Key Highlights
When the Team Isn’t There, Fans Still Show Up
After Oklahoma’s decade-long run in the Women’s College World Series (WCWS) ended last weekend, Betty Frederick and her husband Gene decided to sell their season tickets. But not all fans followed suit. Laura Glardon, a Texas fan from Houston, texted Betty to make sure she was still making the trip.
“I’ve never been here without the Sooners,” Betty said. “But softball is softball.”
A Sense of Community and Tradition
Robert Barron of Midwest City, Oklahoma, has been attending the WCWS since 2000 when OU won its first national championship. He’s had a front-row seat to history with his longtime friend Alberto Castro from Scottsdale, Arizona.
“I couldn’t believe how many people were here,” Barron said of opening night. “The Sooners losing was heartbreaking, but it’s fantastic for this many people to show up.”
The WCWS as a Community Event
Debbie Howard and Nancy Osborn have owned season tickets for the past 18 years. Even after OU’s season ended last weekend, they didn’t stay home.
We love our team,” Howard said. “We wish they were here. But we love the game.”
Beyond the Teams: Friends and Traditions
Richard and Cindy Shaffer from Defiance, Ohio, never thought twice about bailing on their annual trip to Oklahoma City. Dar and Charlotte Kroll of Little Elm, Texas, came every year for their anniversary, starting in 2017 with a surprise WCWS ticket.
“We love OU; we love the girls,” Charlotte said. “We’re sad. But we love softball.”
A Night to Celebrate
The Krolls and friends from Arkansas, who made their first WCWS appearance this year, planned to watch softball, eat food, and hang out with good friends. Between games, they’re headed to Bedlam BBQ for their 35th anniversary dinner.
“It’s what we do to celebrate,” Dar said.
You might think this is new, but it’s not the first time fans have shown up even without their team. Softball is more than just a game; it’s about community and tradition.