Before packing their bags for Beijing, the USA softball team makes a short stop in Salem.
They stand for the National Anthem hoping that in just two short weeks they'll hear that tune as our flag is raised. The sold out crowd at Kiwanis field came to see Team USA chew 'em up and spit 'em out.
"I thought man I gotta see this.", says 9 year old Riley Ginger.
Ginger, from Salem, eyeballs the field.
"I get to see Jennie Finch.", says Ginger
"I really wanna see Jennie Finch.", says 8 year old Leah Campbell.
"Number 27 Jennie Finch.", says the announcer.
There she is, Finch ready to wind it up. Finch was 8 years old when she threw her first pitch, the same age as Leah Campbell. Leah's mom Coletta says, "They're wonderful role models and like she said Jenny Finch is a prime example."
They drove 6 hours from North Carolina. Leah's got a softball and marker in hand and a seat right up front.
In the stands, there are dozens of future Olympic hopefuls. Little girls and young ladies hoping that in 4 or 8 years you'll be out here cheering them on.
Riley says she'll be ready in two years.
There's always the Junior National Team. Riley's mom Deitra says, "It just shows she can do anything she wants to if she sets her mind to it."
After all, before the gold was in their reach, the talented women on this field were little girls with softballs in their hands.
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