American · Tustin, USA · Born 3 September 1980American softball pitcher who dominated international competition, leading Team USA to Olympic gold and silver medals while becoming softball's biggest star.
Jennie Lynn Finch was born on 3 September 1980 in La Mirada, California, to a family immersed in the sport; her father served as her first pitching coach, and she began playing softball at five and pitching at eight, working as a bat girl for UCLA as a child before starring herself at La Mirada High School. Finch played at the University of Arizona from 1999 to 2002, leading the Wildcats to the 2001 Women's College World Series title and earning collegiate All-American honours, developing a dominant rise-ball pitching style that made her one of the most feared pitchers in college softball. Finch represented the United States at the Olympics, helping Team USA win gold at the 2004 Athens Games and silver at the 2008 Beijing Games, becoming one of the most recognisable and popular ambassadors the sport of softball has ever had, both for her pitching dominance and for helping raise the sport's mainstream visibility. Finch moved into broadcasting after her playing career, joining ESPN in 2011 as a colour commentator for National Pro Fastpitch and college softball coverage, continuing to promote and grow the sport she helped popularise during one of the most successful eras in U.S. Olympic softball history.
Dominant softball pitcher who struck out MLB All-Stars
How They Played
Power pitcher with exceptional speed and precision
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest softball pitchers and ambassadors for women's softball
Career Honours
- Olympic Gold 2004
- Olympic Silver 2008
- USA Softball Player of the Year
- Struck out multiple MLB All-Stars
| Team | Period | Games |
|---|---|---|
| Stratford Brakettes | 2001–2010 | — |
American Athletes