What happened to softball sensation Jennie Finch?

In the 2000’s, there was arguably no name more synonymous with the game of softball than Jennie Finch’s. She was often compared to other fireball MLB pitchers for slinging fastballs to the plate at a rapid pace. Since she retired, she’s been largely out of the national spotlight, but has maintained close ties to the sport that she loves.

Jennie Finch’s story begins on September 3, 1980 in La Mirada, California. It wasn’t hard to predict her future given the enthusiasm her family had for baseball. Her brothers and parents were both obsessed with the sport, and the Finch clan would attend many Los Angeles Dodgers games. She started pitching at eight years old, and was on an All-Star travel team before the age of 10.

Finch spent countless hours practicing the game that she loved, and her efforts paid dividends as a teenager. She twice led American Softball Association teams from California to national championships. It was clear that she was destined for greatness, and it was only a matter of time before she erupted onto the college scene.

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Finch was practically untouchable as a pitcher at the University of Arizona. She led the Wildcats to the 2001 College World Series championship. Finch didn’t lose a game that season, and shut down UCLA in the title game. She was named National Softball Player Of The Year in 2001 and 2002, punctuating her collegiate career about as well as humanly possible.

Finch was the headliner of two United States Olympic softball teams in 2004 and 2008. The United States took home the gold in 2004, and brought a silver medal back in 2008. Finch's prowess helped spark interest in softball for many young girls throughout the United States.

As the face of the sport, Finch has always understood her responsibility to give back. She spends a lot of her time coaching travel softball, and communicating tips about how to repeat mechanics as a successful pitcher. Finch runs a softball program that allows girls in elementary, middle and high school to play the sport they love.

It may come as a surprise to no one that Finch fell in love with a former Major League Baseball player. She married Casey Daigle, who spent parts of three seasons pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks and Houston Astros. The couple has three children; Ace, Paisley and Diesel, and the family lives in Louisiana these days.

During the height of Finch’s fame, many wondered how Major League Baseball hitters would fare against her dominant pitching. As it turned out, many players didn’t want to find out, as it seemed possible that she would strike them out. In an exhibition All-Star game in 2004, Finch made quick work of St. Louis Cardinals star slugger Albert Pujols.

In addition to the ample time she spends teaching the finer points of softball, Finch is also involved in several charity organizations. She supports the Wounded Warrior Amputee Softball Team which is geared towards helping military veterans remain active after their service ends. Finch is also on the advisory board of ‘NPlay, an organization focused on battling childhood obesity.