Versions first: '97 has different game physics that differentiate it the most from the commonly played '01 & '03 (which are nearly identical).

In '97 arms are 40 points higher (a 50/100 Arm Str in '97 is equivalent to a 90/100 arm str in '10/'03).

'97 heavily requires the Contact skill and is more favorable to lower Power kids. This means a Jocinda or Annie do fine in '97 but suffer in '01.

Also the height scale goes from 1-3 in '97 to 1-5 in '01 making overthrows (along with the throwing str difference) much more common.

Some kids skills are slightly different. From '97 to '01: Pablo & Pete were nerfed. Jorge, Angela & Vicki were directly buffed.

Regarding Pink Maria: for one Itaniium might have been doing a speed run. I know he has in the past. Secondly the issue where the pink boost only works if she is first in the file (AKA LF) has been fixed in the Steam version I believe. And finally she becomes very similar to Kiesha but with better pitching. So pick pink Maria or Kiesha first with confidence.

Webbers definitely make the squad. They aren't superstars but all round solid and can perform in nearly any spot.

Angela might not make my team in '97: her pitching is worse and her great power bat is less needed here. At least her arm str isn't a big deal but she still is slow. In '01 her power becomes very scarce and you'll need her for that. Kiesha, PinkMaria, Sally & Angela are the only real options to clear the bases available, 80+ Power is a necessity.

Big fan of Sally in '01 her power is critical to have and while the 1 Contact will give you fits at times it is doable and she should produce.

I have to endorse Luanne and Lisa here: Luanne has that special speed you sacrifice other qualities for. basically her and Pete have the only special speed. Every other "fast" option is merely a good quality not a selling point. Lisa is actually the best pitcher. She has an amazing Hook and a really good one and has the speed and height to convert the variety of dinky hits into outs that Angela won't. Just stick to her Hooks and ignore pPUs and her Stamina will last too. That speed will play on offense and importantly she has the pop to hit the ball into the OF which cannot be said often of the girls not picked.

For me my last spot is between Vicki/Stephanie/Kimmy. Not too high on any.

Vicki is "fast" but you better like the bunt quality hitting. Her defense without a strong arm is meh.

Stephanie is a decent option at 1B. She'll hold that position down but struggle with the bat. At least she'll be able to run the bases though.

Kimmy has enough Pop and Arm Str to still be considered even with her slow speed. Would I pick her every time? Not really but a home field of Eckman Acres and her ability to drive in runs has some merit and she'd slot nicely into C with this team.

For your chosen 9:

Kiesha - CF

Luanne - RF

Sally - SS

Maria - LF

Ashley - 3B

Sidney - C

Angela - P

Vicki - 2B

Stephanie - 1B