As a kid in southeastern Pennsylvania, Maggie Balint grew up tall for her age, with long arms and large hands.
Her mother, Jennifer, a former star pitcher for St. John's, immediately recognized what she had.
"I always used to tell my husband, she's got a pitcher's body," Jennifer Balint said. "She should be a pitcher."
It would be easy to look back and envision the star Balint has become: A finalist for the National Fastpitch Coaches Association's national freshman of the year; a 21-game winner; and a oft-dominating presence for the Oregon Ducks as they begin the Women's College World Series on Thursday.