In baseball, we've often heard of dad strength -- you know, when a Major League dad launches a home run or three after welcoming a child into the world. But there's mom strength on the diamond, too.
A case-in-point: Danielle Gibson Whorton used her mom strength on Saturday when she drove in the first run in Blaze history as the Athletes Unlimited Softball League’s inaugural season got underway in Illinois and Kansas.
COMPLETE AUSL COVERAGE
- MLB, AUSL announce historic partnership
- Milestones from Opening Day
- 12 AUSL players you should know
- FAQ: Everything to know about the burgeoning AUSL
- 7 MLB connections to softball you probably didn't know about
- Partnership offers 'north star' for softball players with pro dreams
- Broadcast schedule announced
- Team profiles: Bandits | Blaze | Talons | Volts
In the bottom of the first inning against the Volts in Wichita, Kan., Gibson Whorton stepped to the plate against pitcher Rachel Garcia with a runner at first base and two outs. She launched a drive over the center fielder's head that one-hopped the fence, driving in Baylee Klingler.
It was Gibson Whorton's first plate appearance since she gave birth to her son, Whitley, last November. And while the Volts ended up winning an extra-inning thriller, 5-1, Gibson Whorton's mom strength was on full display.
We all know moms are strong. But it's always fun when we can see mom strength in a different light -- this time on a softball field during Opening Day for the AUSL.