On the Beat With Athletes Unlimited 08/31/20

Athletes Unlimited finished their first round of play on Monday with a shutout and a nail-biter. It was an exciting and fun weekend for the players and the fans alike. 

Week 1 final game results are:

Game 1 - Team Warren (Orange) beat Team Fagan (Purple) 11-3

Game 2 - Team Wagner (Gold) beat Team Pendley (Blue) 18-4

Game 3 - Team Warren (Orange) beat Team Pendley (Blue) 10-2

Game 4 - Team Wagner (Gold) beat Team Fagan (Purple) 6-2

Game 5 - Team Fagan (Purple) beat Team Pendley (Blue) 7-6

Game 6 - Team Wagner (Gold) beat Team Warren (Orange) 5-0

Team Wagner (Gold) 3-0

Team Warren (Orange) 2-1

Team Fagan (Purple) 1-2

Team Pendley (Blue) 0-3

The final leader board is

1 Osterman-604

2-Show-524

3-Hayward-490

4-Ocasio-464

5-Leach-440

6-Piancastelli-440

7-Reed-440

8-Warren-440

9-Mauga-430

10-Ramirez-410

10T-Sveiks-410:

As the top four positions on the leader board show, next week's captains are Cat Osterman, Samantha Show, Victoria Hayward, and Aleshia Ocasio. Drafting will take place Tuesday.

The first weekend of games proved several points. With two pitchers and two offensive players in the top four spots, the scoring system is solid and represents both aspects of the game.

Additionally, 18 of the top 20 player scores came from the undefeated Gold team and the Yellow team who was 2-1. The Purple team at 1-2 took two slots and the Blue team, without a win, was shut out of the top 20 spots. That proves the scoring does balance team performance with individual performance.

I admit I was a bit skeptical about how the scoring system would balance all things, but I knew the league had run the numbers and various scenarios and I gave them the benefit of any doubt. The first round of games wiped out all doubt and proved the viability of the system.

Last weekend also proved that the fans are watching and loving it. Social media was on fire all weekend on the Athletes Unlimited pages and various softball and player pages. The overwhelming response is positive. At first, the lack of softball this summer might have been a contributing factor to the interest level, but in the end, the players, games and concept are the main draw.

Finally, Round One showed how much the players love the game. Every player had smiles all weekend. Even in the toughest of moments, maybe even especially in those moments, players couldn't and wouldn't hide their enthusiasm.

The press sessions were equally as interesting. Players took turns patiently explaining the scoring system. I think we all get it now fortunately as we head into week 2. Players stressed how team performance is not undervalued in the system and the results prove that. Players also explained how the scoring system mirrors the existing softball mindset of win the inning, win the game, keep it going. The difference is now points are officially awarded for achievements.

Once most of the scoring questions passed, thoughts turned to the next draft, the fan appreciation, the love of the game and other regular softball questions. As I have previously stressed, it is a new concept, but it doesn't affect the beauty of the game. In the end, this is softball at the highest level played by the most elite players in the world.

Go to AUProSports.com for more info and updates. Also, check here, GlobalTravelerUSA.com, Patch.com, GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com and here, of course, for recurring coverage of Athletes Unlimited.

Athletes Unlimited Debuts

Next Saturday, softball is back as the Athletes Unlimited Softball League debuts! Although there will be no fans or press in attendance, it will be great to see all of the great players doing what they love.

AU will feature 56 players comprising four teams (yellow, orange, blue and purple). All teams will play 30 games at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, IL concluding September 29.

There will be some new twists on the game, without affecting the beauty of the sport. A scoring system similar to fantasy sports is the main unique feature. Individual players earn points based on both team wins and individual performance, with the top four players named as captains and drafting the next week's teams. The leader board will constantly change and the teams will change weekly. The player with the most points in the end will be crowned the individual champion.

I admit I am a bit concerned this could be gimmicky, but the players are excited about it and I'm curious to see how it plays out. It could be quite interesting. I applaud AU for thinking outside the box and trying something innovative.

The 56 players include 20 Olympians and other world class softball players. Players include two NCAA Players of The Year, two Rawlings Gold Glove winners, nine NCAA National Champions, one Women’s College World Series Most Outstanding Player and players from six National teams. Several former and current Chicago Bandits will be among the players, including Danielle O'Toole, who will play for Team Mexico in the 2021 Olympics.

AU is all about the players. There are no coaches nor managers. The players essentially run the league. Players are excited about the long term ownership possibilities and benefits. These first year AU players will not be forgotten as league grows.

Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, no fans will be in attendance this season, but AU is bringing the games to fans via ESPN and the CBS Sports Network. Additionally, WAVE.tv will air game highlights, behind-the-scenes videos and other content.

Fan interaction will include the opportunity to predict every play for the chance to win prizes. There will also be virtual autograph sessions. More fan interactive experiences can be had through a paid membership in the Unlimited Club, offering exclusive content, limited edition merchandise and other special offers.

AU will be involved in many social initiatives. These include a partnership with Girl Scouts of the USA, a "Rally the Vote" voter engagement program and an Athletes Causes program that will benefit charities of the players’ choosing equal to 50% of their season bonus.

Growing the game and interacting with the community is big part of the plan. As role models and leaders, players will engage the next generation of athletes and fans 

As with any event these days, the health of all involved is a concern. Every precaution is being taken to keep the players and personnel healthy and safe.

Of course, I would rather be at the ballpark watching the action, but for now, I am just grateful for any softball. While I won't be at the ballpark next Saturday, I will be watching comfortably from my couch, enjoying Coke, pizza and softball! 

I will be covering AU all season. Look for coverage here. GlobalTravelerUSA.com, GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com and Patch.com. Also, go to AUProSports.com for more info including schedules and the leader boards. Also follow Athletes Unlimited on twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Danielle O'Toole and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2019