Between the Laces
2/21/2023
It seems simple. Pick up your glove and go warm up. Pick up your glove and go play the game. Pick up your glove and go try again.
For players, there’s more to a glove than just pieces of leather laced together. A glove can help represent you as as a person and as an athlete, even as a platform to share message with the world that’s hidden in plain sight.
This is the story behind five Louisville Softball player’s gloves.
Pickle Winkler | Outfielder | Crofton, KY
Q: Tell us a little bit about what the text means on your glove.
LLC stands for Long Live Cynclaire. Cynclaire was my best friend who committed suicide my freshman year of high school.
It gives me a reason to put it all out on the field because she no longer can. Her name on my glove reminds me to find the good in the game, even when things aren’t going my way.
Q: When fans see the message you've chosen to put on your glove, what is one thing you want them to take away from it?
The biggest take away is that I play for her. I wear her number and her name is written on all of my gear. It gives me a reason to put it all out on the field because she no longer can. Her name on my glove reminds me to find the good in the game, even when things aren’t going my way.
Korbe Otis | Outfielder | Littleton, CO
Q: Tell us a little bit about what the text means on your glove, and why you chose to put it on there?
My glove is named Lil’ Richard III, and yes, I do have Lil’ Richard Jr and Sr in my locker. It is a tribute to my old pitching coach, who is a big part of my softball journey. My pitching coach Richard and I had very similar pitching styles and similar competitive mindsets, which was really cool for me because I haven’t found many people that are more competitive than me in life. The joke eventually became if he’s Richard, then that must make me little Richard. When I decided to stop pitching, the name didn’t really stick, but I have kept it commemorated in my glove, because Richard was such a big part of my softball journey. He was the person that encouraged me to start traveling to California to play which ultimately kickstarted my career. He is also a big part of the reason why I chose Louisville. Lil’ Richard evolved from an inside joke to a constant reminder of where I came from, where my career started, and how far I’ve come in my journey.
I also have my favorite bible verse written on my glove. Hebrews 12:1 says, “Wherefore we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us and let us run with patience, the race set out for us.” It’s a good reminder for me, especially when life gets hard, and you’re faced with adversity that everything God sets in your path is a part of your journey to becoming the person he wants you to grow into.
Q: When fans see what you’ve chosen to put on your glove, what is one thing you want them to take away from it?
If you could take anything from my glove, take it as a reminder to run your own race. Some days it may be harder to run than others, and everybody’s race looks different. God sets us on the path he wants us to be on, and that includes all the obstacles on that journey. Don’t try and compare your race to someone else’s because everybody takes a different path to get to wherever they are headed. Just stay the course and keep running!
Taylor Roby | Pitcher | Mt. Washington, KY
Q: Tell us a little bit about what the text means on your glove.
My glove says #PLAY4DONDOBINA, which is in honor of my travel ball coach Mr. Don Dobina. He helped me become the player I am today in so many ways. He passed away in 2016 right before I came to Louisville. He never got to see me play here, but I am so proud that our field is now named in his honor.
Q: Why did you chose to honor Don Dobina on your glove?
I wanted to show appreciation to someone special that helped me get to where I am today. He always pushed me to be my very best, and he always believed in me. I know he would be in the stands supporting our team if he was still with us today. I am thankful for the continued support of Susan, his wife, and his family.
Always treat yourself to some ice cream after a good win.Don Dobina
Q: When fans see what you've chosen to put on your glove, what is one thing you would want them to know?
Play hard! Play for the people that made you who you are today and who believed in you. Make sure that you make them proud.
Ally Alexander | Third Base | Taylorsville, KY
Q: Tell us a little bit about what the text means on your glove.
The text on my glove says, “Tiny Tim”. Gabby Holloway gave me this nickname for fun, and it has just stuck around.
Q: Why did you chose to put the nickname on your glove?
I chose to put it on there because it is a funny nickname to have around while playing, and when I look at it, it reminds me to still have fun even when things aren’t going the way we want them to.
Q: When fans see what you've chosen to put on your glove, what is one thing you would want them to know?
One thing I would want fans to know is teammates have made an impact on my life, along with other people.
Sam Booe | Pitcher | New Palestine, IN
Q: Tell us a little bit about what the text means on your glove.
The text on my glove is my oldest brother Brayton's initials and my number, which was also his number. My brother committed suicide when I was younger, and I always like to have something in honor of him. He loved watching me play softball, and after he passed it was my way of staying close with him.
Q: Why did you chose to honor your brother with the message on your glove?
It is my way of having him with me on the field, along with the bracelet and my blue ribbon I wear. I feel the closest to him when I'm in between the white lines, and it helps me get through all the highs and lows.
It is my way of having him with me on the field, along with the bracelet and my blue ribbon I wear. I feel the closest to him when I'm in between the white lines, and it helps me get through all the highs and lows.
Q: When fans see what you've chosen to put on your glove what is one thing you wan them to take away from it.
Mental health matters. No matter how life is going or how bad you may be struggling, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Getting to the end of the tunnel may be a hard battle, but lean on your people and they will be there for you the whole way.
