Athletes Unlimited catcher Taylor Edwards announced her retirement. It's a sad announcement for softball fans.
After starring at Nebraska, Taylor and her twin Tatum played National Pro Fastpitch with the Pennsylvania Rebellion before joining the Chicago Bandits, where they helped the team to a championship. Tatum retired, while Taylor went on to play for a couple other teams. When Athletes Unlimited started, I was happy to see Taylor in the new league.
I interviewed Taylor several times during her career. One that made me particularly proud happened in Akron. After predicting her as the star f the game, Taylor belted two home runs and gave me a postgame interview. Interviews aside, Taylor has always been one of the kindest players I ever met. In fact, the whole Edwards family is great. Whether it was an interview, postgame photo, ticket holder event or anything else, Taylor always had time for me and always had a smile on her face.
The game is better for people like Taylor. She was a great player and an even better person.
I don't know what plans Taylor has. Hopefully, she will be around softball, maybe even a return visit to Rosemont.
No matter what though, I wish her a lot of luck and happiness. Thank you, Taylor!
Taylor Edwards and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2022.
This Sunday was a special day for Athletes Unlimited Softball. It was Causes Day.
Part of the unique structure of all Athletes Unlimited sports is the Athletes Causes Program, empowered by Give Lively. Each player chooses a charity, which will get 50% of that player's season bonus. It's a wonderful program, which not only raises money, but also awareness for the charities.
Players can also create their own fundraising pages to support their cause. They also use their social media platforms as another means of spreading the word.
This is such a special feature of AU. The players have strong connections to their causes. Many players have personal or community interactions with the causes.
After Saturday's games, Bubba Nickles, Kelsey Harshman, Dejah Mulipola, Amanda Lorenz, Aleshia Ocasio and Taylor Edwards participated in the post-game press session. The players talked about why they selected their causes. That press session can be found at On the Beat With Athletes Unlimited Softball 09/11/2021.
For more detailed info, go to the Causes page on AUProSports.com. Also check back here for my recurring coverage of AU sports.
As the Athletes Unlimited season came to an end on Monday, once again Cat Osterman was in the spotlight. Osterman's Team Yellow went 3-0, while she finished with 2,480 points to capture the Athletes Unlimited championship.
Osterman's teams went 12-3 for the season. She had 95 strikeouts with a 1.53 ERA and pitched six complete games and two shutouts.
For her efforts, Osterman received a gold medal after the final game. She also became the first entry into the Book of Unlimited, a 500-page book which will record every AU champion.
September 26
Team Warren (Orange) beat Team Ocasio (Purple) 7-4
Team Osterman (Yellow) beat Team Piancastelli (Blue) 9-5
September 27
Team Warren (Orange) beat Team Piancastelli (Blue) 15-9
Team Osterman (Yellow) beat Team Ocasio (Purple) 15-2
September 28
Team Piancastelli (Blue) beat Team Ocasio (Purple) 9-8
Team Osterman (Yellow) beat Team Warren (Orange) 18-3
Standings
Team Osterman (Yellow) 3-0
Team Warren (Orange) 2-1
Team Piancastelli (Blue) 1-2
Team Ocasio (Purple) 0-3
Final Leader Board
1-Osterman-2,408
2-Jessica Warren-2,020
3-Victoria Hayward-1,860
4-Erika Piancastelli-1,840
Outfielder Haylie McCleney Named GEICO Defensive Player of the Year
The final week of games saw a season high 104 runs scored. That brings the season total to 362 or 12.06 runs per game. These numbers make Osterman's 1.53 ERA even more impressive.
In the post-game media sessions, I asked the players for their biggest takeaways on the season. Erika Piancastelli, Amanda Chidester, Jordan Roberts, Tori Vidales,Anissa Urtez, Katiyana Mauga, Taylor Edwards, Morgan Zerkle, Cat Osterman, Jessie Warren gave insightful answers, but as each gave her thoughts, a definite pattern formed.
With the whole league living in “the Shield,” a term coined by Osterman (naturally), the players lived as a group for more than five weeks. Basically every experience was shared by all. Bonds were built. Friendships were forged. Memories were made.
This was an experience unlike any other. Six weeks or so ago, 56 elite athletes arrived in Rosemont excited and ready to start playing softball again. As the first players in the inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited, these pioneers were under the microscope.
As previously mentioned, AU utilizes a unique concept. It is run by the players for the players. It features a fantasy-like scoring system, which has teams redrafted every week.
While these athletes were happy to be playing again, it came with unusual pressure. The first class of athletes would set the tone for the league going forward. AU came with much hype and hope and the players needed to prove the concept, which they ultimately did in spectacular fashion.
Through it all, I never saw any signs of pressure from the players. In fact, I saw quite the opposite. The players looked happier than I have ever seen athletes.
From a fan's perspective, I admit I was a bit unsure about the scoring system and changing teams. After watching a few games, I started to get the concept and more importantly, I actually started to like it.
My only lingering questions about the scoring center on playing time. What is the incentive for non-starters? Those players will always be on the lower end of the leader boards. Maybe that is just part of the experience though. Sort of like rookies in sports, maybe they need to work their way into the lineups.
Another thing to note is the value of a two-way player. Players like Aleshia Ocasio, who pitched and played the field, could rack up big points. Ocasio missed a week of play due to a family emergency, yet still finished in 11th place with 1,584 points.
Lastly, winning innings and games was of major importance. Infielder Abby Ramirez finished in 20th place with 1,380 points, despite a .125 batting average. Obviously, Ramirez benefited from being on winners, but those winners benefited from Ramirez's presence on the team.
I am still not entirely sold on the changing teams though, but that's probably more a product of my age. I do see the fun and excitement of the weekly drafts and the strategy that goes into each. I don't know if that has staying power or how it would work with an expanded league.
My questions are minor points in my overall review of the debut season of AU. This was a major success. I saw the reaction on social media. I saw and heard all of the players unanimously praise the league.
While I was disappointed that the pandemic prevented fans and media from being in attendance, the games became must-see television for me. The post-game media sessions were Zoom meetings, but we had plenty of time to talk to each player and the players made them interesting and enjoyable. I didn't imagine enjoying the Zoom interviews as much as I did.
I really have nothing but praise for the entire Athletes Unlimited season. Like most people, I came into the league with high hopes and a few questions. My hopes were exceeded and my questions were answered. Athletes Unlimited softball has a bright future and I look forward to other AU Sports debuting.
For more info on the AU Softball league and their future plans, go to AUProSports.com. The fun has just begun!
Thank you to all involved with Athletes Unlimited for the access and hospitality all season. It has been a great experience.
Taylor Edwards was a star at the University of Nebraska. The Pennsylvania Rebellion selected Taylor with the eighth pick in the 2014 National Pro Fastpitch draft. She played for the Rebellion, then joined the Chicago Bandits, where she won two NPF championships. Taylor joined the Scrapyard Dawgs, who left the NPF one season later.
Last year, Taylor was selected as an alternate for the 2020 Team USA softball roster. Taylor and the team will take the field going for the gold in July in Tokyo.\I am so excited and happy for Taylor. Regular readers will know that I am a big fan of Taylor and actually her sisters, too. Twin sister Tatum a similar career path as Taylor and is now a coach at Nebraska Omaha. Little sister Tristen is a star at Nebraska.
Taylor was kind enough to send a shout out to Johngy's Beat. I really appreciate her thoughts and comments.
I thank Taylor for this cool video. I wish her the best on her path to the Olympics. I will definitely be following her and Team USA and cheering for that gold medal!
Go to Team USA to learn more about Taylor and the Olympic softball squad. Also, follow Team USA on Facebook.
Recently, USA Softball announced its 2020 U.S. Olympic Softball Team roster. The team that will compete in the 2020 Olympics roster includes 15 players and three replacement players, one of whom is former Chicago Bandits star catcher Taylor Edwards.
Taylor starred at the University of Nebraska. She was teammates with her twin sister Tatum. Together they started their NPF career with the Pennsylvania Rebellion. After their rookie season, they were traded to the Chicago Bandits, where they played for 2 seasons. Prior to the 2017 season, , Taylor was traded to the Scrapyard (Houston) Dawgs (and Tatum retired). In 2018, the Dawgs left the NPF
Despite having three catchers on the main roster, team officials decided to add Taylor to the replacement squad. On playing for Team USA, Taylor said, "It's a very humbling feeling and I'm so honored to represent the USA. I've been dreaming of this since I was a kid. I want to make my family proud and continue to play for them no matter how big the stage is."
I had the pleasure of watching Taylor up close during her two seasons with the Bandits. I interviewed her a few times. The first one can be found at at On the Beat with Taylor Edwards.
Taylor is still a member of the Dawgs and sister Tatum has rejoined her. There is another Edwards player coming up, as youngest sister Tristen Edwards is an infielder at the University of Nebraska.
I am happy and excited for Taylor. It would be awesome if she actually plays in the Olympics, but just being a part of the team is a great accomplishment.
This is the first time I have ever looked forward to an Olympics. In July 2020, the Team USA softball squad will compete and I will know most of the roster. I look forward to seeing all of these familiar faces representing our country on the biggest stage of all.
I will continue to provide recurring coverage of the players and team here, on Patch.com and GlobalTravelerUSA.com. You can also check TeamUSA.org for more info on the softball team and ProFastpitch.com for more info on the pro league and its players.
Taylor Edwards and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2015.
Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.
I met Jonathan Cimaglio at a Chicago Bandits game. He is an avid sports fan and a big-time autograph collector. He has a ton of autographs from the Bandits and other teams in the NPF.
He might be the closest rival to Sheri Samson in NPF signatures. They have a bit of a friendly rivalry going. I think in time Cimags will surpass Sheri. I mean no disrespect to Sheri, but Cimags is more of a dedicated "grapher" than Sheri. Still, this "battle" is fun to watch. In the end, they are both good people and great fans.
The picture I chose to represent Cimags today is of him and Taylor Edwards, former catcher with the Bandits. (Why not feature one of my favorite fans with one of my favorite former Bandits?). It was great seeing Taylor again, but I'd rather have seen her in the blue of the Bandits rather than the red of the Dawgs.
Jonathan's graphing goes well beyond the NPF, too. He has a ton of baseball signatures. I bet he is assembling quite a mancave for himself. It's fun to watch him grow his collection.
This is my first feature of Jonathan, but it won't be my last. He has so many great pictures with some awesome athletes.
Jonathan Cimaglio and Taylor Edwards in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.
Over the years, I have met a lot of elite athletes in National Pro Fastpitch. Better than that, I have met some really great people. Taylor Edwards is fits both categories.
Taylor starred at the University of Nebraska. She was teammates with her twin sister Tatum. Together they started their NPF career with the Pennsylvania Rebellion. After their rookie season, they were traded to the Chicago Bandits, where they played for 2 seasons. In the last offseason, Taylor was traded to the Scrapyard (Houston) Dawgs (and Tatum retired).
I really loved watching Taylor play. She was a thumper on offense, solid behind the plate and wonderful off the field. She hit .242 and .353 in her two seasons here, with 19 home runs and 63 rbi's.
Off the field, she was always a great interview. She was also good for chatter around the field. I will always remember her as the catcher for my infamous one at bat against the Bandits. She tried to give me advice, for which I am grateful, even though I had no chance.
The Dawgs are in town for a series with the Bandits. I look forward to seeing Taylor, even if she is wearing the wrong colors. I'm sure she will get a nice ovation when she is announced. Taylor was a big part of 2 NPF titles here and she deserves all the love from Bandit Nation.
Welcome back Taylor, even if it is just a visit. Thank you for all you did here!
Like her twin sister Tatum, Taylor Edwards was a major star at Nebraska, racking up a long list of awards and accomplishments. Unlike Tatum, Taylor never saw action on the mound, but she saw plenty behind the plate.
With Tatum, Taylor started her National Pro Fastpitch career with the Pennsylvania Rebellion. She was traded with Tatum to the Chicago bandits and immediately entrenched herself as the top catcher and a major slugger.
My first real interaction with Taylor occurred during my at bat against the Bandits in a charity game. Taylor advised me to step up a bit in the box. She also asked me where I'd like the pitch. I appreciated her efforts, but I had no chance either way. Still, her banter really made me feel good, like part of the team or at least part of the Bandits experience.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Taylor three times. Two were my regular interviews in Rosemont, while the other was in Akron. Prior to the game, Iselected Taylor as my "Pick of the Game" and she did not disappoint. She absolutely crushed a home run and had a great game. I interviewed her after and told her about my pick. Talking to Taylor in Akron on such a beautiful night after her fantastic game will always be one of the reaal highlights for me.
Unfortunately, the Bandits traded Taylor to the Scrapyard Dawgs earlier this year. I am sure she will continue to flourish there and at least we get to see her a few times in Chicago. It will be hard seeing her in the opposing uniform, but I bet she gets a huge round of applause and deservedly so.
Taylor is a great player and a fine young women. She was such a pleasure to watch and to know. I really enjoyed seeing her play and talking to her around the park. I hope to get a quick interview with her at some point this season.
Thank you to Taylor for her great effort over the last two seasons. Thanks for always having time for an interview or even just a little chatter. Taylor is a special player and a special person. Good luck Taylor. We'll be cheering for you always.
After a stellaer career at Nebraska, Taylor Edwards was drafted by the Pennsylvania Rebellion. After one season, she was traded with her twin sister Tatum to the Chicago Bandits. She played a big part in the 2015 championship season and she is off to a hot start this season.
We talked to Taylor about playing in Japan, including how it came to be and how the season works. We also talked about the thrill of a walk-off hit, especially a home run.
Finally, we had some fun with Taylor asking her about things to do in Chicago, including if she will go to "The Bean" with her sister, who hasn't been there yet. (I'm going to stay on top of this story and see it to the conclusion. Hopefully, the twins will post pictures online when they go see the famous Chicago sculpture.)
I love watching Taylor catch. She handles the pitchers well, which isn;t easy, considering the turnover from last season (including the loss of ace Monice Abbott). She is also always capable of clubbing the long ball. She had 9 homers last season and 3 so far this year.
She's always exciting and even more important, she's another fine young role model on the team. The Bandits are awesome with ther fans, espeially the young ones (and even this old reporter). The fans, young and old, just adore these young ladies and so do I.
I encourage everyone to check out a Bandits game in person, online , on the radio or on television. Go to ChicagoBandits.com to learn more about this great Chicago team and to get ticket and scheduling info.
Today's Johngy's Beat and Justin's World of Softball joint coverage of the Chicago Bandits focuses on Taylor Edwards. The second year catcher is in her first season with the Bandits.
Taylor starred at Nebraska, where she holds many records. She started her NPF career with the Pennsylvania Rebellion, but came to the Bandits in an offseason trade.
With all three of the Bandits catchers from last season gone, big things are expected from Taylor. So far, she is delivering big things. Taylor is 19-69 for a .275 average with 2 home runs and 9 rbi's. She is also doing a great job of handling the pitching staff.
In our introductory interview with Taylor, we discussed her move from the Rebellion to the Bandits, calling pitches, handling the staff and much more. It was another one of the fun interviews we get from this team.
For more info and updates, head over to ChicagoBandits.com. For even more fun, come to a game or watch them play on television or YouTube.
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