It’s no secret that I love softball.
In my Favorite Sports Hierarchy, it ranks directly behind college football….although after last season, admittedly, the oblong ball is quickly losing ground to the bright round ball.
Last week, the MLB made a landmark decision that’s been loudly welcomed by fans of softball: a partnership with the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) to create a sustainable professional softball league.
The move is the latest in the MLB’s efforts to promote softball on all levels, for which I’m grateful for.
Professional softball leagues, such as the Association of Fastpitch Professionals (AFP), have been around in some form, fashion or name for decades, but the MLB’s announcement comes at a time that may be not only very welcome, but equally important.
The 2028 Summer Olympics, held in Los Angeles, will welcome the return of softball to competition. The atmosphere should rival or eclipse what we’re seeing this week in the final days of the WCWS, helped along by a devoted and ever-growing fan base that stretches across the nation.
Now take such a fan base, further invigorated following a few seasons of the MLB-backed AUSL already giving us some classics and we’re going to see something special.
The AUSL 2025 season starts on June 7 – just five days away and just on the heels of WCWS Championship Final. Good strategic timing, just like the MLB’s decision the AUSL.
ESPN will be carrying the games and I know I’ll be happily watching.
And just an FYI: This year’s AUSL Postseason will take place July 26-28…at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Play Ball.
– B Hale
