Talking Travel with Monica Abbott

Monica Abbott is one of the best softball pitchers of all time. A multi-time Olympian and other world competitions and a longtime pro here and abroad, Abbott's records and accolades run many lines deep.

When I heard Monica was publishing a coloring book, I used it as the opportunity to ask for a Talking Travel interview. Monica graciously accepted.

Monica's coloring book doubles as an activities book. The story within is about a young softball player learning the game and teamwork. Having been just released, I have not seen it yet, but if Monica is involved, I have no doubt it is great. Monica would demand nothing les.

You might ask what a kids' coloring book has to do with world travel. The fact is I would have done the interview either way. Monica's world travels more than make her a solid travel interview guest. Promoting the book was just more incentive for her to do the interview.

Beyond all that though, coloring books are making a comeback. In this age of technology, many folks are using coloring books to entertain and engage their kids on flights. Many parents use them as relaxation methods, although those would be different types of coloring books (a bit more challenging).

The interview could not have gone better. Monica gave a fascinating look into life in Japan, where she lived for 14 seasons of playing there.

Go to Talking Travel with Monica Abbott on Global Traveler to hear the interview. Also, subscribe to the GT YouTube channel. I need more subscribers there. All it takes is a Gmail account. It's free and you won't be bothered with emails etc.

Talking Travel with Taylor McQuillin

My latest guest on Talking Travel on Global Traveler is Olympian Taylor McQuillin. As winter invades Chicago and GT partners with the Olympics, it is a great time to talk softball, the Olympics and travel and Taylor is the perfect interview guest.

We start with Taylor discussing what adding "Olympian" to her title means to her. That's an amazing accomplishment and one she will always carry with her. She can forever add "OLY" to her name, title, signature and resume.

We moved onto a serious topic. Suffering from Duane Syndrome, a condition that left her blind in her left eye, Taylor overcame the problem to excel on the mound. Ever positive, she even explained how it helped her become an even better player through more communication and understanding the roles of other teammates.

Of course, we had to discuss her travels. She talked about growing from a rookie to a young veteran in Japan. While she eschews the veteran label, she had enough experience there to tell fun tales and to guide younger players. She is comfortable enough to simply go exploring in Japan, a decision which brought her to many interesting new places.

 I have had the pleasure of watching Taylor play in Athletes Unlimited. She's an ace on the mound and an incredible person off the field. I loved this interview, because it revealed the many sides of Taylor.

The full recap is on GT at Talking Travel with Taylor McQuillin. All of the Talking Travel interviews are on the GT YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to the channel (it's free) for all of the travel content. Also, go to TayBeeSoftball.com for more info on her camps, clinics and instruction.

On the Beat With Greta Cecchetti

Greta Cecchetti was born in Bollate, Lombardy, Italy. She became the first born and raised Italian softball player to play at the NCAA Division I level, as well as professionally in the United States and Japan.

I got to watch Cecchetti up close last year when she pitched for Athletes Unlimited. Despite AU playing about 15 minutes from my home, my first interview with her came last week while she is halfway around the world in Japan. That interview is at On the Beat With Greta Cecchetti.

Cecchetti attended high school in Italy. She played for the Italian National Team from 2004-11, winning the European Championship in 2007. She also played in Italian Softball League from 2004-11, winning the 2005 Italian Championship. She also played five seasons in the Australian Softball League

After coming to the United States, Cecchetti started her college career at Polk State College, before moving on to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi for two seasons. While majoring in psychology, Cecchetti managed to make her mark on the Texas A&M leaderboards, despite pitching only two seasons.

In her one season with AU, Cecchetti earned 1,044 points in 15 games pitched. Wearing No. 81, she tied for eighth in the league with 1,060 win points.

Part of the unique structure of AU is playing for a cause, where a percentage of the player bonus goes to a charity chosen by the athlete. Cecchetti played for BEE Daring Foundation, whose mission statement is “Eradicating the stigmas surrounding mental health for college students, first responders, and athletes.”

Cecchetti discussed all of this and more in our interview. Unfortunately, because of the shaky wifi in Japan, there is no vide, but I inserted a few cool pictures from Cecchetti's career.

In addition to softball, Cecchetti gave some thoughts on travel, including a little advice. Having traveled as much as she has, Cecchetti certainly qualifies as an expert.

Thank you to Cecchetti for her time and consideration. Be sure to follow her on social media to get updates on her career, including this season in Japan.

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 the Beat With Erika Piancastelli

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.

On the Beat With Stacey McManus of Team Australia Softball

I first met softball player Stacey McManus when she was one of eight Australians who joined the National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits in 2017. The Aussie Eight came to the NPF as part of their preparation for the Olympics.

The next season, the Aussie Eight were joined by other members of the Australia women's national team as the Aussie Spirit in the NPF. In 2019, they became the Aussie Peppers.

Other countries fielded full or partial teams, including Canada, Mexico and China. The unique situation allowed those players to test themselves, while giving an international flavor and exposure to the NPF. 

The Aussie Eight quickly became part of Bandit Nation, as did their family and friends. Bandit Nation suddenly expanded across the globe to Australia. 

I had the pleasure of interviewing all eight players that first year. It was such a cool experience to talk about softball and other fun topics with elite international athletes. They all could not have been any nicer.

Stacey began her career at the tender age of four. Having both parents playing softball, it seemed the natural path for her and her younger sister Brooke. Stacey's onfield accomplishments are numerous, including seven Gilley's Shield (Open Women's National Championship) titles and two junior titles. Stacey has represented Australia at four World Championships. Most recently, Stacey played in the Olympics, the grandest stage of them all.

Her time in the NPF helped prepare Stacey and her mates for the Olympics, but nothing could prepare them for the uncertainty of the last year. The Olympics eventually got postponed to this year, but even that was a bit tenuous right up until the games were actually played. All of that angst got washed away though when softball opened the Olympic games.

I can't begin to imagine the emotion Stacey and the others had. I had chills just watching and cheering for them. Over the fours years I have known them, I have become an adopted Aussie and part of their Chicago cheering contingent.

Yesterday, in a joint effort of Global Women's Sports Radio and The Johngy OR Else Podcast, Tommy Else and I interviewed Stacey direct from Australia and recently returned from Tokyo. We talked to Stacey about her time in the NPF, the Olympics, Athletes Unlimited softball, her future and much more. She gave us fantastic first person insight.

We are grateful to Stacey for her time and consideration. We wish Stacey the best of luck wherever her career takes her and we will be watching and cheering. Our interview can be found at On the Beat With Stacey McManus of Team Australia Softball.

Danielle Lawrie: From National Pro Fastpitch to Team Canada

Team Canada softball earned the bronze medal in the recent Olympics. Canaa went 4-2, with pne pf the wins going to Danielle Lawrie.

Danielle was actually one of the first pro softball players to hit my radar. Her brother Brett played six seasons in Major League Baseball, including 2016 with the Chicago White Sox.

When I started covering the Chicago Bandits, Danielle was the first opposing player I interviewed, followed by teammate Cat Osterman. The Danielle interview can be found at On the Beat With Danielle Lawrie. One of my questions was if she ever tried pitching to her brother. She politely said they never did that because there would be no real winner.

Born in Canada, Danielle starred for the University of Washington. At one point, she won 21 straight games. She holds the school records in career wins (136), shutouts (65), strikeouts (1860), starts (168), appearances (194), complete games (149) and innings (1190.2). She also ranks high in most other pitching categories. She did not play for Washington in 2008, while she represented Canada in the Olympics.

Danielle made her NPF debut with the USSSA Pride against the Chicago Bandits in 2010. She won Cowles Cup Championships in 2010 and 2014. She came back in 2019 with the Canadian Wild, in preparation for the Olympics.

In the Olympics, Danielle went 1-1 with a save. She started two games, but appeared in five. In 11.1 innings, she only gave up one run.

I don't know what Danielle's post-Olympics plans are. She is married with kids and living in her native Canada. She has done some broadcasting, which is my guess for her future endeavors. Either way, I'll be following.

Danielle Lawrie and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2014.

Brittany Cervantes: From Chicago Bandits to Team Mexico

Team Mexico finished 2-4 in the Olympics. They lost to Team Canada in the Bronze medal game. One of teh stars on Mexico was Brittany Cervantes, my first on field interview with the Chicago Bandits. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Brittany Cervantes. For that alone, she will always be special to me, but that's only a small part of why I like Cerv.

Cerv starred at the University of Kentucky. She is the only player in school history to hit 10 or more home runs in each of her four seasons. Despite her excellent career at Kentucky, Cerv somehow went undrafted in National Pro Fastpitch. Still, she earned a spot via open tryouts in 2012.

With the Bandits, she won two Cowles Cup championships (2015 and 2016). She was named the NPF Offensive Player of the Year in 2015, while hitting .358 and leading the league in slugging and on base percentage. In 2016, she was named MVP of the Cowles Cup Championship Tournament.

After the 2016 season, Cerv was traded to the Scrap Yard Dawgs, where she won her third straight championship. In 2019, while playing for the USSA Pride, she earned her fourth championship. In short, Cerv is a winner.

In addition to her on field accomplishments, she was one of the most popular players with the Bandits. Even coming back as an opponent, Cerv was cheered big time.

For Team Mexico in the Olympics, she went 5-15 with two runs, two RBIs and one home run. Her .333 average ranked fifth among Olympian regulars.

Cerv started her coaching journey at Kentucky as an assistant in 2013. After a stint at Loyola in Chicago, she returned to Kentucky, where she is currently Director of Softball Operations.

It was so good to see Cerv on the international platform. I have talked to her at several games since she left the Bandits, but I haven't interviewed her in years. I need to change that next season.

Brittany Cervantes and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2016.

Taylah Tsitsikronis: From Chicago Bandits to Team Australia

In the recent Olympics, Team Australia did slightly better than Team Italy, featured yesterday here. Australia went 1-4. One of the stars for Australia is Taylah Tsitsikronis.

Taylah began her softball career at the Penrith Softball Club when she was only six. In 2010, she was named the Western Sydney Academy of Sport Athlete of the Year. She was only 16 then! She turned pro in 2015. In 2018, Taylah joined the Chicago Bandits, as part of the Aussie Eight who partnered with the team.

What a great experience that was to have eight Aussies on the team and their families and fanbase connected to us. It really was a special time. My interview with Taylah can be found at On the Beat With Taylah Tsitsikronis.

In the Olympics, Taylah went 3-9 with a double and a run scored. Like the rest of my softball player friends, it was awesome seeing Taylah on the big stage.

I don't know if I will ever see Taylah in person again, but I am sending a big thank you to her for her time and consideration while in the NPF. I also congratulate her on her Olympics appearance.

Taylah Tsitsikronis and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2017.

Emily Carosone: From Chicago Bandits to Team Italy

The softball part of the Olympics ended last Tuesday with Japan beating Team USA for the Gold medal. USA took the silver and Canada got the bronze. While I totally was behind Team USA, I did have some divided loyalties because I had friends on all six teams.

Emily Carosone played collegiate softball at Auburn University. Her Auburn teams captured the 2015 and 2016 SEC Tournament titles, as well as back-toback Women's College World Series appearances. Emily is Auburn's all-time leader in career hits (285), batting average (.406), runs (267) on base percentage (.534) and hit by pitches (85). She is ranke in the top ten of most other categories. In short, she wwas a stud at Auburn.

From there, she was selected by the National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits in the 2016 Draft. She played three seasons with the Bandits, followed by 2019 split between the Cleveland Comets and the USSSA Pride.

After gaining dual citizenship, Emily started playing for Team Italy in 2019. Italy won the gold medal in the 2021 European Championship. She went on to earn a spot on the Olympic roster, becoming the first Olympian in Auburn softball history.

Team Italy had a rough time at the Olympics, going 0-5. Emily went hitless, but reached base three times after getting hit. Italy didn't score a run and got only 13 total hits.

Despite the outcome, Emily and Italy should be proud of the accomplishment. The Olympics featured 90 elite softball players. A poor showing in these games doesn't take away from their talent and achievements.

Emily is currently an assistant coach at Auburn. I see a bright future for her and I wish her well always. An old interview with Emily can be found at On the Beat With Emily Carosone.

Emily Carosone and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2017.

Ally Carda and Team USA Take Silver

The dream ended for Team USA softball as they fell 2-0 to Japan. Japan takes the gold medal, while USA settles for the silver medal.

Cat Osterman started for USA, but Ally Carda and Monica Abbott also took a turn on the mound. Those three elite pitchers only gave up two runs (one in each the fourth and fifth innings), but that was enough for Japan.

Japan's Yukiko Ueno pitched six scoreless innings, allowing only two hits, while striking out five. USA had a couple mild scoring chances, but Japan always rose to the occasion and ended the threats.

Team USA had hoped to avenge their loss to Japan in the 2008 Olympics, but it wasn't meant to be. While USA had dominant pitching, the offense just wasn't there. They scored just nine runs in the six games, never plating more than two.

The best chance for Team USA was ended with a fantastic double play. A star of two previous games, Amanda Chidester hit a liner that bounced off of the third baseperson's glove, but the shortstop snared it and fired it to second to complete the double play and dash USA's scoring opportunity.

Both teams finished 5-1 in the Olympics. Both teams only lost to the other team. Yet, in the end, Japan came away with the gold.

Osterman spoke of the disappointment, “Obviously, we’re a little bit disappointed,” said Osterman. “You get to the gold medal game and you have your eye that prize, and to not accomplish that – it stings.” Disappointed, but not defeated, Osterman looked at the positives, “This was a tremendous Olympic Games. I think the goal in the long run is to not overlook everything we accomplished on our way to the gold medal game. We've done a lot of things that we're proud of and the end result is not what we wanted, but the journey was incredible and we played some incredible softball here.”

Softball will not be at the Olympics in 2024, but is expected to return in 2028 in Los Angeles.

Despite the loss, I am happy Ally got to make an appearance. It's a memory she will always have and one well-deserved.

I congratulate Team USA on their silver medal. I also salute Japan for their gold, Canada for their bronze and Australia, Mexico and Italy for being great competitors.

 Ally Carda and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2019.

Stacey McManus of Team Australia

The Olympics started Wednesday. Of course, my main attention is on Team USA and softball, but I also have some love for the other softball teams, like Team Australia.

A few years back, Team Australia sent eight players to the National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits  Stacey McManus was one of the Aussie Eight, as they were so creatively called. Stacey is a middle infielder for Team Australia.

It was a great experience getting to know the Australian players and their families and fans, too. Through the NPF, I got to hang around the elite players from the USA, but I never thought I would also be able to get to know great international players, too.

It was a great experience having the Aussie Eight play for the Bandits. It was like worlds colliding in the best way. Their fans became fans of the Bandits. We made a lot of new friends down under. Stacey's mom even gifted me a cute koala stuffed animal, which now sits on my shelf with my other NPF stuff. It was such a lovely gesture on her part. I appreciate it greatly and always smile when I see it.

Of course, I will be rooting for Team USA in the Olympics, but I am excited to see my friends from other teams and I wish them a lot of success. They are all elite athletes and great people. From sopcial media posts, it looks like they are all soaking in every moment, as well they should. I am so happy for them and for softball fans everywhere.

My interview with Stacey can be found at On the Beat With Stacey McManus. You can find more Australian players and other Olympians on my Chicago Bandits playlist on YouTube.

Stacey McManus and me in Rosemont-Summer 2017.

Good Luck Team USA Softball!

I have never been this excited about the Olympics, which start tomorrow in Tokyo, Japan. I always respected the athletes, but I never had much interest, except on rare occasions like the 1980 USA Miracle on Ice. This time it's different. This time it's personal.

Many of the softball players from Team USA and other countries are friends of mine. I watched them up close as they played in National Pro Fastpitch and other leagues in preparation for the Olympics.

Softball returns to the Olympics for the first time since 2008. It will not be part of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, but will probably be back for the 2028 games in Los Angeles. The 17-game softball competition culminates July 27 with the gold medal game, which should feature Team USA.

Led by Monica Abbott and Cat Osterman, two of the greatest pitchers of all time, Team USA is ranked No. 1. Also on the main, 15-person roster is pitcher Rachel Garcia, 2018 and 2019's USA Softball Collegiate Player of the Year. Pitching tends to dictate outcomes, especially in tournaments like this.

It's been especially great seeing their recent social media posts after they arrived in Tokyo. Witnessing their efforts and talking to them over the last few years, I love seeing them realizing their dream.

As much as I appreciate the passion these elite athletes have for their careers, I am also amazed at their dedication to growing the sport. After playing two-hour games in the heat, it is not unusual to see them sign autographs and meet with young fans for the next two hours.

Of course, I’ll be cheering for Team USA, but with friends on every other team, I will be watching and wishing good performances to all.

The only disappointment so far was the recent announcement that the alternates (Taylor Edwards, Hannah Flippen and Keilani Ricketts) could not attend the games and were heading home. I don't know the reason, but I am guessing it is part of the COVID precautions limiting the overall attendance. No mater the reason, it has to be very disheartening for the three and even their teammates who hated to see them go. 

These three worked just as hard as their 15 full roster mates. They were just as excited, even if they weren't going to play. Now they will watch from home as their teammates go for the gold.

Check back here, on GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com and GlobalTravelerUSA.com for my coverage of the Olympics. Good luck to my softball friends!

Taylor Edwards and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2019.