Team USA Softball’s Olympic tuneup tour is making a stop in Midland this summer. The red, white, and blue will take on Team Alliance, a squad composed of elite collegiate and professional players, June 11-12 at Momentum Bank Ballpark. The teams will play two exhibition games each day as Team USA prepares for softball’s return to the Olympic stage for the first time since 2008. Here are four reasons you should check them out.

1. You’ll Get to Know the Players Before the Olympics

Watching the Olympics at home is much more fun when you’re familiar with the athletes. Catch Team USA in person and you’ll have a strong rooting interest when the Tokyo Games kick off in July.

2. Their Talent is Otherworldly

Team USA Softball has a storied history in Olympic competition, winning gold at the 1996, 2000, and 2004 Olympics and nabbing silver in 2008. The Americans are sure to be a favorite once again in Tokyo.

3. Catch Cat’s Last Hurrah

Legendary lefty Cat Osterman, whose pitching prowess helped Team USA to gold in 2004 and silver in 2008, is looking to punctuate her Olympic career with another gold medal. She’s extra motivated after a crushing loss to Japan in 2008’s gold medal game. You don’t want to miss this Texas legend pitch. A Houston native who starred at the University of Texas, Osterman is widely regarded as one of the game’s best pitchers of all time.

4. To Show Your Support

Team USA’s “Stand Beside Her” tour, which spans six months and nine cities, is presented in partnership with Major League Baseball and has a mission of promoting women’s sports. According to the Team USA website, the tour “evokes a powerful message of unity aimed to inspire communities to stand beside HER – the members of the WNT, America and the future generation of female athletes.” Grab your tickets and show your support for the cause.

For more fun things to do in and around Midland, check out the Anatole on Briarwood blog.