Jennie Ritter (born June 1, 1984) is an American former All-American right-handed softball pitcher from Dexter, Michigan. She is a Women's College World Series National Champion with the Michigan Wolverines, whom she played for from 2003-2006. In addition to numerous other records, she is the all-time leader of strikeout ratio for both the Wolverines and the Big Ten Conference.
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Ritter saw limited playing time as a freshman, only getting 7 decisions for a 5-2 record. She made her second appearance in the NCAA Regionals shutting out Wright State for three innings to collect her last win that season.[1]
In 2004, Ritter earned All-Big Ten honors after posting 24 wins and 269 strikeouts, of which the latter ranked second all-time for the Wolverines.
Ritter fired her first no-hitter on March 12 against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. She was a hit batter away from a perfect game.[2]
Ritter had a golden season as a junior earning All-Big Ten and First Team All-American honors.[3] She was also named conference "Pitcher" and "Female Athlete of The Year" to go along with USA Softball Player of The Year and University of Michigan's "Female Athlete of The Year."[4] She threw three no-hitters and a perfect game on April 17, 2005 vs. the Indiana Hoosiers.[5] She also broke and set the school records for wins (38) and innings pitched (288.2). Her 417 strikeouts and 16 shutouts still rank top-5 all-time for a Wolverine season.[6]
On May 4, Ritter punched out 16 Western Michigan Broncos in a two-hitter for her career single game regulation best.[7]
Ritter would lead the Michigan Wolverines to the #1 seed at the Women's College World Series and opened her first appearance with a shutout of the DePaul Blue Demons.[8] After escaping elimination, Ritter led the way into the Championship Finals against defending champs, the UCLA Bruins.
Ritter toughed out a 10-inning battle in the third game of the series to win the National Championship and the distinction of being the first team east of the Mississippi River to accomplish the feat. She also earned All-Tournament Team honors for her 5-1 record and 60 strikeouts in 54-innings (a new series record).[9][10]
Ritter's senior season saw her repeat all-season honors: All-Big Ten, First Team All-American and Michigan "Female Athlete of The Year."[11][12] She threw a no-hitter and broke her own record for strikeouts with 451; her 17 shutouts was also a new record, the strikeouts total remains tops. Ritter also posted her best ERA (0.77) to accompany a pair of top-5 records for innings and wins at Michigan.[13]
On May 12, 2006, Ritter broke the school record for single game strikeouts when she whiffed a career best 19 in Regional action against the Oklahoma Sooners.[14]
Ritter would graduate as the all-time Michigan Wolverines record holder in strikeouts, strikeout ratio, innings pitched and shutouts. As well she also put up some of the best wins and ERA numbers.[15] She currently holds school records for strikeout ratio and shutouts.
Ritter was selected to the National Team in 2007 and competed at the World Cup and Pan American games.[16] She had previously been named to the USA Elite in 2005.[17]
She currently performs training camps for youth and works for the Big Ten Network (color commentary) during the softball season.[18]
On February 15, 2006, Ritter was selected 6th overall in the National Pro Fastpitch draft by the Akron Racers.[19] Ritter however joined and continues to play on the PFX Tour where she was originally drafted fourth overall.[20][21]
Ritter was chosen as one of the University of Michigan's all-time top athletes by Sports Illustrated Magazine.[22]
| YEAR | W | L | GP | GS | CG | SHO | SV | IP | H | R | ER | BB | SO | ERA |
| 2003 | 5 | 2 | == | 8 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 66.0 | 49 | 18 | 14 | 20 | 68 | 1.48 |
| 2004 | 24 | 8 | 41 | 31 | 20 | 8 | 2 | 207.2 | 118 | 41 | 35 | 45 | 269 | 1.18 |
| 2005 | 38 | 4 | 48 | 41 | 34 | 16 | 4 | 288.2 | 137 | 50 | 38 | 43 | 417 | 0.92 |
| 2006 | 31 | 8 | 42 | 35 | 32 | 17 | 1 | 272.2 | 129 | 41 | 30 | 39 | 451 | 0.77 |
| TOTALS | 98 | 22 | 131 | 115 | 90 | 43 | 8 | 835.0 | 433 | 150 | 117 | 147 | 1205 | 0.98 |