May 18, 2014 4 min read

B.B. Bates has always had a clear vision for her softball career.

From the age of 10, when she saw her first college softball game, Bates knew where she wanted to be and what she wanted to do. That’s why she committed to UCLA to play softball … as a high school sophomore.

It was an easy decision because her sports hero, Natasha Watley, played for the Bruins. Watley was a four-time, first-team All-American player for UCLA, and Bates wanted to follow that path, be just as productive as Watley and leave her mark on a UCLA program that has won 11 College World Series titles.

The last time the Bruins won a title, in 2010, Bates was a freshman starter.

She finished her college career in the top five of just about every offensive category for a UCLA program that was established in 1975.

“My goal was always to go to UCLA since I was 10 years old,” said Bates. “I wanted to be just like Natasha Watley. UCLA was my No. 1 choice and my only (recruiting) visit. I didn’t even talk to any other schools.”

Bates, who turns 23 in June, is counting the days until May 30, the next opportunity for her to watch Watley play. Bates’ view will be from the opposing dugout at Perdue Stadium in Salisbury, Md., site of the Pennsylvania Rebellion’s season-opener against the USSSA Pride. Watley will begin her fifth season in the league as shortstop with the Pride, which is based in Orlando, Fla.

Bates grew up in Victorville, Calif., a little more than an hour’s ride from Watley’s hometown of Irvine.

“I’ve always looked up to her,” Bates said. “I watched her play for UCLA and thought, ‘Wow, I want to go there and play, too.’ It’s such a great school, and it was a great challenge for me.”

Bates thought her opportunity to follow in Watley’s footsteps would end with college graduation. Bates was not drafted or signed by a National Pro Softball team and was thinking about heading back to school for postgraduate work on her sociology degree.

“I had the whole summer off,” Bates said. “June was the last time I caught a ball or threw a ball (in competition). But the break was good for me.”

That’s when fate intervened, again. Well, fate and Ashley Carter, who also is an outfielder for the Rebellion.

“Ashley worked out with my two brothers, Roosevelt and Solomon,” Bates said. “That’s when she saw me.”

Carter grew up in Fontana, Calif., and she and Bates knew each other from competing on summer league teams. Carter recommended her to the Rebellion coaching staff. They liked what they saw and signed Bates.

“B.B. Bates was not only a great player for UCLA in her career, but she is one of the best infielders-outfielders in the country,” Rebellion manager Rick Bertagnolli said.

Confidence does not elude Bates.

“I’m going to play outfield for the Rebellion,” she said, “and I will hit the ball.”

She should. Bates was a prolific hitter for the Bruins, setting a school record by hitting two home runs in three consecutive games. As a senior, she hit 25 home runs and drove in 74 , both of which are the second-best single-season marks in UCLA history.

Her batting average increased each season with the Bruins, culminating in a PAC 12 Conference-best .374 as a senior. She also led the team in slugging percentage (.863), on-base percentage (.469), runs (55), RBI (77), doubles (14), and hit by pitches (8).

“B.B is just an amazing player,” said Carter, who graduated from Cal State Fullerton. “Over our careers, we’ve played with each other and against each other. I got on base, and she would drive me in.”

Bates credits Watley for helping her become a strong hitter. The two have spent time working out together and trading thoughts about hitting. Watley suggested Bates change from a right-handed hitter to a left-hander to take advantage of her ability to make contact and run well.

“She was my (slap-hitting) coach,” Bates said. “I asked her to let me learn from you. I said, ‘show me how to be as great as you.’ I hit well because of the tips she gave me. I still use them today.”

Bates expects a career similar to Watley’s in pro ball, naturally.

“I’m excited to get going,” said Bates. “I can’t wait to play.”