day night.Zion, who is from suburban O | Forum

Monica Abbott and I were teammates on the 2008 U. Adidas Falcon New Zealand .S. Olympic team. We earned silver in Beijing, and since then weve kept in touch, pitcher-to-pitcher. Every time we talk, its like were just picking up where we left off.Its been incredible to see Monica develop into the star that she is, and it continues to get brighter and brighter. What I think is amazing about her is that as unbeatable as she is, she continues to get better and find a way to improve on her game and what shes been able to do -- not only for USA Softball, but for the professional league. She went 18-1 during the National Pro Fastpitch regular season and led the league in strikeouts, innings pitched and wins.Shes grown as a person, too. I watched her interview at the espnW Summit, and I just felt like a big sister in a way. Oh, my goodness! She just continues to get more beautiful and stronger from the inside-out. And so eloquent. Im so thankful that our game has her and that she represents our sport. The things shes been able to do with the Scrap Yard Dawgs with her contract -- its not only exciting for the pro league, but exciting for women in general and in professional sports.When she signed that $1 million contract, Monica broke another barrier not only in softball but all across the board in womens professional sports. Its a struggle, but its exciting to see the Scrap Yard Dawgs get creative and give women what theyre worth. Theres a lot of work to do, but the message sent by a woman being able to make that kind of money is tremendous. I give the Scrap Yard Dawgs a lot of credit for helping break that glass ceiling. Monica got to be the one to do it, and she earned it. Shes gone across the world to share our sport, too. The way shes impacted the Japanese league -- her team won the title this fall -- is awesome.Monica is definitely one of the best in our sport. Shes been dominant from the start. She doesnt have many weaknesses on the field, but she continues to work and change her game, evolve and get better. The way to get on base and score against Monica Abbott in college was to hit the ball back at her, bunt, just try to make contact. Now, shes one of the best defensive pitchers out there. Its so incredible to see her perform like a 5-foot-6, smaller, quicker pitcher out there when shes 6-3. Shes so athletic, and shes worked on every single aspect of her game, not only physically but mentally as well.Shes been able to shine bright for our sport and our women and continues to pave the way. I really admire her discipline and her perseverance. Im grateful that shes an ambassador for our game and someone for young girls to look up to. Im so happy to see what shes given of herself and achieved as a result, and I look forward to many more years of watching her dominate from the circle, whether its here in the U.S. -- and hopefully in the Olympics for 2020 -- or in Japan.More on Monica Abbott? Abbott wants change after $1 million deal Story ?? Abbott settles in with National Pro Fastpitch?Story ?? Abbott hopes to go for gold in Tokyo?Video ?? Abbotts playlist?Story ?The IMPACT25 is espnWs annual list of the 25 athletes and influencers who have made the greatest difference for women in sports. Explore the 2016 list and more content at espnW.com/IMPACT25. Adidas Continental 80 NZ . Blackwood, 28, has played the last three seasons in the San Diego Padres system, including the past two summers with Class AA San Antonio of the Texas League. Adidas Y3 NZ . -- The Magic have their first victory of the new year. http://www.nmdshoesnz.com/adidas-superstar-cheap-nz.html . 31, the CFL club announced Monday. The team also has yet to decide on the future of Doug Berry, who began the season as a consultant to the head coach but took over the offensive co-ordinators duties in July. BALTIMORE -- A boy who underwent a double-hand transplant last summer has shown off his progress by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch at Camden Yards.Nine-year-old Zion Harvey tossed the baseball to Orioles centerfielder Adam Jones before Baltimore hosted the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night.Zion, who is from suburban Owings Mills, lost his hands and feet to an infection. He became the youngest patient to receive a double-hand transplant when he had the procedure ddone at the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia in July 2015. Adidas Originals NMD R1 NZ. Since then, Zion worked to regain hand function, including the ability to throw a baseball, through rigorous therapy sessions.After the operation, Zion set goals of throwing a football and playing on the monkey bars. Leg prosthetics have enabled him to walk, run and jump. ' ' '