All Strikes. No Balls. - stories of the softball sisterhood

In this episode, Thunda and Fisty speak with our one and only Diamond Jules: Julie Dale.Julie shares with us stories of how she started out in softball, joined her first club team, and made her mark as a player before falling into coaching and going on to win SA’s first ever under 19 national tournament as the head coach.  Julie also discusses her unwavering commitment to volunteering for so many years, and why it’s the people that keep her coming back.  

In episode seven, Thunda and Fisty speak with one of our favourite humans Jailyn ‘Baby J’ Ford, who we first met when she was an import pitcher for the SA Starz in 2018. Baby J shares stories from her college career with James Madison University, her time in both the U.S. and Japanese pro leagues, and tells us about how playing with the SA Starz had a positive impact on her softball career. As if she wasn’t already awesome enough, Baby J was recently selected to Team USA and gives us an insight into the trials and selection process. She also explains why Thunda and Fisty were controversially not invited to participate in this year’s Team USA trials. Baby J is humble, insightful, and funny which makes for an entertaining conversation. If you are not her fan already, we know that by the end of this episode you will be! To watch the episode on Youtube, head to the All Strikes No Balls channel or copy and paste this link: https://youtu.be/l4r_y5fbg3Q

In this episode, Thunda and Fisty speak with the one and only, softball legend, Linda Martin.Linda shares with us stories of growing up in a softball/baseball family, playing her first A grade game at the age of 11, and winning SA’s first ever under 19 nationals.  Linda also shares stories of her time in the Australian team and travelling the world playing the sport she loved.Linda’s experience and insights into the game, coupled with her matter-of-fact approach, make for an interesting and entertaining conversation.

In episode five Thunda and Fisty talk to OLYMPIAN Bel White. Bel speaks about the Spirit Squad’s lead up to selections, their daily routines in Japan, and their toughest opponents at the upcoming games. We also hear about the strengths of the Aussie Spirit softball team and, for those wondering, she’ll also answer the all-important question: venetian or vertical blind. Bel is already a legend of SA softball and is only days away from cementing herself as arguably one of our best ever. We hope you enjoy our conversation as much as we did.

In episode four, Thunda and Fisty talk to Glenelg Rebels Life Member Kay Bevan.  Hear Kay talk about her early days of playing in Broken Hill, going away to School Girls and National competitions, being away from family without any contact, and representing Australia in San Salvador during a time of civil unrest.Kay’s no-fuss approach to life and the game of softball, coupled with her strong philosophy of giving back to the sport she loves so much makes for an honest and insightful conversation.

It’s all about grassroots sports in episode three as Thunda and Fisty talk to Dionne Biddell, AKA ‘Dribble’.  An 800-game life member of the Sturt Falcons Softball Club in the Adelaide Clubs Competition, Dribble talks about her love of softball and the friendships that have kept her involved for so many years.Hear about Dibble’s superstitions, fashion statements, and more.  Her no-fuss view of the game is refreshing and it makes for a light-hearted chat about the game she loves.

In episode two, Thunda and Fisty talk to Softball SA Life Member and Hall of Famer Lindy Rattigan.  Also known as the matriarch of men's softball, Lindy talks about her playing career, her umpiring days, her family’s softball legacy, and her passion for the pencil.  Lindy's recollection of softball history, coupled with her zest for life and no-nonsense approach, makes for an entertaining and insightful conversation.

In episode one, Thunda and Fisty talk to softball legend Terri Lamoree about all things softball and life.  Hear from Terri about growing up and playing ball in the States, how and when she moved to Australia, her involvement in developing softball in South Australia, and her love of right field.   Terri's passion for softball and philosophy of developing young women into not only good ball players but also strong and independent human beings makes for an enlightening and heart-felt conversation.