On the Beat With the NPF: Jade Hewitt and Dina Kwit

National Pro Fastpitch isn't just about the players.  It is also about the many unsung heroes who help make it a wonderful experience.

Jade Hewitt is the Media Director for the Scrapyard (Houston) Dawgs and the Texas (Dallas) Charge.  She is also a photographer, videographer and runs JadeHewittMedia.com, which specializes in College Athletic Recruiting Videos.  She started Jade Hewitt Media in 2008, while still in school.  She is one talented and busy young woman.

Dina Kwit is the Team Photographer for the Chicago Bandits.  A talented and tireless fixture around the Bandits, Dina is much beloved by Bandit Nation.

I have had the pleasure of knowing and watching Dina for a few years.  It always fascinates me to be around her and watch her mind work as she finds interesting images to capture.  She has a keen eye.  You can see some of her work at OutsideTheBox.co.

Jade has facilitated a ton of media coverage for her teams.  Dina has taken thousands of pictures.  How often are either of these women on the other side of the camera?  Fortunately, I was able to appear in a rare picture with these two 

I know I speak for fans, colleagues and staffers when I extend my gratitude to both of these ladies for all they do.  The NPF is full of elite athletes on the field and dedicated individuals behind the scenes.  Check out NationalProFastpitch.com for more info on the league.

Jade Hewitt, Dina Kwit and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2017.

On the Beat With Michael Steuerwald of the Scrapyard Dawgs

Our continuing coverage of National Pro Fastpitch and the Chicago Bandits bring us to former Coach Michael Steuerwald.  Like with the other former Chicago Bandits, it was strange, sad and great to see Coach Stu wearing the red of the Scrapyard Dawgs at the Ballpark in Rosemont.

Coach Stu did great things on an off the field here in Chicago.  The Bandits won the NPF title three times during his years here.  The Bandits also reached the championship series twice.

In addition to coaching the Bandits, he started "Coach's Corner" to raise money to get tickets to kids and underprivileged.  I have seen the joy on the faces of so many who would never have been able to see a game.  It was a wonderful program.

During the last offseason, as the Bandits underwent a big transition, Coach Stu stepped down and later became Assistant GM with the Dawgs.  With no disrespect to anyone, it was a big disappointment to see this transpire.

Life goes on though.  Sharonda McDonald is the new manager for the Bandits and Coach Stu is embracing his new position with he Dawgs with no bitterness.  Of course, I expected nothing less from him, as he is a class act.

Coach Stu does have some familiar faces with the Dawgs.  Former Bandits Monica Abbott, Brittany Cervantes, Amanda Kamekona, Morgan Foley and Taylor Edwards all found their way to The Woodlands.

At the time of this writing, the Dawgs are solidly in 2nd place in the NPF.  There are still about 15 games to play, but the Dawgs look to be a safe bet to make the playoffs.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Coach Stu in the dugout before game three of their recent series here.  The Dawgs took the first 2, but would go on to lose the final game after our interview.  Still, it was a successful series for the Dawgs.

I talked to Coach Stu about being on the other side, his thoughts on Houston, his highlights from his Chicago years, playing against his former team (the Bandits) and against his former coach (Roman Foore with the Texas Charge) and other fun topics.  It was a bittersweet interview.

I want to publicly thank Coach Stu for all he did with the Bandits and in the community.  I also want to thank him for always treating me well, for always having time to chat and for being a friend!  It was a great experience covering his teams.  It was great to see him and I have to even admit, he looks good in red.

On the Beat With the NPF: Monica Abbott of the Scrapyard Dawgs

As I wrote yesterday, in covering the Chicago Bandits and the National Pro Fastpitch, I have met a lot of world-class athletes and outstanding people.  With the Scrapyard Dawgs in town, one tall, lanky pitcher brings back great memories.

After starring at the University of Tennessee, Monica Abbott pitched for Team USA in 2006, before joining the NPF in 2007.  She pitched for 3 teams over 3 seasons before joining the Bandits, where she worked her magic for 5 seasons.  After the 2015 season, Monica signed a huge contract with the Dawgs.

Monica is truly one of the greatest softball pitchers of all time.  She is 192-39 with an ERA of 1.03 during her NPF career.  Those numbers are staggering.  She allows just over a run per game.

It is no stretch to say she is like Michael Jordan or Wayne Gretzky.  Maybe fellow Tennessee alum Peyton Manning would be a better comparison.  It is a real pleasure watching her pitch.  Her abilities are off the charts, but I also like the way she thinks and competes.  You can see her mind working as she pitches.  Monica is a bulldog.

Fans loved her here and justifiably so.  Aside from her stats, Monica was always good with the fans, too.  Even though she was in high demand, she always had time for my interviews and I am grateful for that.

More than grateful, I am actually in awe sometimes that I interviewed Monica.  Anytime I interview someone of Monica's stature, it always is one for the resume.

These kind of elite athletes do not come around often.  To have one in Chicago, one that I covered, will always be one of my favorite experiences.  It is still sad to see her in the red of the Dawgs, but it is always a thrill watching her pitch.  

Monica Abbott and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2015.

On the Beat With the NPF: Taylor Edwards of the Scrapyard Dawgs

Over the years, I have met a lot of elite athletes in National Pro Fastpitch.  Better than that, I have met some really great people.  Taylor Edwards is fits both categories.

Taylor starred at the University of Nebraska.  She was teammates with her twin sister Tatum.  Together they started their NPF career with the Pennsylvania Rebellion.  After their rookie season, they were traded to the Chicago Bandits, where they played for 2 seasons.  In the last offseason, Taylor was traded to the Scrapyard (Houston) Dawgs (and Tatum retired).

I really loved watching Taylor play.  She was a thumper on offense, solid behind the plate and wonderful off the field.  She hit .242 and .353 in her two seasons here, with 19 home runs and 63 rbi's.

Off the field, she was always a great interview.  She was also good for chatter around the field.  I will always remember her as the catcher for my infamous one at bat against the Bandits.  She tried to give me advice, for which I am grateful, even though I had no chance.

The Dawgs are in town for a series with the Bandits.  I look forward to seeing Taylor, even if she is wearing the wrong colors.  I'm sure she will get a nice ovation when she is announced.  Taylor was a big part of 2 NPF titles here and she deserves all the love from Bandit Nation.

Welcome back Taylor, even if it is just a visit.  Thank you for all you did here!

Taylor Edwards and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2016.