Omaha Storm Chasers to celebrate Jordy Bahl Day after her transfer to Nebraska

NS_headshot_clearbackgroundby:Nick Schultz06/15/23

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News of Jordy Bahl’s decision to leave Oklahoma via the transfer portal sent a shockwave around college softball. Ultimately, she wanted to be closer to home, and she announced her commitment to Nebraska Thursday — meaning she’ll play about 50 minutes from her hometown of Papillion.

The excitement is already growing as the Women’s College World Series Most Outstanding Player comes home. In fact, she’ll get a hero’s welcome at the Omaha Storm Chasers game June 30.

The Storm Chasers are hosting Jordy Bahl Day at Werner Park that night, the team announced. It will mark Bahl’s first public appearance since her commitment to Nebraska, and the announcement came shortly after she made her decision public.

The appearance at the Storm Chasers game will be the latest NIL venture for Bahl, who also has deals with Nebraska Furniture Mart and H&R Block, among other companies. The Iowa Cubs hosted a similar event held last month when they hosted Iowa women’s basketball star Caitlin Clark. It turned out to be a very popular night as she threw out the first pitch and held a meet-and-greet.

Bahl has been one of the top pitchers in college softball the past two seasons at Oklahoma. In 2023, she finished with a 22-1 record and a 0.90 ERA to lead the Sooners to a third consecutive national championship. It was a strong follow-up to a freshman season in which she had an identical 22-1 record with a 1.09 ERA. That earned her the NFCA’s Freshman of the Year award.

Bahl put on a show at USA Softball Hall of Fame Stadium in the WCWS. She struck out 30 batters across 24.2 scoreless innings and allowed 12 while amassing a 4-0 record in OKC.

But after Oklahoma brought home the title, news came out that she intended to enter the transfer portal. She made it clear it wasn’t about anything wrong with Oklahoma, though. Instead, she wanted to move closer to home, and she did just that by committing to Nebraska Thursday morning. She initially committed to the Cornhuskers in high school, but de-committed do join Patty Gasso at Oklahoma.

“After 2 years of wonderful memories, I’m excited for 2 more representing the Nebraska Cornhuskers,” Bahl tweeted. “This state, these people, and this N are all things I’m excited, proud, and thankful to be a part of.”

Nebraska coach Rhonda Revelle also released a statement expressing her excitement to add someone of Bahl’s caliber to the program.

“The entire Nebraska softball team is thrilled to have Jordy join the Red Team,” Revelle said. “Jordy is an amazing young woman, teammate and athlete who we know is an incredible addition to our team both on and off the field. Having known Jordy for several years, we have not been surprised by her accomplishments as she has always been the epitome of a driven, determined and laser-focused competitor. Jordy is a winner on the inside and out, and she uplifts and inspires all who are around her. This is a wonderful day for Husker Nation to welcome back our homegrown Husker Jordy Bahl.”