and would be an asset to the team. It will different seeing the team without a person  who should be, not. She will be missed this last year of softball in the Olympics.
Apr 15, 2008 4:22 AM Guest Roseann  says:

While I think that it is wonderful that these older players who have poured their heart and soul into their sport want to try these comebacks and show the world that many sports can be lifetime ventures, I also think that it is important to recognize when to let go.  Lisa pioneered the Olympic team, perhaps now it is time to pioneer an Elite "Senior" team and keep those roster spots open for the up and coming players.  The more women's names that are out there and recognizable, the more role models our daughters will have to follow.  However, since she did go out for the team and tried so hard to make this happen, I think that a player-coach or coach consultant role might have been great for her.  Let her leave the experience feeling dignified, not with egg on her face.
Apr 15, 2008 5:08 AM Guest john  says:

Lisa will forever be remembered as the heart and soul of USA Olympic Softball, but her time has come.  There was no politics as someone suggested, nor would it have been appropriate to find a roster spot "just because".  How many of our favorite athletes hang on to the game too long?  I am not necessarily saying that this is the case with Lisa, she definitely still has game, but you tell me which lady on that current roster doesn't belong and I think you too will have to believe that Coach Candrea made the right decision.
Apr 15, 2008 5:16 AM Guest PapaDAWG  says:

Lisa has been a tremendous athlete and ambassador for the game of women's fast pitch softball.

Her name is synomous with excellence. She had game and more than likely still does!

However, there comes a time when one's skill level does not merit placement on a team.

The Olympic Games are about sending your country's best to compete against the best from the rest of the world. I am sure Coach Candrea and the others that made the decision felt that one of the other girls were more deserving of the position.

With that said, they should make a place for her on the coaching staff or Olympic Committee.

She is to softball as to what Elvis was to Rock and Roll!
Apr 15, 2008 6:01 AM Guest Donna  says:

Hi, I think Lisa Fernandez is an exceptional athelete, and could be quite capable, however, three years down time to start a family can definetely take its toll.  So if the others are out performing her physically because of better conditioning then you have to do what is best for the team and not neccessarily what is expected. With that being said, hats off the the team, and wish them all much success.  My daughter looks up to Jenny, Lisa, and Cat tremendously as she is a pitcher herself.  Good luck team!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Apr 15, 2008 6:17 AM Minstrel Minstrel    says in response to john:

I can  tell you who doesn't belong, and is only on the team for two reasons; (1) she brings attention to the sport by who she is in the public eye, not for her talents; and (2) she's the apple of the coach's eye, always one of his favorites. I believe even at 37, Lisa Fernandez is a much better talent than "Miss Arizona" on the softball field. If it came down to a championship game, and Cat and Michele were both out, I'd rather have Lisa Fernandez, with her heart, soul and talents pitching for me than the cover girl of Cosmetics Weekly.
Apr 15, 2008 6:48 AM Guest jazzysosa  says:

Lisa Fernandez is softball. "Never be satisfied".
Apr 15, 2008 8:59 AM Guest hermanator  says in response to Minstrel:

I totally agree with your comments, it is to bad politics plays a role in All sports. Lisa is an Icon in the softball world. But after 3yrs of not playing at a High Competitive level it does hurt you, I do believe there is a place for her in USA Softball. She needs to be involved for her leadership, knowledge etc. she nedds to be a COACH.
Apr 15, 2008 9:45 AM Guest Heather G.  says:

While all the pitchers chosen are tremendous athletes and an asset to our USA team, there should be some sort of role made available to Lisa.  My daughter and I had the chance to see her last summer on the PFX tour, and let me tell you, she's intense!  She gives everything she has to this sport and for her team and she will always be remembered as one of the greatest players of all time.  I think she still has what it takes to win, so I hope there's a spot made for her.  That's not politics or feeling sorry for her....that's bringing a talented athlete that not only dominates as a pitcher, but can crush the ball!  She is the backbone of this Olympic team and she has earned the right to be there.  I can't wait for the games to begin and to see our tremendous USA team dominate the best in the world.  Good Luck, and thank you Lisa for being such a tremendous athlete, ambassador and leader in this sport, but most of all....for being such a wonderful role model to my daughter and all the girls that love this sport!
Apr 15, 2008 10:05 AM Minstrel Minstrel    says in response to hermanator:

I agree with you. Lisa should be at least a coach considering her knowledge and experience. Especially for the fact that this may be the last Olympics for quite a while.

I would also like to correct my mistake in my last post. I mentioned "Cat and Michele". I should have said "Cat and Monica". (I know a Michele Abbott).
Apr 15, 2008 12:35 PM Guest SOFTBALLMOM  says:

Quote from Mr. Mike Candrea

 

USA TODAY SPORTS

U.S. Olympic softball coach Mike Candrea isn't worried.

 

"The only thing that I know is going to happen is she is going to do everything she can to prepare," he says. "She has always been at the top of her game for many reasons. I think she brings great experience to this ball club and will be able to lead in a lot of different ways, whether she's on the field or she's not on the field."

 

"I think she has been there, she knows what it takes to prepare, and I'm just really happy for her because I know it's been tough. As she's grown older, I don't think she's really lost much."

 

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/olympics/2007-11-27-softball-fernandez-comeback_N.htm
Apr 15, 2008 12:47 PM Guest Deborah Davis  says:

Has anyone asked Lisa what she feels in all of this? Would you want to sit on the sidelines of a game you have given your all to and not be able to play? Not me! I know she has talent and heart and experience, thats a given, but don't you think that she has thought about it too? This, I am sure, was not an easy decision for the Coach or staff. I am glad it is not my job! Coach Candrea was given the task of choosing the team to represent THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA! Come on folks lets face it, you wouldn't want that job either! Yes, the team could only benifit from her being there in attendance and she has been there. Don't shame someone for having the guts to make a VERY hard decision. Lisa, WE LOVE YOU! You are one of the greats and my daughter wants to be there someday! Team USA, REPRESENT BABY!!!!!!
Apr 15, 2008 2:16 PM Guest norm14  says:

Lisa should be on the team in some capacity as long as she desires. She should be included as a player, but if that is not possible, as a coach or advisor.

 

Without Lisa, Womens softball would NOT be where it is today

 

norm14
Apr 15, 2008 2:31 PM Trish18 Trish18    says in response to norm14:

I agree... I think having her slide into a coaching position on the Olympic team seems like the most natural and intuitive progression if she can't be on the team (without knowing if this is something she would want of not, of course). In addition to being at the very base and core of the U.S. Olympic successall of the hard work, experiences, intensity, etc.she's also been a coach at UCLA, college softball's most historically dominant program, for 10 years now! I can't think of anyone more highly qualified. And I truly enjoyed having her to look up to while developing my own sense of being a female athlete.
Apr 15, 2008 3:17 PM Guest Kevin  says:

Age and time provides sportspeople with difficult choices.  Do they carry on for another season or pack it in.  In this situation, no one wins.  Firstly the player who still has the skill and desire to carry on, secondly the coach who has to make the hard decisions, and finally the fans who feel let-down.

 

In the case of my country, we brought back to our womens team the heart and soul of three previous World campaigns.  Not to say that our failure was all her doing, just to say that there were pitchers in better form at the time.
Apr 15, 2008 10:21 PM Guest Monique  says:

I think Lisa should definitely be on the team!  She has done so much for the game of softball and has impacted it more than any player to date.  LISA FERNANDEZ IS FASTPICH SOFTBALL!  This is, as of now, the final year for womens softball in the Olympics, it is a shame the woman who has helped bring the game to where it's at won't be out on the field representing us!  I've seen her pitch recently and she can still bring it.  Her skill, experience, knowledge, teamwork and heart will be missed out there... it wont be the same watching these final Olympic games.
Apr 16, 2008 4:47 AM Guest Fastpitch10  says:

Wow. This just breaks my heart.  Talk about a player with true grit!  She was never afraid to get down and dirty and to watch her play is amazing. To not have Fernandez on the team is....well,

Un-American! 

 

I agree with the poster regarding the cover girl.  However, look at the stats.  She is a great pitcher, and she does draw attention to our sport. And attention is what we need. The Bejing pitching lineup is good...but surely there must be one more spot for Fernandez to be ON the roster, not 'just in case of emergency'.  As these 'girls' age....the more pitchers they have the better!  Ya gotta throw a lot of pitches in the Olympics.  Why not carry 4 pitchers?  That doesnt' seem like such a big deal.  Geesh.
Apr 18, 2008 12:28 AM Guest Lady Di  says:

I played good softball when I was young.  When you get older and have a family it takes away from the things you love to do.  Also as you get older after 30 year by year you notice you dont have as much energy as you did when you were young. When you get close to forty, you try to play softball like you did as a kid, and you realize that your mind can play but your body can't.  Players often want to play so bad when they are older they dont realize there body is running down.  Hernandez is a top player, and I am sure she has trained a long time to be an olympic player.  I know this must be a let down for her.  Olympic coaches are looking at the big picture.  Winning the Olympics.  I am sure that they had to think about her for a while of whether to cut her or keep her.  At least she gets to attend and she gets to go to the olympics.  She has a chance of playing if someone gets hurt.  I know this maybe a let down for her, but I see her as a person that can teach others to play the game.  Teach others to catch and throw a ball.  Teach others to bat, and pitch the ball.  I would give anything if I had someone like Lisa to help my daughter on a regular bases.  If I had the money, I would pay her a real good salary for help.  I have tried to teach my daughter but she wont listen to me.  She listens to others that don't know how to coach girls softball.  They got her all messed up.  Lisa could teach and help others.  You never know she might make a good coach down the line for a highschool, or college team.  Just a thought for the day.
Apr 23, 2008 11:41 AM Guest Gerald  says:

I am sure it was a tough call.  But I am not sure where all the Finch-hating has come from.  Jenny is an excellent role model for all girls, not just softball players.  She turned down big bucks from Playboy instead of compromising her reputation.  Lisa is a great player but has some catching up to do with her three year lay-off.  I am certain we have not seen the last of her.
Apr 23, 2008 2:33 PM Guest Keith  says:

LISA FERNANDEZ  has been one of the greatest fastpitch player in softball history. Sorry to say that we do age (get older)and our ability to perform at our best deminishes.  She would be a great pitching coach or trainer  and maybe a sports anouncer .  Its time for new faces that have earned the right to go to China. The right decission has been made. Live with it.
Apr 25, 2008 4:57 PM Guest Carol  says in response to Keith:

I agree with all the comments that Lisa Fernadez is one of the great fastpitch players of our time and will continue to be our children mentor for a long time. I don't think that Lisa would find any humor in the terrible comments about the other players. Key word players!! It is a team and there is no "I" in that!!! I don't think that politics has played any part in this decision. These are all very experienced players and coaches we should put our trust in them to get the job done!
Apr 25, 2008 4:58 PM Guest Carol  says in response to Keith:

I agree with all the comments that Lisa Fernadez is one of the great fastpitch players of our time and will continue to be our children mentor for a long time. I don't think that Lisa would find any humor in the terrible comments about the other players. Key word players!! It is a team and there is no "I" in that!!! I don't think that politics has played any part in this decision. These are all very experienced players and coaches we should put our trust in them to get the job done!
May 1, 2008 5:21 PM Guest Jackie  says:

I am actually more surprized that Jenny Topping did not make the team.  Don't they need a relief catcher? and isn't she great with the bat!  I saw the USA team play in the Cal State Fullerton tournament this March, and she was awesome!  I think it is a thankless job that coach Candrera has. To only be able to take 15 players is really hard.  Best of luck to the team!  I have kept up with them since the 1996 Olympics and am really sad that this is the last year.  I had hopes of my daughter making the 2012 Olympics in London.
May 2, 2008 9:31 AM Guest Liz  says:

I don't think she should have been put on the team just because she is Lisa Fernandez.  All three of the current pitchers on the roster are amazing and much younger.  They have been playing continuously.  I think Mike Candrea made the right choice.  He is probably the best softball coach in the world and he can see talent and ability clearly.  I'm sure it wasn't an easy decision to leave her off of the roster.  I agree that Fernandez was one of the greatest in the world at one time, but times have changed.  She's older now.  I think it's great that she's with the team as someone to look up to.  Go Team USA!!
May 2, 2008 9:34 AM Guest Liz  says in response to Kathy Paskiewicz:

Wow!!  To say that Jennie Finch needs to pack it in is insane!!  Have you seen her pitch lately??  She's amazing!  She throws 65+ mph and has an arsenal of pitches!  How can you say she needs to pack it in?  I agree that Jen Ritter is amazing, but Jennie could throw circles around her!!
Jun 4, 2008 10:15 PM Liz4running Liz4running    says:

I remember playing Travel Ball against Lisa Fernandez...Remember the Raiders?  Even then she was a role model to those of us who didn't know where softball was even going.  Watching her through the years has been awesome.  She inspired me then and I'm now 36 years old and she's still inspiring young girls.  I say YES to having her play.  I say YES to having her coach.  She's a vet with experience and heart.  Would you pass up a chance to play ball with her?  I wouldn't...she brings excitement to the sport.
Jun 15, 2008 10:01 AM Bill_1942 Bill_1942    says:

I would think that to make the Olympic team meant that you were one of the best players in the WORLD> Not a good person-good for FP or that other stuff. The best in the WORLD>.

Nowhere in the majority of posts do I read where they had seen her throw and how she performed. I have and she is nowhere close to the big two Cat and Finch and no where near the speed of Abbott. While she throws lots of junk she does not have the dominance to be successful at that level any longer. Look at the girl from VT and watch her rise ball..... of Burkhart from ASU and her rotation.

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