Jocelyn Erickson Breaks the Mold as a Rare Left-Handed Catcher in Athletes Unlimited Softball

Jocelyn Erickson is rewriting the playbook in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League, making a name for herself as a rare left-handed throwing catcher. As a rookie for the Chicago Bandits, Erickson is not only showcasing her talent but also challenging traditional perceptions in the sport.

Breaking Barriers Behind the Plate

The rarity of a left-handed catcher is often compared to mythical creatures, but Erickson is proving it’s a reality. Her presence behind the plate for the Chicago Bandits, a team she joined as a Golden Ticket recipient from the University of Florida, has already made an impact. Erickson, who earned multiple accolades in college, including two Rawlings Gold Gloves, is demonstrating that skill and determination can overcome convention.

Erickson acknowledges the unique challenges and arguments against left-handed catchers, such as making tags at home plate or throwing to third base for pickoffs. However, she has developed her own creative strategies to overcome these obstacles. “The only two, I would say, are plays at the plate and picks to third,” Erickson said. “But you just have to get creative and figure out what works best for you. So I have a different way I do things. I’m left-handed, so I can’t do it the way right-handers do it. But you just have to get creative and think outside the box.”

Inspiration for Future Athletes

Growing up, Erickson had the advantage of a fellow left-handed catcher on her travel ball team, which provided a supportive environment for her development. This experience has fueled her desire to show young girls that they can pursue any position they choose, regardless of traditional norms. “I guess you could say I’m unique in that way because you don’t see very many [lefties] in college who catch, but I just like that it shows little girls that they can do what they want,” Erickson shared.

Her journey to becoming a catcher began with her two older sisters, both of whom are right-handed catchers. Fortunately, Erickson never encountered coaches who discouraged her from pursuing her passion. “When I was growing up, I never had a coach who told me I couldn’t,” Erickson said. “So I think having that positive atmosphere allowed me to achieve what I wanted. Having people who push me and inspire me and want the best for me allowed me to get to the level where I’m at.”

College Success and Professional Transition

Erickson’s collegiate career at the University of Florida was highly decorated. After starting at Oklahoma, she became a three-year letter winner for the Gators, finishing with a .360 batting average, 58 home runs, and 251 RBIs. Receiving the Golden Ticket earlier this year was a particularly emotional moment, coinciding with Senior Day and shared with a teammate.

The transition to the professional ranks in Athletes Unlimited has been smooth for Erickson. She was behind the plate for the Bandits’ recent 11-3 run-rule victory over the Oklahoma City Spark and also started in their 5-1 win against the Carolina Blaze, with pitcher Amber Fiser earning the win in both games. Fiser praised Erickson’s ability to “steal some outside pitches” and expressed her enjoyment of throwing to her.

Erickson has also found a valuable mentor in veteran catcher Mary Iakopo, who has helped guide her through the adjustment to professional softball. “She’s awesome,” Erickson said of Iakopo. “She’s really helped guide me through the whole transition from college to pro, and she’s really been supportive and someone to lean on.”

Beyond the Field

Outside of softball, Erickson finds solace and perspective through journaling and her scriptures, which she lists as her most prized possessions. These practices offer a way to reflect on life’s ups and downs and provide a therapeutic outlet.

Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|—|—|
| Player | Jocelyn Erickson |
| League | Athletes Unlimited Softball League |
| Team | Chicago Bandits |
| Notable Achievement | Rare left-handed throwing catcher |
| College Accolades | Two Rawlings Gold Gloves, .360 batting average, 58 home runs, 251 RBIs at University of Florida |

Erickson’s presence in Athletes Unlimited is more than just a statistical anomaly; it’s a testament to the evolving landscape of sports and the power of individual determination to challenge and change perceptions. Her story serves as an inspiration, proving that athletes can excel and thrive by embracing their uniqueness.

Source: MLB Official News RSS – https://www.mlb.com/news/ausl-jocelyn-erickson-is-rare-left-handed-catcher

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