Well the boys Lala & BMan started us off right on the podcast journey but who better than to have as our first Wahine Toa on the couch than New Zealand's very first female professional softball to play in the USA, Lara Andrews.

Our Softball New Zealand White Sox Captain takes us on her journey from picking up her first bat at 9 years and falling in love with the game that very day.

Through missing out on her first silver fern at the age of 12, which only fueled the fire to represent her country which she has over the last 16 years.

Did you know how she got her Division 1 contract? A sandwich was involved.

It's not only what she does on the diamond & with grassroots softball but what the work she does with the "Balance is Better" program as well as working towards a PHD.... "Now batting, 3rd Base, Number 9, Doctor Lara Andrews".....

She is pretty special & we are honoured to have her on the podcast to share her amazing story & other thoughts around today's game.

Sit back and enjoy Beyond The Dugout Podcast with Jason Gerbes aka Chopper & Damian Collins bringing you weekly guests from the best that Fastpitch Softball has ever seen.