Former Gator Kristen Butler (Orlando, Fla.) recently took part in the 2009 Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball game, part of Major League Baseball's All-Star festivities in St. Louis, Mo.
The catcher was the 2006 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year and a two-time NFCA All-Southeast selection as well as a first-team All-SEC selection while wearing the Orange and Blue. She went on to play professional softball, as she is now a member of the Akron Racers in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. She also plays softball in Japan during the U.S. offseason.
We caught up with Butler right after her debut in the celebrity softball game.
What was it like to play in the Taco Bell All-Star Legends and Celebrity Softball game with fellow players, baseball legends and current celebrities?
It was a great honor to be one of four players to be chosen from the league to play in the celebrity game. I was star struck from the Hall of Fame baseball players. The moment Goose Gossage walked through the door I was determined to hang out with him. The Hall of Famers were very interested in the game of softball and asked a lot of questions.
Did you spend any time in St. Louis for the All-Star Break? Did you go to any of the other events? Did you have a favorite?
I spent about four days in St. Louis. I went to the Sheryl Crowe concert, Homerun Derby, All-Star Game and Fan Fest. My favorite was the All-Star game, because I got to hang out with some celebrities before the game. I also was able to go up the St. Louis arch. That was a unique experience. Anyone who is claustrophobic should not go up there!
Was there a highlight for you playing in the celebrity game?
I think the highlight for me was seeing myself on the big screen in Busch Stadium.
What has your experience been like playing in the NPF league?
Playing in the league, I have been able to see a different part of the country that I have never seen before. Since I played in Florida, all of the northern schools came and played us or we went to the west coast. I had the opportunity to go to New York City last year, and I have been able to go to Boston and Chicago.
What is it like playing softball in a foreign country like Japan?
I have played in Japan for two years, and it has been a wonderful life experience. I have learned so much, not only about a different way to play softball but also about the Japanese culture. I admire the Japanese so much because they work so hard at whatever they do. I have a full time interpreter to help me with the language, but I also take Japanese lessons in the mornings. The games are awesome because we have cheerleaders and a band!
Do you have any favorite pro softball moments or highlights?
Winning the Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 was a great moment for me.
What is your favorite Gator Softball memory?
Breaking the single-season home run record in my senior year was very memorable.
Do you have a favorite UF memory (off the field)?
In my junior year, seven or eight of my teammates and I took a social dance class together. One day we were all laughing about something and we got in trouble and almost all of us got kicked out of class. It was super funny and we were great teammates for hanging together. We laughed about that for a long time.
What advice would you give aspiring softball players?
To always work hard and follow your dreams.
