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Why Sam Landry's Missed AUSL Autograph Session Is Drawing So Much Attention

Nicole Reitz|
Sam Landry pitches for the Portland Cascade of the AUSL.
Sam Landry pitches for the Portland Cascade of the AUSL. | SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Portland Cascade pitcher Sam Landry has been found in the middle of ridiculous social media drama, which has become a great lesson in how fans should be viewing professional athletes as human beings, too. 

Following a complete game victory with five strikeouts over the Utah Talons on June 13, Landry was not seen during the autograph session for fans after the game, which The Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) frequently hosts. 

Well, one fan in particular was not too happy about Landry’s absence. 

“The @theAUSLofficial should be ashamed having a girl like @sam_landry21 . Sam Landry pitched a hell of a game! Shut down Bri Ellis and the Talons, 3-1 win. While every girl signs for the fans after, Sam, Megan Grant and 3 others waited til the fans got kicked out,” Kim wrote on X. 

Landry quickly fired back with a perfect reason as to why she wasn’t accessible. While fighting a cold, she chose not to spread it to others. 

“I am sick and decided not to sign so that I would not spread germs... If you know me, you know I almost never walk away from autographs. If the AUSL should be ashamed of that, just know I’m not,” Landry wrote on X. 

“My dear @sam_landry21 claims she was sick yesterday, despite pitching an outstanding gem. I offered my youngest to come back and meet her again today and she told me point blank “no mommy”. Hope Sam gets better,” Kim posted on X. 

The former Oklahoma ace took it even further on TikTok to explain the situation, with proof that she has happily signed autographs in the past, but again, didn’t want to get anyone sick. 

“My reaction when this is me 99.9% of the time after games, and I don’t sign autographs one day because I am sick and someone named Kim is trying to drag my name on social media,” Landry posted on TikTok. 

Several other softball greats within the community, including the league’s account, came to Landry’s defense when Kim just wouldn’t give up. The AUSL posted more proof of Landry signing everyone’s autograph and having wholesome interactions with the young girls who look up to her. 

“They do sign autographs, unless there are extenuating circumstances that may at times prevent them from doing so. The league and players are VERY good about doing this. Sam Landry is an exceptional role model and takes a lot of pride in doing it. Her true fans know this about her,” ESPN analyst Amanda Scarborough commented on X. 

After the comments started spiraling out of control, Landry decided to handle the entire situation with humor.

“I’m gonna start making y'all show me your Twitter profile before autographs now,” Landry joked on X.

Fans who have met Landry in the past began coming forward, too, with genuine stories of how awesome Landry has been when interacting. 

Honestly, the whole situation seems to have been blown out of proportion with a keyboard warrior trying to take down one of the AUSL's most beloved stars.

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Nicole Reitz
NICOLE REITZ

Nicole Reitz graduated from Indiana University Indianapolis with a degree in sports journalism in 2022 and has been writing about softball and baseball since 2018 .Her work has been published in various publications like Softball America, the Indianapolis Star, and SoxOn35th.

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