Jennie Finch to headline 2017 High School Softball Spring Training program for second year

Jennie Finch, former collegiate All-American softball player who pitched for the Arizona Wildcats, the USA national softball team, and the Chicago Bandits and who is an Olympic gold medalist, will headline the week long 2017 High School Softball Spring Training program.

Finch will also serve as ambassador of the 2017 program, the Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach announced Thursday.

Appearing at the Grand Park at Market Common ball fields, Finch will speak with participating teams and host a pitching and hitting demonstration on April 11 and 18. At the end of the presentation participants will have the opportunity to take a team photo with Finch.

Finch has previously participated with The Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach. In 2016, due to the ability of the fields to host both baseball and softball games, the organization decided to host its first fast-pitch softball tournament in partnership with Finch.

Finch hosted a sold-out Jennie Finch “Throw like a Girl” tournament with 40 teams from across the country present, having overwhelming success.

Due to its success The Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach is partnering with The City of Myrtle Beach in efforts to expand the programming. The partnership includes nine turf fields located at The Grand Park at Market Common sports complex, which will provide additional space for increased team participation.

Ripken Baseball hopes to “inspire athletes through remarkable experience, the Ripken Way,” through on-site tournaments, camps, and clinics.

Interested participants can contact Allen Springs at asprings@ripkenbaseball.com or call 843-213-2723 for more information.

This story was originally published September 29, 2016 at 3:42 PM with the headline "Jennie Finch to headline 2017 High School Softball Spring Training program for second year."