In case you missed it, professional fastpitch softball pitcher Jailyn Ford earned MVP honors in the 2019 National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) Championship Series in August.
Jailyn appeared in all three games of the USSSA Pride’s 3-game sweep of the Chicago Bandits. Specifically she recorded a win, two saves, and 15 strikeouts – all in relief!
One name and one name only…
The 2019 @BoombahInc MVP goes to no other than Jailyn Ford from the @USSSAPride! Hats off to the incredible pitching performance @jaylander12🧢
15 Stike Outs, 1 Win, and 2 Saves in only 3 Games! #SERIES2019 #NPF2019 #WomenWorthWatching pic.twitter.com/ZTo7Oz8rIA
— NationalProFastpitch (@profastpitch) August 18, 2019
Jailyn Ford’s pitching performance was so dominant, Pride coach Gerry Glasco shared the following remarks (source: Roanoke Times article Jailyn Ford returns to Bath County as an MVP)
She might be the best pitcher in the world this summer. How mentally tough she stayed in those biggest moments [of the finals]. She’s really elite. She just pitched on another level than I’ve ever seen her this summer.”
Glasco (who is also the college head coach at Louisiana) added:
She’s improved her change-up. She’s added an off-speed dropball. Her riseball’s sharper. She’s throwing harder. If there are five pitchers on the Olympic team for the United States, she should get heavy consideration for one of those spots. She’s pitching at a level right now equal to any pitcher in the world.”
Jailyn Ford Pitching Journey
Ford, age 25, is from Bath County, Virginia and was the first All-American in the history of James Madison University’s softball program (Jailyn started every game of her college career at JMU from 2013 – 2016 at pitcher or first base).
But did you know Jailyn Ford’s pitching instructor for a large part of her pitching journey has been Rita Lynn Gilman?
Jailyn Ford’s first pitching lesson with Rita Lynn was over 14 years ago on 3/28/05!
In honor of Jailyn Ford’s MVP performance for the USSSA Pride this summer, Rita Lynn assembled the following slideshow of Jailyn Ford’s pitching journey from rec league to the professional league (Jailyn also plays professionally in Japan and Australia).
You can also read Rita Lynn’s commentary on many of the photos when viewing the slideshow on a widescreen.
Congrats Jailyn! You are an inspiration to us all!
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