Monica Abbott retires

[Hoosier]

The Ace Who Wouldn’t Stop Finally Steps Away
TOP STORIES Graham Hays - February 21, 2023

Retiring may be the most surprising thing Monica Abbott ever did.

The world championships and professional titles across multiple continents. The tangible records and intangible dominance. You knew all of those were within her grasp the first time you saw those long limbs uncoil, seemingly reaching out to close enough brush the batter. You knew the first time you saw a batter swing helplessly at a ball that wasn’t there anymore, the way most of the rest us swat at flies on summer afternoons. . . .

 

[Hoosier]

BREAKING: Pitching Legend Monica Abbott Announces Her Retirement
BREAKING NEWS Rhiannon Potkey - February 21, 2023

One of the great pitchers in the history of the sport is stepping out of the circle for good.

University of Tennessee and Team USA legend Monica Abbott announced her retirement on Tuesday with a post on her social media account.

“Today, today is the day and my heart is so full. Sixteen years I’ve played professionally, 20 years with Team USA, and I’ve got to play for you. I’ve got to throw rise balls with a heart full of joy and love, and I’ve got to entertain you from the pitcher’s circle,” the 37-year-old Abbott said. “I believed in building a better future for women, for women athletes, for the youth of tomorrow. And today, I am going to say this is going to be it for me. I am going to retire from playing softball on the field.”

 

[Hoosier]

I had the pleasure of teaching Frosh English to Monica in the 2003-04 academic year. Until I met her, I really didn't know anything about softball. Monica was an ambassador for the game even then, and I have been a fan ever since.

 

[floridavol25]

She was an all time great, UT needs to bring her into the coaching circle somehow.. I think the weekly’s are past their prime

 

[VollyParton]

What a great Lady Vol! A joy to watch pitch for us & dominate so many batters!

 

[Big Orange Rob]

Shame we didn't win the title when she was on the mound. Weekly's botched their best chance for a title. Would love to see her on the staff in some capacity.

 

[VolunteerCeltic]

True VFL and excellent representative of UT! She needs to come back to Tennessee and enjoy some NIL opportunities. One of if not the best to ever play softball!

 

[Dudleys87]

Abbott or Finch?


Congratulations to an outstanding athlete. Enjoy it you’ve earned it!

 

[SpecialKVolfan20]

What a great player she is!

 

[Tnphil]

Congrats to her. Job more than well done.

 

[gule]

GOAT

 

[ncteacher88]

This will not be a popular opinion here, but I go with Joan Joyce for GOAT. For those that do not know the name, do yourself a favor and research her history, her athletic feats were remarkable. Red Sox Hall of Famer Ted Williams said she was the toughest pitcher he ever faced.

“She pitched 150 no-hitters and 50 perfect games, with a lifetime earned run average of 0.09. In her record-setting 42-win season, she pitched 38 shutouts. Her 1974 Brakettes team was the first American team to win the world championship. She struck out Ted Williams and Hank Aaron.

“She played on the LPGA tour for 19 years and holds the Guinness record for fewest putts in a PGA or LPGA round with 17. She was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Basketball Team in 1964-65 and holds the record for the most points in an AAU tournament game with 67.”

“Joyce has been inducted into 20 halls of fame, including the National Softball Hall of Fame, the International Softball Hall of Fame, the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame.”

For those that like to enlighten themselves on athletes they’ve never heard of, here are some links:

Softball legend Joyce, who famously K'd Ted Williams and Hank Aaron, dies

Joan Joyce Called Greatest Female Athlete In American History

Joan Joyce: The Greatest American Athlete You've Never Heard Of - Grunge



(Linda Cohen starts the video by calling her the greatest softball player ever)

Worth reading about or watching the video at least.