It's a Sad Day in Mudville! Softball Legend Jennie Finch to Retire

Jennie Finch, Olympic gold medalist and perhaps the most well known women’s softball player in history, is set to retire after the Championship Series of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) League this weekend.

It is reported that Finch is ending her remarkable career in order to dedicate more time to her husband, Astros prospect Casey Daigle, and their 4-year-old son, Ace.

Finch throws a mean fastball for the Chicago Bandits and lead Team USA to a gold medal in 2004 and a silver medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics.

She was named the NPF's Co-Pitcher of the Year in 2005 and pitched two perfect games, one in 2009 and the other came this season against the Akron Racers.

"I'm so blessed in so many ways, on and off the field. I've been able to experience it as a wife and as a mother, and to be able to say that I play softball, that's my job -- 15 years ago there's no way that would've happened,” Finch told MLB.com.  “Now, there are so many opportunities, not only within softball but for women in general with sports, it's exciting, very exciting. And I hope to continue that and do everything that I can and help continue to grow our sport, and encourage other young females out there to get involved.”

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Finch began playing ball at five and started pitching at 8-years-old.  While at the University of Arizona, Finch was an All-American three times, named best softball player twice and holds the NCAA record for consecutive victories (60).

Pretty impressive stats, but her most enduring legacy might be how she helped to elevate awareness of the game and the league, which started only six years ago. 

"She has elevated the awareness of the game and the image of the game in an unprecedented way," NPF Commissioner Cheri Kempf said. 

The NPF season starts in mid-May and features four teams playing a 48-game schedule, but Kempf said the league is still in "a growing process."  They hope to expand the league to 12 teams total. 

In addition to her accolades on the field, Finch is known as one of the most attractive female athletes in the world.  ESPN named Finch the "runaway winner" of their best dressed competition, she was one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful People, and she’s modeled swimwear for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition.  She’s also appeared on The Real Housewives of Orange County and Celebrity Apprentice. 

Finch was offered, and subsequently turned down, a substantial amount of money to pose for Playboy and Maxim magazine.  

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