In a landmark recognition of collegiate softball excellence, Cat Osterman, the iconic left-handed pitcher from the University of Texas, has been named to ESPN’s “Greatest All-Time Softball Team.” This honor, announced during a special ESPNU broadcast of the 7Innings Podcast, was determined through fan voting, where Osterman secured a commanding 34.70% of the vote, outpacing other notable left-handed pitchers such as Oklahoma’s Paige Parker and Tennessee’s Monica Abbott.
Osterman’s collegiate career is nothing short of legendary. As a Longhorn, she amassed a 136-25 win-loss record, maintained a minuscule 0.51 ERA, and recorded an astounding 2,265 strikeouts. Her dominance is further underscored by her NCAA record for the highest career strikeout-per-seven-inning ratio at 14.34. She remains the only player in NCAA Division I history to lead the nation in ERA three times and achieved 20 no-hitters and seven perfect games during her tenure at Texas.
Beyond her collegiate achievements, Osterman’s impact on the sport continued professionally and internationally. She was the first overall pick in the 2006 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Draft and went on to lead her teams to multiple championships. Internationally, she represented Team USA in three Olympic Games, securing a gold medal in 2004 and silver medals in 2008 and 2020. Her contributions to the sport have been recognized with numerous accolades, including being the only three-time recipient of the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year award and earning induction into the USA Softball Hall of Fame.
Osterman’s legacy is not only etched in records and medals but also in the inspiration she provides to aspiring athletes. Her recent enshrinement into the Little League Hall of Excellence further cements her status as a role model and pioneer in the sport of softball.
As the softball community celebrates this well-deserved recognition, Cat Osterman’s storied career serves as a testament to excellence, perseverance, and the profound impact one athlete can have on a sport.
