Fresh off the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Volleyball season in Washington, D.C., AU returned to Rosemont for its second season of softball. Last season’s champion Cat Osterman is joined by 67 other elite softball players in a league based on individual performance within team play.

Kayla Wedl

In the unique scoring system of AU, players earn points for various individual stats and team performances. Teams are redrafted every week, with the top four players acting as captains. Instead of a championship team, there is one individual champion based on these points.

Janie Reed, Kelsey Stewart and Aubrey Munro photo courtesy of Jade Hewitt – Athletes Unlimited.

Last season, in preparation for the Olympics, Osterman came out of retirement and ultimately became the first AU champ. She already announced her planned retirement upon the conclusion of this season. Will she retire as a two-time champ? I wouldn’t bet against Osterman.

Photo courtesy of Jade Hewitt – Athletes Unlimited.

I arrived early for the first game to catch up with other fans. After a year with no live softball, we were all anxious to see our favorite players in action again. By game time, the Ballpark in Rosemont was filled.

Photo courtesy of Jade Hewitt – Athletes Unlimited.

Except for a quick passing shower, it was a perfect afternoon. The Ballpark looked better than ever. It really is unique. Planes fly overhead going in and out of O’Hare Airport. Highways are visible beyond the outfield walls. I never get tired of the scenery.

Rosemont Mayor Bradley Stephens threw out the ceremonial first pitch. A medley of national anthems was played to signal the start of the game. The first game featured a few home runs, ending with a 6–2 win for Team Blue over Team Gold, captained by Victoria Hayward, who recently won a bronze medal with Team Canada in the Olympics. Several other Olympians also played as well as many members of the Chicago Bandits, who previously played in the same ballpark. Team Orange, led by Osterman, took the nightcap 3–2 over Team Purple.

Photo courtesy of Jade Hewitt – Athletes Unlimited.

As I drove home, I was happy and relaxed. It was about two years since my last softball day there. For my next game, I won’t wait nearly that long. I’ll be back tomorrow and Monday. Then, I’ll be back every Saturday through Monday for the rest of the season. I will not miss a minute of action, and I can’t wait for all of it.

Photo courtesy of Jade Hewitt – Athletes Unlimited.

— John Wroblewski, online writer