Sports icon and one of the country's greatest contributors to nation building, Cynthia Moxey-Pratt, was delighted recently when we chatted. She informed of the opportunity that was given for the women's softball national teams of the 1970s to be honored at the House of Assembly. They did in fact have yet another moment in the spotlight when some from that golden era fraternity were saluted in the House of Assembly as a part of the International Women's Day activities in The Bahamas.
"This is something good. To have an occasion when as many of us as is possible could come together again is a good idea," she said. Moxey-Pratt is widely regarded as the best female basketball talent in the country's history. She was also one of the top softball players and it was in that sport that the country rose to No. 3 in the world and dominated competition in the Caribbean and the Americas during the 1970s.
The national softball ladies of the 1970s were magnificent. They were well respected around the world, not just for their play, but also for the calm assurance and dignity they demonstrated. The poise of players from such a small country amazed rival players. To give readers an idea of just how good the softball icons were, I go down memory lane for a few paragraphs from an article written about the national team's performance during the World Softball Tournament in El Salvador in October 1978.
From the 1978 article:
"In Friday's game, The Bahamas won 5-2 over Italy with Alice Wells picking up the victory. Daisy Walker led the offensive attack with three singles, a double and by scoring three runs.
"On Sunday, The Bahamas defeated Taiwan 5-4 behind Linda Ford's hurling. Ford also scored the winning run. With the score tied after seven innings of play, Ford got a single, moved to second on Barbara Knowles' bunt and came home when Kaye Moxey delivered a clutch hit.
"On Monday, The Bahamas swamped Nicaragua 11-0 behind the fine pitching of Ernestine Butler. A balanced hitting attack, led by Walker and Cheryl Turnquest, paved the way for the victory."
That's the level of play that anointed The Bahamas as one of the best in female softball in the world. Unfortunately, from No. 3 in the world, this country dropped considerably over the ensuing decades. Without a doubt, if a time machine could bring those ladies back to their prime, they would be among the three best in today's world of softball.
Yes, they were that good. For a time, the milestones achieved by Moxey-Pratt and fellow softball heroes were forgotten. Their performances had faded into the past and most of their names were no longer easily recognized. As a result of International Women's Day 2014 though, they were afforded a forum on which to get under the spotlight once again.
The House of Assembly salute certainly befits the gallant softball ladies of the 1970s.

(To respond to this sports feature, kindly contact Fred Sturrup at sturrup1504@gmail.com)

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