From Stillwater to Japan, Smith is known for outstanding play and for her hair

By Jenni Carlson

Published: May 31, 2008

ESPN commentator Michele Smith has seen many changes in the softball world since her pitching days at Oklahoma State. But there have been at least two constants over those two decades — her play and her hair.

Jenni Carlson: So, what's more difficult — pitching in the Olympics or color commentating on TV?

Michele Smith: Honestly, at first, probably color commentating. Listening to the truck and what people are saying in your ears when you're talking. Retaining your thoughts is very difficult when you're first doing it.

JC: Have you gone back and watched any of those early tapes?

MS: Oh, yeah. I do listen to those and cringe. You always go back and study your work, just like you would if you were pitching. You go back and study your mechanics. I do the same thing with this because I take a lot of pride in it. I feel like I get to teach the game, so I feel like the better I get at this, the better I can teach the game and help the sport.

JC: Now, you're a pro in this just like you are in softball.

MS: Trying to be. (Laughs.)

JC: You played in the Women's College World Series back in the day. What do you think now when you walk in?

MS: The atmosphere is amazing. I think it is just great what these young ladies get to look forward to, get to strive to play in every year. The atmosphere's phenomenal. I was one of the first athletes to play a game in this stadium when it was first built. It has come a long way. It's great to see the way this sport is embraced in Oklahoma City. There's no place like it.

JC: Gotta tell you, though, I miss the burms.

MS: That was awesome to see the kids sliding down on cardboard boxes and stuff. That was a special part, but I think the fans are a little more comfortable in the stands.

JC: Do you have a favorite WCWS memory from the booth?

MS: I have to say when Oklahoma won, when Lisa Carey hit that home run and Oklahoma City went crazy, that was great. But there have been a lot of them. Seeing some of the great performances from Cat Osterman, Monica Abbott, just legends of game was amazing. It's like every year a new memory is made.

JC: Is it OK for a former Cowgirl to say one of her favorite memories is the Sooners winning?

MS: Oh, yeah. It's the state of Oklahoma, and that program came a long way. I think we might've only lost to them once in my entire career.

JC: Point that out.

MS: That's right — gotta get that dig in there. But to see Oklahoma represented is great. You hear so much about California and the Pac-10, so when you see a program win outside of the Pac-10, it doesn't matter if they're your rival or not. You've gotta say, "Great job. Great work.”

JC: Changing gears, you're still playing in Japan. How many years?

MS: Sixteenth year.

JC: So, what's the best thing about playing softball in Japan for 16 years?

MS: The hardest thing is being away from home. It's a long way from home. The best thing is the level of competition. I tell you what, the Japanese make you have to be your best. That's what I like. I think I became the player I became because I played over there. It was so competitive. It's amazing the number of U.S. players that will go over there ... and be literally humbled. It is a very competitive league. The fact that we have won eight championships and I have won eight MVPs over there, I think as I get toward the end of my career I look back and think, "That was pretty amazing.”

JC: True or false — you are the Ichiro of Japanese softball.

MS: True. It's kind of crazy. Sometimes I say I feel like a Beatle. Little kids yell. They scream. I say, "OK, I'll sign your autograph. No screaming, OK?”

JC: I can't let you go without asking about your hair. It's your signature look. Have you ever thought about changing it?

MS: I can't, I can't.

JC: Because it's the signature?

MS: Because it's my signature. And I have to pitch with it down. Everyone's like, "Why don't you pitch with it in a ponytail?” I'm like, "I can't.” First of all, it's up and down, in and out of batting helmet because I hit as well. I could never get used to it. And my hair's so thick, it never stays in a ponytail. It was constantly a distraction, so I just learned to pitch with it down and it became my trademark. Everyone loves it. If the kids don't love it, their moms do.

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