From Junior College to Divison I, every softball player plays in their college years as if it will be their last time playing. In most cases, this is true. College softball is the last opportunity for these young ladies to dedicate their hearts to the sport.
The moment a girl steps on the field for the first time is magical. They realize whether or not they will love the sport and, if they do, end up dedicating copious amounts of time and energy to it.
While they enjoy the sport, they dream about a future in it, playing in college and then in the major leagues. However, there's that heartbreaking moment for all softball players when they come to the realization that there is nothing for them as promising as Major League Baseball.
Major League Softball player’s yearly salary ranges from $19,910 to $187,200. This, compared to the contracts that MLB players such as Mike Trout sign for $426 billion, is nothing. It is not realistic for any softball player to rely on this league as a solid life plan.
As a result of this, players will go all out in their college years. Pitchers will pitch until their arms can't go anymore, outfielders will dive as if it's their last time doing so, and everybody tries their absolute hardest for the win.
It's a sad way to play a sport, however, it is an unfortunate reality for these players. That still doesn't get in the way of their love of the sport. There are still ways to make a living out of softball past college.
Jennie Finch, a graduate from the University of Arizona and softball hall of fame inductee, acted as an ambassador for softball and women athletics. She was able to make a great name for herself and is able to live a happy life with the career she chose.
Contrary to all the negatives about MLS, softball can still take people in life. Playing a sport in college can help with applications to graduate school and will also look good on a resume.
Sports are also not always about the money it can bring you either. All of this goes to show that people will play sport regardless of where it can take them in life. These players, especially one's that are Division II or below, play specifically because they love the sport and want to be a part of a team that loves it too.
Although Major League Softball would not take a collegiate athlete far, that doesn't stop them from playing at their best. Softball athletes are some of the most dedicated to their sport solely because they know that they will never have a future in it, but still decide to shape their lives around it.
