Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.
This harkens back to the days of the National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits. I had so many great times with the Bandits, as did many of my friends, including Jim Strong.
Although Jim is a University of Kentucky fam, he was happy to meet Michigan alum Amanda "Chiddy" Chidester. Of course, everyone loves Chiddy. I especially have a soft spot for Chiddy, because she was the catcher of my infamous ceremonial pitch. She not only caught the "slightly high" pitch, but she called it a strike in a later interview. The catcher knows!
Chidester is finishing another season with Athletes Unlimited. AU just finished their fourth of five weeks, with the season ending Sunday, August 28.
Utilizing a fantasy league points system, AU is different from other softball leagues. It takes a bit to understand the system and possibly to even like the setup, but at the heart, it is softball, played by the most elite players. Any bit of hesitation immediately leaves once I'm at the ballpark, immersed in the softball fun.
I find myself unnecessarily saying "oh she's good" as every player is announced. Of course she's good. They're all the best of the best. It is a real pleasure watching them. It has also been a great thrill to get to know many of them from the NPF and even now through three years of AU.
With three weeks in the books for Athletes Unlimited Softball, Amanda Chidester leads the pack. Chiddy's great weekend allowed her to vault 12 spots into the top position.
Three of the top four spots are held be former Chicago Bandits. Chiddy leads with 1,132 points, followed by Sahvanna Jaquish and Cat Osterman tied with 1,118. Aleshia Ocasio is in fourth with 1,116 points. Last year's champ Osterman is the one never to have donned the Bandits uniform, but we love her anyway.
Chiddy is the catcher who grabbed my "slightly" high ceremonial first pitch and called it a strike later in a media session (which I have recorded as proof). A big favorite in Rosemont, fans always join in when her "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" walkup music plays.
There are still two more weeks to play and a lot can happen (as witness by Chidester's big leap this week). Osterman is always a threat and the top ten are separated by a mere 244 points. Things are really heating up and the finish should be exciting.
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.
The Athletes Unlimited Softball season came to an end yesterday. I will be recapping it all tomorrow, but for today, I am featuring a very important interview. As exciting and fun as the whole season was, perhaps the highlight for me came in Sunday's post-game press session.
Last season, I had the pleasure of throwing out a ceremonial first pitch for the National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits. Despite being perfect in practice (of course), my actual pitch sailed a tad higher than I intended. In case you missed it, I am including the video of that pitch.
Despite the catcher Amanda Chidester very clearly catching the pitch without leaving her catching position, some naysayers insisted the pitch was not a strike, even calling it bad (thanks Jim Strong). Even Bandit Nation gave me a backhand compliment by stating it was better than Crystal's pitch (which actually went backwards).
I admit, on video, the pitch looks a bit off (although it is no Baba Booey), but it's a different view on the playing field. Insist as I might, everyone still felt the pitch missed the strike zone (to say the least).
On Sunday, when Amanda was in the press session, I knew it was my chance to settle the debate. At first, Amanda did not recall the pitch, but that's understandable considering she has caught hundreds of ceremonial pitches. It soon came back to her and she emphatically stated it was a strike. Who would know better than the catcher?!
I hope this finally settles the debate. People can question me as much as they want, but nobody should question Amanda. A star at the University of Michigan, Amanda's credentials include a lot of awards and accolades, most recently being named the 2019 NPF Player of the Year!
Thank you to Athletes Unlimited for the opportunity all season long. Thanks especially to Amanda for being a great catcher and a even better sport. Go to AUProSports.com for more info on the softball league and their other ventures. Also check ChicagoBandits.com for info on Amanda and the Bandits.
Athletes Unlimited held their first ever draft on Wednesday. Team Captains pitcher Haylie Wagner (Gold), corner infielder Jessica Warren (Orange), outfielder Nicole Pendley (Blue) and middle infielder Sami Fagan (Purple) took turns selecting Olympians, National team members and present and former pro teammates. In a draft of 56 elite softball players, every pick was a winner.
With the first overall pick, Wagner (Team Gold) selected catcher Amanda Chidester, her teammate on the Chicago Bandits and a fellow Michigan alum. The other first rounders were pitcher Cat Osterman (Team Orange), pitcher Taylor McQuillin (Team Blue) and pitcher Danielle O'Toole (Team Purple). Three pitchers were selected by the three offensive players, while the pitcher selected a catcher.
Captains had two minutes to make each pick. Rosters required three pitchers, two catchers, four infielders (two corner infielders and two middle infielders), three outfielders and two “unlimited” players, which can be any position. In actual game play, players are eligible at any position.
A native of Allen Park, MI, Chidester was the 2019 National Pro Fastpitch Player of the Year, NPF Offensive Player of the Year, and Home Run Award winner, while playing for my beloved Chicago Bandits. Of course, Chiddy will forever hold a special place in my heart for her nice grab of my "somewhat" wild first pitch last season.
Prior to the draft, Athletes Unlimited held scrimmages. Wagner led all players with 356 points, based on individual and team performance.
The Athletes Unlimited season opener is Saturday at 1 p.m. ET at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois. A second game follows at 4 p.m. ET, with doubleheaders Sunday and Monday.
The next draft will be on Tuesday. Four new captains will be named based on performance. Those captains will draft the teams for the next round of play.
You can check for coverage here an also on GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com, where you can see full team rosters. Also, be sure to go to AUProSports.com for all of the league info and check out Athletes Unlimited on twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Amanda Chidester and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2019.
Amanda Chidester was a star at the University of Michigan. In her four seasons with the Wolverines, she hit .355, with 40 homeruns, 200 rbi's and 157 runs scored in 231 games. She was twice selected as the Big Ten Conference Player of the Year.
She has also found success on the international scene. She was a silver medalist twice and a gold medalist twice in the WBSC Women's World Championships of 2012, '14 and '16. Earlier this year, she was named to the 2020 Olympics roster for Team USA.
After Michigan, she was selected 11th overall in the third round of the 2012 National Pro Fastpitch Draft by the Akron Racers. In 2019, Amanda was named the NPF Player of the Year, NPF Offensive Player of the Year, and Home Run Award winner. For the season, Amanda hit .377, with 15 homeruns, 35 rbi's and 25 runs scored.
I will always have a special place in my heart for Amanda, as she was the catcher for my first pitch last summer. The pitch was a "bit" high, but Amanda stretched and caught it, saving me from an overthrow. After the catch, I told her how much I appreciate that effort. We had a good laugh about it.
I had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda during last season's NPF championship. That can be found at On the Beat With Amanda Chidester.
I really am looking forward to watching Team USA in the 2020 Olympics in July. I especially am excited about seeing Amanda and the other Bandits (Ally Carda, Delaney Spaulding and Hannah Flippen).
At the National Pro Fastpitch 2019 Awards banquet, Chicago Bandits Amanda Chidester won the Offensive Player of the Year and the Player of the Year awards. Both awards were well-deserved after she hit .380 with 15 homers, 35 rbi's and scored 25 runs this season.
A star at the University of Michigan, Amanda has played for Team USA since 2012. She joined the Bandits this season and made her mark quickly.
Of course, on a personal note, I greatly appreciate Amanda for catching my "slightly" high first pitch. Despite the height, I can always say that the catcher caught it!
After a tough loss in Game One, I caught up with Amanda. We talked about her awards, the loss and her family. Several things were very clear.
Amanda is such a positive person. After a rare loss, Amanda remained upbeat and seemed ready to play Game Two right then. There was no head-hanging. It was all about the next game.
It is also very evident how much her family means to her. I had the pleasure o sitting with her parents at the NPF Awards banquet. It was so interesting and pleasant talking with her father Brian. I heard some stories from Amanda's college career, as well as other tidbits. It was clear that the family is tight and all very proud of Amanda. It was heart-warming. They represent all that is good with softball.
We all agreed that women's softball is such an underappreciated sport. More stories like Amanda's need to be told.
For her part, Amanda helps the sport grow by always being there for the fans (even the big ones like me). She is one of the most popular Bandits and she always signs and takes photos for the fans.
I thank Amanda for her time and consideration. I wish her luck throughout the series.
After Friday's loss, the Bandits are now down 2-0. They need to win tonight to stay alive. The Bandits have come back many times this year and they need to do it again.
I also thank the Bandits organization and the NPF for facilitating my coverage. Check ChicagoBandits.com for more info on Amanda and her team and NationalProFastpitch.com for more info on the league.
The National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits have given me the opportunity to check off several things from my sports bucket list. I have done broadcasting with Mike Knezevich, batted against Kirsten Verdun, took batting practice off of Kristyn Sandberg and several other fun experiences. Last Monday, the Bandits gave me one more unique moment. Thanks to the hospitality of the Bandits organization, through the organization of Assistant GM Jourdan Skirha and because of Global Traveler magazine, I had the privilege of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.
Jourdan contacted me about a week prior to the game and said I would be throwing out the first pitch. While I was really excited about doing this, I also knew I needed to practice a little bit. I knew I could make a good overhand throw, but this is fastpitch softball and underhand throws are encouraged (mostly by the fans who would jab me endlessly if I threw overhand.
I spent several years pitching on my softball teams, but that was many years ago and was an entirely different situation. I would just need a few practice throws to get the muscle memory back. I wasn't overly nervous or in panic mode, but I wanted to do okay.
I enlisted Jim Strong to video the moment and to catch my practice throws in the Bandits parking lot prior to the game. My main goal was not to bounce it in to the catcher. Of course, in practice, I was snapping my wrist and throwing strikes. It came back to me quickly.
We entered the stadium and Jourdan instructed us when to meet on the field. When the time came, there were a few young girls throwing out pitches and I figured I would be with them. Much to my confusion, I figured wrong.
I watched as the team lineups were announced and the players took their places on the baselines from home plate. I watched as the Chinese and U.S. national Anthems were played (the Bandits wer playing the Beijing Shougang Eagles). Then Jourdan signaled to me to take the mound. Suddenly, this wasn't one of the first pitches. This was THE first pitch. I was introduced over the PA system and Bandit Nation gave me a nice round of applause.
I looked at catcher Amanda Chidester and took a deep breath. I started the motion, but failed to snap my wrist and just lobbed it underhand. My toss made it on the fly...and then some. Amanda had to stand up and even reach a little, but she caught it. It wasn't the best first pitch by any stretch, but it certainly wasn't the worst.
After the toss, Amanda gave me the ball and I thanked her for catching my "slightly" high toss. She was a great sport about it. After the game, a few of the players joked with me about the throw, but all was in good fun.
In the end, it was a lot of fun. Jourdan and the Bandits went above and beyond in making this a special night. I am happy that the throw was decent, but it really wasn't a huge worry. I just soaked in the moment and enjoyed it for what it was.
