Friend Encounters: Gwen Svekis and Jim

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Continuing my focus on the reborn Chicago Bandits, today I feature two catchers.

Gwen Svekis had a great career at the university of Oregon, helping the Ducks to three Women's College World Series appearances. She turned pro and played for the Chicago Bandits and then the inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited. Gwen was one of the most popular players for the Bandits and then the AU teams. The Rosemont crowds loved Gwen.

The other catcher didn't accomplish nearly as much, nor was he as popular as Gwen. Still, my pal Jim has done fine in his life. Jim helped me several times when I was covering the old Chicago Bandits. While he is not part of the old guard, he does qualify as an "old crusty" like the rest of us. He is also embraced by the old guard because he is a real fan of the game.

I took this picture of catcher meeting catcher. I was happy to return the favor after Jim did so much photography for me.

Gwen is still involved with AU in a leadership role. More importantly, Gwen married Taylor Edwards, another former catcher for the Bandits and AU. They are a great couple. Both are so positive and happy.

For more info on the Bandits, go to auprosports.com. Check my recurring coverage here.

Gwen and Jim in Rosemont, IL-June 2018.

Thank You, Good-bye and Good Luck Gwen Svekis!

Gwen Svekis is another softball player who hung up her cleats after the last season with Athletes Unlimited. "OreGwen" will be missed on the field.

A product of the University of Oregon, Gwen became a Rosemont favorite during her time with the Chicago Bandits. A solid receiver behind the plate and an offensive threat at bat, Gwen was a great all-around player.

Off the field, Gwen found happiness with Taylor Edwards, another former Bandits catcher and AU mate. I couldn't be happier for them. They are two genuinely sweet people. I wish them a lifetime of happiness.

I thank Gwen for many years of great play on the field. I wish her great happiness in her playing retirement.

You can learn a bit more about Gwen, from On the Beat with Gwen Svekis, my interview with her from her time with the Bandits. Go to AUProSports.com for more info on all of their sport leagues. Also, check back here for my recurring coverage.

Gwen Svekis and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2018.

On the Beat With Athletes Unlimited Softball 2021 Week 1 Part 1

Less than a week after Athletes Unlimited Lacrosse ended, AU Softball started its second season. After a year away from live action, it was great to be back live "On the Beat" in Rosemont.

Opening Weekend for Athletes Unlimited Softball featured the first no-hitter in AU history, walk-off home runs and more all played in front of a packed stadium in Rosemont. Softball was back and fans couldn't have asked for more.

In addition to pitching a no-hitter, Cat Osterman led her Team Gold to a 3-0 record. Victoria Hayward's Team Blue was 2-1, Jessie Warren's Team Orange went 1-2 and Erika Piancatelli's Team Purple went 0-3. 

Despite her dominating performance, Osterman is in the unfamiliar second spot on the leaderboard with 490 points. Sahvanna Jaquish claimed the top spot with 498 points. Tori Vidales (468 points) and Lilli Piper (438 points) round out the top four spots. These four will be captains next week, drafting those teams later today. Just missing the top four were Odicci Alexander (428 points), Haylie McCleney (420 points) and Aliyah Andrews (418 points).

The individual game MVP's were:

Game 1-DJ Sanders, Aleshia Ocasio, Amanda Chidester

Game 2-Tori Vidales, Odicci Alexander, Sahvanna Jaquish

Game 3-Taylor McQuillin, Sashel Palacios, Carrie Eberle

Game 4-Cat Osterman, Tori Vidales, Aliyah Andrews

Game 5-Gwen Svekis, Aleshia Ocasio, Ali Aguilar

Game 6-Lilli Piper, Haylie McCleney, Sahvanna Jaquish

The Week Two Draft takes place at 5 PM CST today. Team captains are Jaquish (Gold), Osterman (Orange), Vidales (Blue) and Piper (Purple). Check back here tomorrow for the draft results.

The Ballpark in Rosemont never looked better. In the right field concourse, there is a batting cage and a pitching area. There is a merchandise truck out front, featuring a large line of cool AU apparel. In-game host Kacy Standohar is all over the place, interviewing players and having fun with fans. The Ballpark was alive.It was a fantastic Opening Weekend and it looks to continue all season.

The media session featured Gwen Svekis, DJ Sanders, Aleshia Ocasio, Cat Osterman, Odicci Alexander and Tori Vidales. That media session can be found at On the Beat With Athletes Unlimited Softball 2021 Week 1. 

AU returns to the field Saturday, September 4 at 3 PM CST. Team Osterman battles Team Vidales. For the second game, Team Jaquish faces Team Piper at 6 PM CST. Check GWSR social media for updates and back here for the Week Two recap. Also, be sure to check out AU Softball coverage by Bruce Miles on AUProSports.com for more info on the league and players.

On the Beat With Athletes Unlimited Week 4 - 09/19-21/20

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

Standings

Team Warren (Purple) 3-0

Team Hayward (Blue) 2-1

Team Osterman (Yellow) 1-2

Team Reed (Orange) 0-3

Week 5 Team Captains

Osterman (Team Yellow), Jessie Warren (Team Orange), Piancastelli (Blue) and Ocasios (Team Purple)

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.

Week 5 of Athletes Unlimited begins on Saturday, September 26 at noon CST as Team Warren faces Team Ocasio. Check AUProSports.com for more info. Also, check here, GlobalTravelerUSA.com, Patch.com and GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com for my coverage.

Friend Encounters: Gwen Svekis and Tony Feddeler

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Last season, my buddy Tony Feddeler made his return to the Chicago Bandits ball park. He had been to Bandits games in the past, but was busy and missed some time. When he saw a few former Bandits were in town to play the Bandits, he made his triumphant return.
Tony is a great guy. He's a knowledgeable fan. We sat in the front row, right behind the catcher. Tony started a running gag of calling pitches, although the pitchers seemed to go opposite of his intentions. (oddly it worked for them). This caused his mock frustration and also his determination to get them on track.
At his next game, we developed a new running gag, althogh the pitch call occasionally reappeared with similar results as last time. It is just a fun time with Tony.
After one of the games, Tony got a picture with Gwen Svekis, the Bandits catcher. Gwen came to the Bandits from the University of Oregon and has been a valuable asset behind the pate and at bat. She is also one of the most fan-friendly players (although the whole team is very good with fan relations).
I hope Tony comes back to games next season. I am sure Gwen will be there. I know I will be there. I highly encourage everyone to join the fun. You can also get pictures with the players after the game and maybe, Tony, too!
Go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info on the upcoming season. Also, check the Chicago Bandits Facebook page for more frequent updates.

Gwen Svekis and Tony Feddeler in Rosemont, IL-July 2019.

Swag Week: Friend Encounters: Gwen Svekis and Jim Strong

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities. Today, I present a special Friendly Encounter Swag Week edition.
Gwen Svekis was a star catcher at the University of Oregon. She led the Ducks to three Women's College World Series appearances in 2015, '17, and '18. The Chicago Bandits selected Gwen third overall in the 2018 National Pro Fastpitch draft. "OreGwen" quickly became a fan favorite of Bandit Nation. "OreGwen"
I had the honor of interviewing Gwen during her rookie season. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Gwen Svekis.
Partly because she was a catcher like he was, my buddy Jim Strong became one of her biggest fans. A relative newcomer to Bandit Nation, Jim has earned his place as a huge fan and supporter.
When the Bandits held Silver Linings Night and wore pink jerseys to raise money and awareness for breast cancer, they had a jersey auction. Jim was an active bidder, eventually landing the jersey of his favorite catcher. Of course, after receiving it, he had to get a picture with Gwen and her (now his) jersey. As the owner of several Bandits jerseys, I know how cool that is to have a bit if Bandits history.
I frame mine, but Jim has been known to wear his. You can see him at many games wearing his Bandits jerseys. (He also bought several replica jerseys/)  I already look forward to many fun games with Jim next season.
Go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info. Also go to ProFastpitch.com for new on the whole league.

Gwen Svekis and Jim Strong in Rosemont, IL-July 2019.

On the Beat With the Chicago Bandits 2018 (Interviews Part 5)

Today we are back with more Chicago Bandits interviews, as we continue to work our way through the roster. You can also check the Johngy's Beat Chicago Bandits YouTube playlist for all of our interviews over the last 5 seasons.

This time, we feature Aleshia Ocasio, Nadia Taylor and Gwen Svekis. All three are newcomers to the Bandits. Nadia is a 5 year veteran of the NPF, while Aleshia and Gwen are rookies.

We also interviewed Director of Operations and Promotions Jourdan Skirha. A graduate of Drexel and a former softball player (ask her about his biog pinch hit grand slam), Jourdan has been with the team for several years. Bandit Nation requested this interview and we are happy to have Jourdan/ She works very hard to make games extra fun for fans.

Thank you to Bandits Director of Media Relations Jason Lowenthal for facilitating these interviews. Thanks to the elite athletes of the Bandits for their time and consideration. Thanks to Mark Pandocchi for his video help. Thanks to Kenzie Parker for contributing questions. Thanks to Bandit Nation for the continued support.

There are still several home games left this season. The NPF championship series will be held in Rosemont, too. Check ChicagoBandits.com for all of the info, including the game times. Also, check back here for recurring coverage of the Bandits!