The most dominant pitcher in softball history — a three-time Olympian with a career ERA under 0.50, three USA Softball Player of the Year awards and a rise ball considered technically the most unhittable pitch in the sport's history.
Cat Osterman was born in Houston, Texas in 1983. She is the most accomplished left-handed pitcher in the history of USA Softball. She won Olympic gold at Athens 2004 and silver at Beijing 2008. She was a three-time All-American at Texas and was named the USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year three consecutive times. Her career ERA with the national team was below 0.50. She held the record for career strikeouts in the National Pro Fastpitch league. She struck out batters at a rate unprecedented in the professional game and her rise ball — released with exceptional spin — was considered the most difficult single pitch in women's softball to hit. She was inducted into the USA Softball Hall of Fame in 2022.
Dominant left-handed pitcher with sub-0.50 ERA and Olympic medals
How They Played
Left-handed power pitcher with exceptional rise ball and pinpoint control
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest softball pitchers in history with unmatched collegiate dominance
Olympic Gold 2004
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 2004
- Olympic Silver 2008
- USA Softball Player of the Year x3
- Career ERA under 0.50