Monday, 6/9/97 B’ann Burns Softball
B’Ann Burns is saying "ciao" to UCLA. After four years as a
pitcher for the Bruin softball team, Burns’ legacy will remain in
Westwood for years to come. Burns herself, however, is heading
overseas to test uncharted waters. The 6-foot-1 right-hander is
traveling to Italy this summer, to play softball for a club team
just outside Venice. Even though the end of the summer may mean the
end of competitive softball for Burns, the Phoenix, AZ native will
have endless memories to take with her. While most of Burns’ time
at UCLA was spent on the softball field, it was the experiences off
the field that made her collegiate experience complete. "I like to
look at the big picture of my experience at UCLA. It’s been so much
more than softball and that is why I chose to come here," Burns
said. "I’ll miss the girls on the team, but now it’s time to move
on." Although she is not sure what she will move on to, Burns
doubts that she will play softball competitively after this summer.
That’s probably a good thing for her opponents. Burns is the UCLA
career record holder in three different categories, and though she
may not have the high profile of former Bruins Lisa Fernandez and
Dot Richardson, there is no denying the domination she had in
Easton Stadium over the last four years. This season, the
second-team All-American became the UCLA leader in appearances
(131), innings pitched (767.1) and victories (96). Despite a
limited amount of playing time in the College World Series, Burns
played a key role in getting UCLA back to the championship game
with three shutout victories in the NCAA regionals. As a junior,
Burns was a first-team All-American, winning a career-high of 31
games en route to finishing the season as the fourth-ranked pitcher
in the nation. She was also an important part of the 1995 national
championship team, which had its title revoked this season because
of financial-aid violations. But in the long run, Burns would like
to be remembered not only for her accomplishments, but also for the
person she is. "I set a few records, but hopefully they’ll remember
me for how I played, my presence, and how I enjoyed myself while I
was here." By Melissa Anderson, Daily Bruin Staff. B’ann Burns