I missed live softball the last two summers, but I squeezed in a lot in September. I even managed to play a little.

Athletes Unlimited just finished its five-weekend season in Rosemont. One of the highlights was last year’s champ, Cat Osterman, tossing a no-hitter. Because Osterman already announced her retirement effective the end of the season, softball fans came from all over to see her farewell tour. The season ended Monday with the crowning of Aleshia Ocasio as season champ. On Tuesday co-founder Jon Patricof announced AU would return to Rosemont for the 2022 season.

Photo courtesy of Jade Hewitt – Athletes Unlimited.

Photo courtesy of Jade Hewitt – Athletes Unlimited.

DePaul Head Coach Tracie Adix-Zins

DePaul Assistant Coach Abby Ramirez

I attended three doubleheaders at Northwestern University, and there is still one more in a couple weeks. Fall Ball is a great way to get a sneak preview of next season’s team, especially the incoming first-year players. It’s also one last chance for softball lovers to get their fix. I did have divided loyalties last Saturday, though, as the Wildcats hosted my DePaul Blue Demons. They split the two games, which worked out well.

Last weekend I played in a pickup game. I was happy when I absolutely crushed a pitch, but, unfortunately, it went foul. I hit the next pitch about 4 feet and somehow managed to beat the throw and get on base. The game ended, but we kept playing, not wanting the day to end.

In a couple weeks the softball season ends when Wisconsin comes to Northwestern for two games. It’ll be great to catch up with Kirsten Verdun and Danielle Zymkowitz, a couple old softball friends who are Wisconsin assistant coaches.

That will be the end of my softball fun this year. Fortunately, it’s only 145 days until the Wildcats season opener.

— John Wroblewski, online writer