National Pro Fastpitch, initially known as the Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL) is a professional softball league for women in the US. Each year, the playoffs compete for the Cowles Cup. Since 1997, the WPSL has captured the attention of fastpitch fans around the world. The League has since showcased unparalleled fastpitch softball played by some of the best female athletes in the world. It officially became known as the National Pro Fastpitch in 2002 after a rebranding strategy. Here are the teams in 2020’s National Pro Fastpitch as announced in 2019:
Chicago Bandits
The Chicago Bandits are a professional women’s softball team situated in Rosemont, Illinois. The team has played as a member of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) since 2005. They won the 2008 NPF championship, beating the Washington Glory in the final game of the series. They won their second NPF championship in 2011, after winning two games to none against the USSSA Pride. The Bandits then won their third NPF championship in 2015 beating the USSSA Pride two games to none. Their home games are played at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex in Rosemont, Illinois. Some of their players include Shelby Turnier, Lacy Waldrop, Kristyn Sandberg, Chelsea Forkin, Emily Carosene, among others.
Cleveland Comets (Akron Racers)
The Akron Racers are based in Akron, Ohio. In 2018, they moved to Cleveland where they were renamed the Cleveland Comets. The team was initiated by Joey Arietta in 1999 to take part in the Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). They currently play as members of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) and are in partnership with the Mexico women’s national softball team. Some of the team’s 2020 pitchers include Shelby McCombs, Randi, Rupp, Taylor McQuillin, Cheyanne Tarango, Merina Gerdes, and Jack Bistritz. Catchers include Emily Clark and Sashel Palacios. Infielders include Chelsea Gonzales, Anissa Urtez, Jade Rhodes, Tori Vidales, and Amanda Sanchez.
Aussie Peppers
The Aussie Peppers are also a professional women’s softball team situated in North Mankato, Minnesota. The team was initiated in 2018 as part of the National Pro Fastpitch league. They have partnered with the Australia women’s national softball team and currently play their games at the Caswell Park Softball Complex. Its current players include Ellen Roberts, Justine Smethurst, Tarni Stepto, Coley Ries, Amelia Cudicio, Monica Perry, and Nicole Newman, as pitchers, among others. Their head coach is Laing Harrow. In April, it was announced that the team would be forced to withdraw from participating in the NPF league since it is mainly made up of Australian players, and international travel had been shut down indefinitely.
California Commotion
California Commotion was set to make its debut to the NPF in the 2020 season. Owned by Damon Zumwalt, an entrepreneur, and UCLA graduate, California Commotion will have Deb Hartwig as its general manager. The team was introduced to the NPF to replace USSSA Pride, which decided to opt-out of the NPF in September 2019. According to Hartwig, the team will not have a home field in 2020. Instead, it will practice throughout the state, a strategy in line with NPF’s new scheduling format for the next season.
Canadian Wild
The Canadian Wild of Southern Illinois is a professional softball team for women based in Marion, Illinois. The team was founded in 2019 as part of the National Pro Fastpitch and is in partnership with the Canada women’s national softball team. Softball Canada owns the team, and their coach is Mark Smith. Their current home pitch is Rent One Park. Some of its players include Karissa Hovinga, Danielle Lawrie, Sara Plourde, Victoria Rumph, Natalie Wideman, Rachel Lack, among others.
