Comment by Valentino Martinez on April 7, 2012 at 11:32pm

OLYMPIC Champions!!!

Comment by Valentino Martinez on July 16, 2012 at 3:22pm

Lisa Fernandez Inducted Into The Olympic Hall of Fame

Published July 14, 2012

Associated Press

FILE- In this Aug. 22, 2004, file photo, United States pitcher Lisa Fernandez throws against Australia in softball at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. The 2004 U.S. Olympic softball team and Fernandez, a three-time gold medalist, have been inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File) (2004 AP)

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/sports/2012/07/14/lisa-fernandez-i...

Comment by Valentino Martinez on July 16, 2012 at 3:43pm

Lisa Fernandez at Short Stop..

Photo by Valentino Martinez circa Summer 1996

INSPIRED DAY OF PLAY

My daughter was twelve years old and playing softball in 1996 when the Women's USA Softball Team was touring America playing the top Women's Softball teams in the country in preparation for competing in the 1996 Olympic Games.  Women's Softball competition in the Olympics debuted in 1996--making history that year. 

That USA Women's Softball Team went undefeated on their America tour and later won the Olympic Gold Medal beating China.  While they were in St. Louis my daughter and members of her team were lucky to enough to watch them play and meet them--getting autographs all around.

I was able to photograph some of the USA Team's top pitchers (one shown here) in action--throwing some heat.  Notice the contorted forearm as she release the ball at hip-level throwing strikes that few could hit. 

It was an awe inspiring experience for all of us to witness such top talent up close and personal. The role model effect on our little girls was priceless.  To reflect later on the experience, that this team did go on to win the Olympic Gold Medal--makes the memory, autographs and pictures all the more meaningful.

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