Collected wisdom: Jennie Finch

I have two older brothers who play baseball, so for me playing softball was doing something kind of like what they did. But what hooked me on it was the camaraderie. If you look at our sport, it’s not just one size or one shape. It’s diverse. There’s offense and defense. You have a Cat Osterman and a Caitlin Lowe. Anyone can play our game and excel in our sport.

I’m heartbroken there won’t be softball in the 2012 Olympics. The women before us worked so hard to get us where our sport is today. It’s a blow to our hearts and to the many young women out there. Luckily in the U.S. we have the college game, which is at an all-time high. But I think of all the other women around the world who don’t have that.

Being a player’s wife is pretty crazy. One of our schedules would be a lot, then you put two of us in the same situation. It’s a juggling act but we have great family support. You try to be well balanced and try to make the most of it. Both of us being athletes, we understand what it’s like to perform as your job. Baseball is certainly a grind. They get to the field at noon and don’t leave until after midnight. But you have the off-season, so it’s balanced.

Motherhood puts things in perspective. This little guy doesn’t care if I win or lose. It’s an unimaginable love you have for this little thing that comes into your life. It’s a miracle to think about the fact Casey and I created another human being.

Playing professional softball is a dream come true. I grew up watching the Dodgers, dreaming about playing Major League Baseball. Every time I put on that jersey, it’s a blessing to know I have some place to play. And to play in a city like Chicago is amazing.

The Apprentice was a great opportunity to take my cleats off and put my high heels on. I got to see the business side of stuff and I had the opportunity to play for a charity that is close to my heart with breast cancer research. Mr. Trump is intimidating in many ways because he expects perfection and he gives perfection. It’s intense.

I love Oklahoma City. It’s the home of USA Softball. All the World Series and the World Cup, there are so many treasured moments that have happened here. The fans love the sport and love having us in town. I love coming here.