Urka is pro softball player Erika Piancastelli, one of my favorites. A native of Italy, Erika has starred for McNeese State, Athletes Unlimited and the Italian National team.
A catcher by trade, Erika has shown her versatility by playing lots of outfield in the AU league. I saw her make one of the best throws I have ever seen, when she threw out a runner at third with a throw from deep right field. The fans at AU went crazy for that play, no matter which team they were cheering. It was just that good.
Aside from her play, Erika is busy with RISR, a softball program to help other players of all ages. Although mostly retired, even old players like e can learn from RISR.
None of that explains Urka though. Fortunately, my interview with Erika gives the whole story. That interview is at On the Beat With Erika Piancastelli.
Earlier this week, I interviewed softball player Erika Piancastelli of Athletes Unlimited Softball, the Italian National Team (and the Olympics) and the Japanese League. Urka discussed all of this and a lot more at On the Beat With Erika Piancastelli on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel.
Born in Moderna, Italy, Erika played softball from an early age. With a father who played baseball and a mother who played softball in the Olympics, it seemed natural for Erika to play ball, but she didn't get realy serious about it until she played at McNeese State University.
It was at McNeese when Erika started thinking she could make a career out of the sport she loved. While at McNeese, in 235 games over four seasons, Erika hit .401 with 75 homers, 212 RBI's and 228 runs scored, the last three being career records for McNeese. She also ranks first in walks, doubles and total bases. Among her many awards and accolades, she was named Southland Conference Hitter and Player of the Year four times.
Erika has played three seasons with AU Pro Softball and will be returning for the 2023 season in August. In 2020, she finished in 4th, followed by 23rd in 2021 and 15th in 2022. Unfortunately, Erika will not play in AUX, the short season beginning in June, because she will be playing in Japan.
She will be leaving soon for the Japanese League season. She talked about the the style of play in Japan and adjusting to the different styles among the various leagues where she has played.
She talked about playing different positions, including which she preferred. Last season at AU, Erika played a lot of right field and she played it well. I asked her about a particular throw she made to nail a runner at third. My buddy Tony and I agree it might be the best throw we have seen on any level of ball. It was a perfect laser beam of a throw. We knew she was a star catcher, but we quickly realized she was just as good in the outfield or probably anywhere else.
Erika updated me on the latest news about RISR. Made for fastpitch players, RISR offers training content, advice and more from its instructors. Erika, Amanda Chidester, Haylie McCleney and Janie Reed certainly have the resumes to be great teachers, but it is their hands-on, relatable approach that makes RISR so special.
Lastly, we talked about Erika's new website. Of course, softball fans can always buy AU apparel to support Erika and other players, but diehard player fans always like to rep gear unique to their favorite players. As I promised Erika, I will be sporting her shirts this summer at AU. I love the logo designed by her sister. Before I let her go, I also got the origins of “Urka.”We wrapped up with a mutual expression of anticipation for the AU season. I am not sure who looks forward to it more, Erika and her teammates or the fans. I know I can't wait.
I thank Erika for her time and consideration with this interview and always. Erika is really an elite player and person. I encourage all to check her site at UrkaAthletics.com.
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of interviewing Erika Piancastelli, softball star of the Italian National Team and Athletes Unlimited. Erika is part of RISR, a venture which is about to launch in early March. Erika was kind enough to take time from her busy schedule to discuss all of that with me.
Born in Modena, Italy, Erika's family moved to California when she was five. Softball is in her blood, as her mother Loredana Auletta competed for Italy in the 2000 Olympics.
Erika starred at McNeese State University, where she racked up many awards and accolades. She was the Southland Conference Player of the Year four times. She finished her career there with a .401 batting average, with 75 HRs, 212 RBIs, 70 steals, and an .868 slugging percentage.
In 2020, Erika played in the inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited Softball. Last year, she played for Team Italy in the Tokyo Olympics, followed by her second season with AU Softball. In our interview, she also confirmed she will return for AU Seasons Three and Four!
Our interview started with Erika talking about playing in the Olympics, I know she has been asked about that experience many times, but I don't often get to talk to an Olympian and I had to hear it directly.
I then asked her for her thoughts on the unique scoring system and play of AU Softball. As GWSR readers know, AU utilizes a scoring system where points are awarded for team and individual statistics. Teams are redrafted every week. At the end of the season, one champion is crowned. Erika had nothing but praise for the league, system and players. Obviously, if she is signed for two more seasons, she must enjoy it, but it says a lot to have a softball lifer embrace and endorse groundbreaking setup of AU.
Last and most timely right now, Erika talked about RISR. Launching in early March, RISR is an app connecting the viewer with athletes through training content specifically tailored to meet all levels of players. The four instructors are Erika, Amanda Chidester, Haylie McCleney and Janie Reed. That's an elite quartet, made of four Olympians.
RISR focuses on hitting and mental training. The content is designated for specific ages and levels of players. RISR has individual lessons and specific goal-oriented training programs. RISR will fit perfectly with a player's coach and private instructor.
Next Tuesday, January 25, the RISR Team of Erika, Amanda, Haylie and Janie will present an exclusive Live Mental Training Panel. Subscribe to RISR for access to this unique Zoom opportunity.
Our interview can be found at On the Beat With Erika Piancastelli. I plan on doing more updates with the elite athletes of RISR. Until then, go to RISRapp.com to learn all about this upcoming app.
Erika Pincastelli was a star softball player at McNeese State University. She is one of nine NCAA Division I softball hitters to finish her career with a.400 batting average, 200 RBI, 50 home runs and an .800% slugging career.
Born in Modena, Italy, Erika's family moved to California when she was five. She was a four time SLC Player and Hitter of the Year at McNeese State. Erika finished fourth in points in the first season of playing with Athletes Unlimited. She batted .327 with 9 HRs and 15 RBIs. Her 9 HRs tied her for the AU season lead. Erika has also played for the Italian National Team since 2016 and is aiming for Gold in the 2021 Olympics.
I appreciate Erika's comments and also her time and consideration during press sessions with Athletes Unlimited. Go to Olympics.org and AUProSports.com for more info on Erika, her teams and her softball journey.
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.
Last weekend, Athletes Unlimited softball started with some surprises, but ended with something familiar. Once again, Cat Osterman was at the center of the focus.
Just when it looked like Osterman was unbeatable, almost untouchable, the unthinkable happened. For the first time all season, Osterman's team lost a game and Osterman actually lost a pitching decision. You can't keep Osterman down though. She finished the weekend with a masterpiece last night.
Monday nights are magical for Osterman. In four Monday night starts, Osterman is a stunning 4-0, allowing just two runs.
Week Four Final Results:
September 19
Team Warren (Purple) beat Team Reed (Orange) 2-1
Team Hayward (Blue) beat Team Osterman (Yellow) 4-1
September 20
Team Hayward (Blue) beat Team Reed (Orange) 8-3
Team Warren (Purple) beat Team Osterman (Yellow) 11-0
September 21
Team Warren (Purple) beat Team Hayward (Blue) 7-5
Team Osterman (Yellow) beat Team Reed (Orange) 2-0
The weekend saw pitching be the focus. A few pitchers took no-hitters late into games. The offenses scored a total of 44 runs, down 35 runs from last week and also a season low.
Aleshia Ocasio returned from a leave of absence and promptly threw a complete game three-hitter on Saturday. Ocasio was in the zone all weekend on the mound and at the plate. In doing so, she jumped back into the top four spots on the leader board.
Season Leader Board
1 - Osterman 1990 points
2 - Warren 1580 points
3 - Piancastelli 1510 points
4 - Ocasio 1508 points
Other highlights included Sahvanna Jaquish belting two homers on Saturday and Sunday. Also, Jaquish and Haylie McCleney went deep back-to-back on each day. In a humorous moment, Samantha Show put one over the left field wall right into the hands of AU CEO Jon Patricof, while he was being interviewed on air by Eric Collins and Danielle Lawrie. Of course, ending the week with a 2-1 pitching clinic was the capper.
The weekend media sessions featured Ocasio, Erika Piancastelli, Jessie Warren, Haylie Wagner, Jaquish, McCleney, Samantha Show, Kelly Barnhill, Morgan Howe, Jessica Burroughs, Shelby Pendley, Osterman, Gwen Svekis and Hannah Flippen. Maybe because of familiarity, the sessions seemed a bit looser and more casual than usual. The sessions are always fun, but this week seemed to have a bit more humor.
AU writer Bruce Miles handled the game situation questions as usual. Check AUProSports.com for his game coverage.
I asked the players about a wide range of topics. With only one week of play left, several players gave their thoughts on the experience and leaving “the Shield,” as Osterman has dubbed the Rosemont facility. Clearly, the players are already emotional about the impending end of this season. While they all have played for many years, the experience of staying with each other like this was like no other.
Piancastelli and Svekis talked about being behind the plate, working with pitchers who were dominating and handling a potential no-hitter. Part is fun, part is pressure, but mostly it is simply handling a pitcher like always, with very little thought of the ongoing no-hitter.
One very interesting moment was when I asked about the next season for AU. Ocasio answered “I don't know,” but the AU Media Rep's answer was more telling. I tried for the scoop, and while I did not get one directly, the answers indicate plans might be in place, but not released to the public yet.
I understand their thought process. AU will want to make a big announcement about next season. A scoop here would have been great for m, but not as big for AU. I will stay on it and I expect an announcement, perhaps even shortly after this season, capitalizing on the momentum built.
In a bit of a shocker, Cat Osterman (Team Yellow) made fellow lefty pitcher her number one pick in the Athletes Unlimited Week 5 draft. For the first time this season, Osterman did not make catcher Gwen Svekis her top pick, but she did take Svekis later in the draft.
In Monday's post-game press session, Osterman said she was “keeping my cards close to my chest this week.” Had she already planned on taking Wagner? Was this a late curveball? Was she just tired of battling against Wagner every week? We will ask her about that in the weekend's press sessions.
One thing is certain. Osterman wants to end the season in a strong way. A 1-2 punch of Osterman and Wagner gives Team Yellow a lethal combination. Already holding the top spot on the leader board by a large margin, Osterman looks to lock up the season championship.
With the second pick, Jessie Warren (Team Orange) took pitcher Danielle O'Toole. The lefty pitcher is the only player to be selected in the first round every week.
The rest of the first round saw Erika Piancastelli (Team Blue) pick the red hot catcher Sahvanna Jaquish and Aleshia Ocasio (Team Purple) select pitcher Jessica Burroughs. Piancastelli probably will use the versatile Jaquish at a position other than catcher, since she already has a solid one in herself.
Familiarity was the key for Ocasio in this draft. Ocasio, who had a brilliant return from a short leave of absence, selected seven players she had previously taken. Currently sitting in fourth place in the overall standings, Ocasio is looking to move up, although Osterman will be tough to catch.
In one of the strange twists caused by the unique draft system, all four of this week's captains played together on the same team in Week One. Teammates the first week, now they will battle each other to end the season.
The Athletes Unlimited Softball League has come a long way in a mere few weeks. It all comes to a big climax this weekend. Athletes Unlimited ace writer Bruce Miles vowed we (the media) “will finish strong” and we will have to do just that to match the players who will certainly finish with a memorable weekend of games.
Athletes Unlimited Softball wrapped up another exciting weekend of softball action at the Ballpark in Rosemont, Illinois. The six games had a little bit of everything.
Cat Osterman's teams remained perfect, adding three more wins to the three wins from the first week of play. Osterman pitched two gems, including a 2-1 nail-biter to end the week.
Team Ocasio had a solid week, but just couldn't beat Osterman. Despite losing two of three, Team Hayward had the biggest offensive explosion, scoring 13 runs in their second game. Team Show went 0-3, but lost two tight games.
Week 2 final results are
September 5
Team Ocasio (Purple) beat Team Show (Orange) 6-4
Team Team Osterman (Gold) beat Team Hayward (Blue) 5-2
September 6
Team Hayward (Blue) beat Team Show (Orange) 13-5
Team Osterman (Gold) beat Team Ocasio (Purple) 5-4
September 7
Team Ocasio (Purple) beat Team Hayward (Blue) 9-5
Team Osterman (Gold) beat Team Show (Orange) 2-1
Standings
Team Osterman (Gold) 3-0
Team Ocasio (Purple) 2-1
Team Hayward (Blue) 1-2
Team Show (Orange( 0-3
Week 3 Captains
Cat Osterman, Aleshia Ocasio, Janie Reed and DJ Sanders
Overall, scores were down from last week. It's too small of a sample size to call any trend. Last week, there was more offense, with teams scoring a total of 74 runs, while this week, 61 runs were scored.
Going into Week Three, one question is a main topic of discussion. Will Osterman ever lose? She's running away with overall points. She'll be captain again. As a captain, it is important to have a dominating pitcher and Osterman immediately starts off with the best, herself.
In the media session, I asked Osterman about the pressures and duties of being the captain. Would she like to just be a player for once? Of course, knowing her, I could have guessed tht answer. Sh loves it. She even stated she is having as much fun as ever. Competitors l;ike Osterman are never “just players” regardless of captian tiles.
One aspect of Athletes Unlimited that doesn't get enough exposure features the athletes playing for various causes they chose. Part of the financial aspect of the game involves players earning bonuses which go to these chosen causes. In the media sessions, I asked the athletes to discuss their chosen causes.
As seemingly everything else with Athletes Unlimited, this is a unique situation. I know of no other professional sports league where the players earn money for their charities. Many athletes have charitable causes, but there is no other league that does it like Athletes Unlimited. The next time someone mentions the greed of athletes, feel free to mention Athletes Unlimited.
We see the athletes' passion on the field every game, but this was an opportunity to see their passion for a given cause. As you will hear, some athletes are playing for local organizations, which others are playing for world-wide organizations.
In media sessions all weekend, I asked players about their chosen causes. Hannah Flippen, Nerissa Myers, Morgan Howe, Erika Piancastelli, Jessica Warren, Nadia Taylor, Janie Reed, DJ Sanders and Cat Osterman discussed their chosen causes. As I wrote, the causes are varied, but the emotions in these athletes. In a league for and by the athletes, this is something they decided to do to give back. It's a part of the league that deserves more exposure.
The Week Three draft is being held tonight. Check Global Women's Sports Radio for the results and our continuing coverage of Athletes Unlimited. For more info on the players and the league, go to http://www.AUProSports.com.
The Athletes Unlimited Softball season started last weekend, with doubleheaders on Saturday and Sunday. All indications from players, staffers and fans point to it being a major success. Softball is back and in a unique and fun way.
As I have previously explained, the game is played the same, but an individual and team points system is in place. The individual scoring system seemed to be the biggest confusion and hesitation among fans, but the players love it and it didn't affect team play at all. In fact, it might be a boost to teams, as players want their teammates to rack up individual points, while their teams earn team points.
The top four individuals in points scored will be captains and pick next weekend's teams. My top pick was Cat Osterman, with Amanda Chidester, Megan Wiggins, and Aleshia Ocasio Currently, Osterman and Ocasio hold two of the top four spots. While Wiggins and Chidester are in the top twenty. With one more game for everyone today, there is plenty of chances for change in the top four spots.
You can go to AUProSports.com for a complete explanation of the scoring system. You can also simply watch the games and enjoy great softball action and let the points fall where they may.
I attended media sessions featuring Haylie Wagner, Erika Piancastelli, Victoria Hayward, and Jazmyn Jackson. They talked about the fun they're having, the scoring system, drafting, and more.
One of the big takeaways from this weekend was the fun the players are having. Wiggins made a great catch in left yesterday and had a huge grin on her face. Home runs went sailing close to the expressway and players flipped bats, jumped, and celebrated.
The joy extended beyond the field, too. Bandit Nation, fans of the National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits, watched on television and had a running commentary in their Facebook group. They were especially focused on Bandits playing in AU, but they were happy to see all of the players, most of whom play or played in the NPF.
Follow my coverage on GlobalTravelerUSA.com, Patch.com, GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com and here, of course. Also, be sure to go to AUProSorts.com for more info on the league and players.
