Garman: Softball at ’96 Olympics Will Boost Sport

Cal State Fullerton softball Coach Judi Garman is applauding the introduction of softball as a medal sport for the 1996 Olympic Games, and said Friday the International Olympic Committee’s decision will bring attention and respect to a sport that has lacked both.

“Right now, we’re struggling. So many people don’t know what athletes the players are,” Garman said. “They think of slow-pitch softball and beer drinkers. I think people are going to take a new look and discover us.”

The IOC, meeting in Birmingham, England, approved the addition of softball Thursday.

Garman hopes for a softball boom of the type that occurred in gymnastics after the successes of such athletes as Mary Lou Retton and her predecessors.

“It’s just exciting,” she said, adding that she hopes the legitimacy the Olympics lend will increase sporting goods sponsorships and television appearances.

“We still battle so many negatives,” she said. “Too many young athletes still have to battle attitudes of parents and friends, outside influences who say they shouldn’t be wasting their time playing this sport.

“This is finally an opportunity for these girls.”