Top 10 Richest Softball Players

Softball is a very popular baseball variant in the United States. However, the pay disparity between the two sports is very clear. Continue reading to learn more about the top 10 richest softball players and their stories.

Who Are the Richest Softball Players in the World?

1. Danielle Lawrie
2. Cat Osterman
3. Jennifer Finch
4. Natasha Watley
5. Crystl Bustos
6. Keilani Ricketts
7. Monica Abbott
8. Lisa Fernandez
9. Stacey Nuveman
10. Michele Smith

1.Danielle Lawrie

Danielle Lawrie is the richest softball player, with a net worth of $3 million. Born in Langley, British Columbia, Danielle played softball at a collegiate level for the University of Washington. Considered one of the best players during her time in Washington, Danielle was an All-American and led the team to two Women’s College World Series appearances. After graduating in 2017, Danielle was drafted by the Scrap Yard Dawgs from Texas. She also played in Australia for a short stint. Danielle has represented the Canada Women’s National Softball team at the Pan American Games and World Championships.

2. Cat Osterman

Cat Osterman is one of the greatest pitchers of the sport and also the second richest softball player, with a net worth of $2 million. Born in Houston, Texas, Cat attended the University of Texas at Austin, where she won the USA Softball Collegiate Athlete of the Year Award a record-breaking three times. After her collegiate career, Cat was drafted to the Rockford Thunder, where she spent nine seasons. Osterman competed for the United States National Softball team from 2001 to 2010, winning a gold and silver medal in the 2004 Athens and 2008 Beijing Olympics, respectively.

3. Jennifer Finch

The third richest softball player in the world is Jennifer Finch, with a net worth of $2 million. A collegiate athlete for the University of Arizona, Jennie won two Softball NCAA Championship titles during her time with the Wildcats. Finch went on to play internationally in the Japanese and Italian softball leagues. In addition to her club career, Jennie was part of the United States National Softball team that won a gold medal in 2004 and a silver in 2008. After retiring in 2010 as one of the most successful players in history, Jennie took up coaching and commentating.

4. Natasha Watley

Natasha Wately is the fourth richest professional softball player, with a net worth of $2 million. Born in Irvine, California, Natasha played college ball for UCLA. Watley played professional softball in the United States for the New York Juggernaut in the National Pro FastPitch as well as in Japan and Italy. Watley was an infielder for the American National Softball Team, where she was known for her power hitting. She played in the Olympics, World Championships, and World Cups, winning gold and bronze medals. Since her retirement, Natasha started the Natasha Watley foundation, which helps girls learn the fundamentals of softball.

5. Crystl Bustos

Crystl Bustos is the fifth richest softball player, with a net worth of $1.5 million. Born in Canyon Country, California, Crystl played college softball at the University of California at Santa Barbara. During her time at the university, Crystl was named a three-time All-American. Known for her powerful bat as a third baseman, Crystl played for the Chicago Bandits in the United States as well as in Italy. During her time with the United States National Softball team, Crystl won three gold medals at the Olympics as well as an MVP award in 2004.

6. Keilani Ricketts

The sixth player to make it on the list is Keilani Ricketts. Often referred to as one of the greats, Keilani has a net worth of $1 million. From San Jose, California, Keilani played collegiate softball for the University of Oklahoma, where she won four All-American Awards. In her senior season, Keilani, along with her teammates, won a national championship. After the collegiate stint, Keilani was drafted fourth pick overall into the National Pro Fastpitch to the USSSA Pride. After five seasons, Keilani also spent her time playing in Japan and Australia before calling the curtains on an illustrious career.

7. Monica Abbott

Born in Salinas, California, Monica Abbott is the seventh richest professional softball player with a net worth of $1 million. Abbott played collegiate softball for the University of Tennessee, where she won multiple awards, including the Honda Sports Award for Softball. After graduating from the University of Tennessee, Abbott was selected as the number one overall draft pick by the Chicago Bandits in 2007. Considered one of the best pitchers in the history of softball, Abbott has represented the United States in the Olympics and World Championships. Abbott is a leading figure for women in sports, as she provides financial support to help young female athletes reach their dreams.

8. Lisa Fernandez

Lisa Fernandez is a retired professional softball player and the eighth richest softball player with a net worth of $1 million. Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Lisa played collegiate softball for the University of California. During her time at UCLA, Lisa won three national championships and was a three-time All-American. After her time at UCLA, Lisa played professional softball in the United States, Japan, and Italy. Internationally, Lisa has represented the United States in the Olympics and World Championships, where she was touted as one of the best pitchers to represent the United States National Softball.

9. Stacey Nuveman

Stacey Nuveman is a retired professional softball player and the ninth richest softball player on this list, with a net worth of $1 million. Born in La Mirada, California, Stacey played collegiate softball as a catcher for the University of California. Upon graduating, Stacey won two national championships and was a four-time All-American. Stacey played professional softball in the United States and in Japan. She also represented the United States National softball team at the Olympics and World Championships. After retiring from the sport, Stacey started the Stacey Nuveman foundation, which supports youth sports and softball in particular.

10. Michele Smith

Michele Smith is the tenth richest professional softball player with a net worth of $1 million. Michele was born in New Jersey and played college softball for Oklahoma State University. During her time at OSU, Michele was named a two-time All-American. After graduating, Michele played professional softball in the United States, Japan, and Italy. During her professional career, Michele represented the United States in the Olympics, World Championships, and Pan American games, winning two gold medals and an MVP award. After retiring, Michele took up being a softball broadcaster and analyst for ESPN, along with other sports networks.

Honorable Mentions

• Laura Berg
• Leah O'Brien-Amico
• Dot Richardson
• Sierra Romero
• Kelsey Stewart
• Amanda Chidester
• Delaney Spaulding
• Haylie McCleney
• Aubree Munro
• Valerie Arioto

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