The batter connects on a screaming liner.

Saturday, July 29, 2000

The batter connects on a screaming liner. The first baseman reaches quickly and makes the snag.

A fan begins to clap, turns to anther woman and says, "That little boy is good."

The woman, who just happens to be the child’s mother, politely replies, "That little boy is my daughter."

And so it goes with Shay Richendollar, the 10-year-old girl who was the starting catcher for the Green Little League boys 9- and 10-year-old all-star baseball team.

But being a girl on a boy’s team doesn’t bother Richendollar, nor does the comments she might here from time to time.

"I was treated OK. Everyone was calling me ‘honey’ and things like that, but it was all right," Richendollar said. "I’m one of the guys now….kinda."

In the past, Richendollar has played first base, left field, and even once she played third base.

"I like them all, but I like catcher better," Richendollar said. "I tried out for catcher this year. I (caught) some the last six games of the regular, but in my last game I played the whole game.

"I like catcher the best. I like throwing people out on the bases."

Richendollar does throw to throw out runners, and she does it from her knees.

"Sometimes I think she just does it because she likes to dirt," Richendollar said.

The Green All-Stars went 2-2 in the tournament, beating South Point and South Webster while losing to Ironton and Wheelersburg.

"We did pretty good for a small league," Richendollar said.

Having played tee-ball and minor league with the bous, next up will be little league and senior league. However, Richendollar is aware that when she enters high school she will be forced to play on the softball team.

"I know that things will change and they only offer baseball for the boys. For now, I just want to keep playing baseball."

Richendollar is the daughter of Jan Richendollar and Greg Hunter of Franklin Furnace.