When the Orange, CA Lionettes were winning ASA national fast pitch championships, forming part of their strong inner defense was second baseman Estelle (Ricki) Caito. An intense competitor and clutch hitter, Estelle was one of the most daring base runners in women’s fast pitch and a sure-handed fielder with quick hands. In fact, in her first four ASA nationals she made only one error with 32 assists and 35 putouts. Born September 14, 1925, Estelle participated in 10 ASA nationals and had a batting average of .143 in an era when pitching dominated.Her highest batting average in national championship play was .381 (8-for-21) in 1960 when she was named a first-team All-American. She also earned All-America honors in 1956 and 1957 and played from 1940-1965. With the Lionettes from 1955-1962, Ricki was a member of national championship teams in 1955, 1956 and 1962. She also participated for Lucky Stores of Alameda, CA (1940-45), Parichy Bloomer Girls of Chicago, IL (1946-1947, 1950-51), A-1 Queens of Phoenix, AZ (1948), Jax Maids of New Orleans (1949), Los Angeles Top Hats (1952-1954) and Phoenix Ramblers (1963-1965).
