Athletes Unlimited Softball Debuts In Rosemont

A new era in professional softball is about to begin. The Athletes Unlimited Softball league debuts Saturday, August 29 at Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois and runs through September 29.

The AU softball league features 56 players comprising four teams playing 30 games. A unique twist is a scoring system similar to fantasy sports. 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 leaderboard will constantly change and the teams will change weekly. The player with the most points in the end will be crowned the individual champion.

The 56 players will 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.

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. Eric Collins and Danielle Lawrie will be the broadcast team. 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.

All week, on social media, players have been posting pictures of their trip to Rosemont. Their enthusiasm is palpable through their posts. It is also contagious, not that I needed any urging to watch softball.

I am happy and excited to be covering the Athletes Unlimited Softball debut season. I'll be providing regular updates right here.

Opening Day is a little more than a week away and I already have my Saturday planned.get excited about softball. I will order a pizza and settle into my couch to watch as softball returns courtesy of Athletes Unlimited.