Natasha Watley on hitting leadoff and the Lakers

Natasha is a three-time gold medal winner as well as holding the Olympic record for stolen bases with five in nine games. We sat down with her during her preparation for the World Cup of Softball II to get her thoughts on youth sports and the future of professional softball.

Pretty good start with the team taking the first two games.

That’s what we wanted to do. Make a statement; play hard, play our game, and not play down to our opponent’s level.

Is that what maybe happened last year with Japan in the World cup--that you played down to your opponent?

Japan is probably our biggest rival. They’re always looking for a way to dethrone us. Last year was a good lesson on what we have to do to consistently win against emerging teams such as Japan and China.

Interesting you bring up China. They seem to be really ramping up their support of softball.

That’s the thing..the way these teams are coming in here so focused and prepared we have to absolutely be on top of our game to win the whole thing.

How’d you first get involved in softball?

I started playing because of a flyer that was sent home. My parents didn’t’ even know what softball was. My dad was a basketball fan—my parents had Laker season tickets—which they used to take me a couple of times. But they came around. They’ve been very supportive.

You not only play for the national team but also play for the Philadelphia Force of NPF (National Pro Fastpitch League). Have you noticed the overall popularity of softball picking up?

Definitely. It’s great that we have two leagues—the PFX (Professional Fastpitch Xtreme) and the NPF and shows how far we’ve come.

Is there a chance that the two leagues might merge into one someday?

I hope so. Something like the American League and National League in baseball where the two leagues are separate but they co-exist. Still it’s great to have opportunities for girls. Because there are only 17 or 18 players on the national team and there are a lot of great players who get a chance through these pro leagues to play.

What are your personal goals for the World Cup of Softball?

In batting leadoff my job is just to get things going. Take a lot of pitches. Put the ball in play. Making contact. It’s really my job to set the tone and bring a lot of confidence to the table.

Any advice for those young players who’d like to be the future starting shortstop for the national team?

Just play hard and have fun. But do it because you want to do it. When you actually ‘want’ to do things like lift weights and practice really hard then the hard work won’t feel like work—and you’ll get really good without even knowing it.

Comments

[Josephine Hosey]

I'm doing this class letter in my 7th grade english class. We have to write a letter to a person who inspires us. So i picked you. Please give me an address where I can mail this letter.

[jamie]

hey natasha,
i love watching you n tv.
jamie

[Lakers Tickets]

It will be interesting if the Chinese pursue softball like we are. We might have another high-profile showdown for national pride... Go USA!