Softball made its Olympic debut in the 1996 Atlanta Games, where the USA softball team took home the gold medal. During the games, each player uses various pieces of equipment from team and individual sponsors. For example, DeMarini and Miken are team sponsors for bats. While softball remains a worldwide sport, it was removed from the Olympic Games as of 2006. As a result, the USA softball team competes in the annual World Cup of Softball.
Team Sponsors
The USA softball team has various team sponsors that supply every type of equipment or gear required for training and games. Leading bat manufacturers such as DeMarini, Nike, Easton, Miken, Mizuno and Worth are team sponsors. These major companies typically produce batting gloves or hitting accessories that are also supplied to the softball team.
Athletes
While the USA softball team has team sponsors, each player might also receive additional endorsements and sponsorships from bat companies. For example, Worth sponsored Stacey Nuveman and Lovie Jung in 2008 and Leah O'Brien Amico and Michele Smith in 2004. Cat Osterman has used DeMarini bats and has several models named after her.
Features
Along with the brand of bat, the USA softball team uses different styles of bats to fit players' hitting styles. For example, a power hitter chooses a longer, heavier bat while a lead-off hitter chooses a short, lightweight bat for optimal bat control. Most barrels on fast-pitch softball bats measure 2-3/4 inches in diameter and most USA softball players choose a bat measuring 33 to 34 inches in length.
Youth
The kind of bats used by the USA softball team is essential for bat companies to build brand awareness among youth and amateur softball players. As a result, youth softball players look up to the national players for product knowledge and endorsements.
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