BEIJING — Crystl Bustos sat inside a quiet tea room, an incongruous place to show off the tattoos on her thick arms, talk about the fights that she got into at school, and the pet pit bull that killed her cow.

Bustos, the United States softball team’s designated hitter, does not do subtle. She hits big and talks straight, all without pretense or apology.

A tea menu was opened in front of her, and Bustos turned to ask a team official whether it was O.K. to drink from a glass filled with some small, unexplained leaves.

“I get drug-tested more than others,” she said. “Three times last month. Because I’m big.”

Who was Al Ramsey?

In so many respects, Al Ramsey is the rock upon which USSSA sits.

OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – You have followed them passionately and loyally the past year and now its time to catch up with the 2008 USA Softball Women’s National team to see what they have been doing after spending the past nine months on the road and winning a silver medal at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Youth Organizations and School Athletic Programs Across the Country Can Qualify

For $2,500 Grants at www.ResponsibleSports.com.