2005 National Pro Fastpitch season

2005 NPF Season blue white National Pro Fastpitch softball June 2, 2005 - August 21, 2005 6 ESPN 2005 NPF Draft 2005 NPF Draft Amy HarreSouthern Illinois Chicago Bandits Regular Season Chicago Bandits Regular Season Champions Cowles Cup Akron Racers Chicago Bandits NPF Seasons NPF 2004 2006 The 2005 National Pro Fastpitch season was the second season of professional softball under the name National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) for the only professional women's fastpitch softball league in the United States. From 1997 to 2002, NPF operated under the names Women's Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL). Each year, the playoff teams battle for the Cowles Cup. Teams, cities and stadiums TeamCityStadium Akron Racers Akron, Ohio Firestone Stadium Arizona Heat Tucson, Arizona Hi Corbett FieldArizona Heat Home Field Receives a Make-Over http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3142652 OurSportsCentral.com 5 June 2015 5 April 2005 Chicago Bandits Lisle, Illinois Benedictine University Sports ComplexExpansion Team Picks Up Olympic Players http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=264 ProFastpitch.com 5 June 2015 14 October 2004 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905170932/http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=264 5 September 2015 dead dmy-all New England Riptide Lowell, Massachusetts Martin Softball Fieldhttp://neriptide.com/stadium/ Stadium New England Riptide 19 May 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20050701234328/http://neriptide.com/stadium/ 1 July 2005 New York Juggernaut Hempstead, New York Hofstra University Softball StadiumNY Juggernaut and Texas Thunder Announce New Home Stadiums for 2005 Season http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=286 ProFastpitch.com 5 June 2015 18 May 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905115027/http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=286 5 September 2015 dead dmy-all Texas Thunder League City, Texas Wrigley Field at Big City Dreams Sports ParkWrigley Field new home for Texas Thunder http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3164632 OurSportsCentral.com 5 June 2015 20 May 2005 USA 350 none National Pro Fastpitch Teams National Pro Fastpitch teams USA 41.073056 -81.517778 Red pog.svg Akron left Akron Racers USA 32.221667 -110.926389 Blue pog.svg Arizona right Arizona Heat USA 41.990833 -87.873889 Orange pog.svg Chicago left Chicago Bandits USA 40.704722 -73.617222 Purple pog.svg New York right New York Juggernaut USA 29.499722 -95.089722 Black pog.svg Thunder right Texas Thunder USA 40.601667 -75.477222 Green pog.svg Philadelphia bottom Philadelphia Force USA 42.639444 -71.314722 Yellow pog.svg New England left New England Riptide Milestones and events The expansion Chicago Bandits joined the league for the 2005 season. The New York Juggernaut announced a new owner, John Schmitz of Long Island, NY. The team also introduced 1996 Olympic Gold Medalist Julie Smith as their general manager and head coach.NY/NJ JUGGERNAUT AND NPF ANNOUNCE SECOND SEASON OF LEAGUE PLAY http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=269 ProFastpitch.com 5 June 2015 24 January 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905110808/http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=269 5 September 2015 dead dmy-all The Arizona Heat named Stacy Iveson as their 2005 field manager.Iveson Set to Manage Heat in 2005 http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3150723 OurSportsCentral.com 5 June 2015 21 April 2005 NPF's telecast included ESPN2 broadcasting the NPF All-Star Game and the NPF Championship Game. Comcast Sports Net Chicago showed select Chicago Bandits games and Telecare televised certain Juggernaut games.NPF ANNOUNCES 2005 TV SCHEDULE http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=309 ProFastpitch.com 5 June 2015 8 June 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905103408/http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=309 5 September 2015 dead dmy-all Player acquisition College draft 2005 NPF Draft The 2005 NPF Senior Draft was held February 7, 2005.NPF ANNOUNCES 2005 COLLEGE SENIOR SELECTIONS http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=271 ProFastpitch.com 7 February 2005 3 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905111917/http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=271 5 September 2015 dead dmy-all Amy Harre of Southern Illinois was selected first by the Chicago Bandits.Lou Antoine By Lou Antoine http://www.siusalukis.com/sports/w-softbl/spec-rel/020805aaa.html SISalukis.com 3 June 2015 8 February 2005 Notable transactions Various Olympians joined NPF after winning the gold medal in Softball at the 2004 Summer Olympics: The expansion Bandits' early signings included a number of Olympic gold medalists, among them three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Leah O’Brien-Amico and Jennie Finch. The Juggernaut signed 2004 Olympic gold medalist Natasha Watley.NY/NJ JUGGERNAUT ANNOUNCE SIGNING OF NATASHA WATLEY http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=272 ProFastpitch.com 5 June 2015 16 February 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905104315/http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=272 5 September 2015 dead dmy-all The Arizona Heat signed gold medalist Jessica Mendoza. Mendoza joined other Heat US gold medalists Lovieanne Jung and Tairia Mims-FlowersArizona Heat Sign Their Third Gold Medalist http://www.oursportscentral.com/services/releases/?id=3161297 OurSportsCentral.com 5 June 2015 13 May 2005 The Racers also signed players from the 2004 Olympic team: infielder Crystl Bustos, outfielder Kelly Kretschman, and catcher Jenny Topping.Olympians Bustos, Kretschman and Topping to Play for Racers in 2005 http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=274 Profastpitch.com 5 June 2015 10 March 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905111800/http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=274 5 September 2015 dead dmy-all League standings Source TeamGPWLPct.GB Chicago Bandits 48 41 7.854 - Akron Racers 46 36 10 .783 4 Texas Thunder 47 35 12 .745 5.5 New York Juggernaut 45 31 14 .689 8.5 Arizona Heat 46 30 16 .652 10 New England Riptide 48 25 23 .521 16 The 2005 schedule included a 48-game regular season schedule for each NPF teams. The California Sunbirds played a partial schedule. The Sunbirds hoped to return to NPF full-time, but never did. Games were on the schedule against international teams: Australia, Canada, China, Russia and Venezuela. Potential expansion teams also appeared on the schedule. These were Stratford Brakettes, Phoenix Flames, SoCal Schutt Hurricanes, Peoria Outlaws, Illinois Cougars, St. Louis Saints and the Long Island Angels. Of these candidates, only the Brakettes ever became a full-time NPF member, for only one season in 2006. All games against international teams and expansion candidates counted in the standings for the primary NPF teams.NPF ANNOUNCES 2005 SCHEDULE http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=275 ProFastpitch.com 5 June 2015 23 March 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20101205095007/http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=275 5 December 2010 dead dmy-all NPF Championship right The 2005 NPF Championship Series was held at Benedictine University Sports Complex in Lisle, Illinois August 27 and 28. The top four teams qualified and were seeded based on the final standings. The series matched the teams up in a double-elimination bracket. The series matched the teams up in a single-elimination bracket. NPF Semifinals (Aug. 27) NPF Championship (Aug 28) 30px 160px Chicago Bandits 6 New York Juggernaut 3 Akron Racers 1 Texas Thunder 0 Chicago Bandits 4 Akron Racers 5 2006 NPF Championship Series - Game 1 Game Date Score Location 1 August 27 Chicago Bandits 6, New England Riptide 3Bandits Advance to Championship Game http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=477 ProFastpitch.com 5 June 2015 27 August 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905105207/http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=477 5 September 2015 dead dmy-allLisle, Illinois 2006 NPF Championship Series - Game 2 Game Date Score Location 2 August 27 Akron Racers 1, Texas Thunder 0Bob Hurst Thunder ousted in semifinal http://www.chron.com/sports/article/Thunder-ousted-in-semifinal-1935439.php Houston Chronicle 5 June 2015 28 August 2005Lisle, Illinois 2006 NPF Championship Series - Game 3 Game Date Score Location 3 August 28 Akron Racers 5, Chicago Bandits 4 (8 innings)RACERS WIN 2005 NPF CHAMPIONSHIP http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=479 Profastpitch.com 5 June 2015 30 August 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905112600/http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=479 5 September 2015 dead dmy-allLisle, Illinois Akron Racers win NPF Championship Championship Game Team Top Batter Stats. Akron Racers Oli Keohohou 1-4 RBI 2B Chicago Bandits Selena Collins 1-2 RBI 2B BB Team Pitcher IP H R ER BB SO AB BF Akron Racers Brandee McArthur 1.1 3 4 3 3 0 4 10 Akron Racers Jamie Southern 2.0 1 0 0 2 1 5 10 Akron Racers Radara McHugh (W) 4.2 2 0 0 2 7 16 18 Chicago Bandits Lauren Bay-Regula 4.2 6 3 1 2 5 21 23 Chicago Bandits Jennie Finch (L) 3.1 4 2 1 1 2 15 16 2005 NPF Championship Series MVP PlayerClub NPF All-Star Game The 2005 NPF All-Star Game was held August 28. The East All-Star team included players from New York Juggernaut, the New England Riptide, and the Akron Racers. The West All-Star team included players from Chicago Bandits, the Arizona Heat, and the Texas Thunder. The East won by a score of 2-1, and Iyhia McMichael of Akron Racers was chosen Most Valuable Player.East beats West http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=480 Profastpitch.com 5 June 2015 30 August 2005 https://web.archive.org/web/20150905102625/http://www.profastpitch.com/news/npfnews/index.html?article_id=480 5 September 2015 dead dmy-all 2005 NPF ALL-STAR ROSTER - WEST TEAM2005 NPF ALL-STAR ROSTER - WEST TEAM http://profastpitch.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/STATISTICS%20FOLDER/TEAM%20NPF%20ARCHIVES/05%20West%20ALL%20STAR%20Roster.pdf ProFastpitch.com 5 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043715/http://profastpitch.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/STATISTICS%20FOLDER/TEAM%20NPF%20ARCHIVES/05%20West%20ALL%20STAR%20Roster.pdf 4 March 2016 dead dmy-allPlayerNPF TeamPositionPitchersLauren BayChicago BanditsPLindsay ChouinardChicago BanditsPJennie FinchChicago BanditsPAmanda FreedTexas Thunder P / 1B Christa WilliamsTexas Thunder PCatchersSelena CollinsChicago Bandits CStacey NuvemanArizona HeatCInfieldClare BurnumTexas Thunder3BJaime ClarkChicago BanditsSS / UTVicky GalindoChicago Bandits3BLovieanne JungArizona HeatSS / 2BTairia Mims-FlowersArizona HeatUTOutfieldJessica MendozaArizona HeatOFKim NesloneyTexas ThunderOFAnne SteffanChicago BanditsOF / 2BKristen ZaleskiTexas ThunderOF 2005 NPF ALL-STAR ROSTER - EAST TEAM2005 NPF ALL-STAR ROSTER - EAST TEAM http://profastpitch.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/STATISTICS%20FOLDER/TEAM%20NPF%20ARCHIVES/05%20East%20ALL%20STAR%20Roster.pdf ProFastpitch.com 5 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160304040147/http://profastpitch.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/STATISTICS%20FOLDER/TEAM%20NPF%20ARCHIVES/05%20East%20ALL%20STAR%20Roster.pdf 4 March 2016 deadPlayerNPF TeamPositionPitchersJodie CoxNew York JuggernautP / UTDanielle HendersonNew England RiptideP Peaches JamesNew York JuggernautP / UTBrandee McArthurAkron RacersPJamie SouthernAkron RacersP / UTCatchersAshley CourtneyNew England RiptideC / OFRyan Realmuto New York JuggernautCJenny ToppingAkron RacersCInfieldLyndsey AngusNew England RiptideUTCrystl BustosAkron Racers3BKristin JohnsonAkron RacersSSCarri LetoNew York Juggernaut2BNatasha WatleyNew York JuggernautSSKellie WilkersonNew England Riptide1B /OFSarah AndersonNew England Riptide1BOutfieldIyhlia McMichaelAkron RacersOFTrena PeelNew York JuggernautOFNicole TrimboliAkron Racers1B /OF Annual awards Source:2005 NPF Awards http://profastpitch.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/STATISTICS%20FOLDER/Award%20Archives/2005%20Award%20Winners.pdf profastpitch.com 5 June 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160303211716/http://profastpitch.com.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/STATISTICS%20FOLDER/Award%20Archives/2005%20Award%20Winners.pdf 3 March 2016 dead dmy-all Regular season championsChicago Bandits AwardPlayerTeamPlayer of the Year Award Kristen ZaleskiTexas ThunderCo-Pitchers of the YearJennie FinchChicago BanditsLauren BayChicago BanditsHomerun Derby ChampionStacey NuvemanArizona HeatDefensive Player of the YearLisa IancinNew England RiptideOffensive Player of the YearCrystl BustosAkron RacersCo-Managers of the YearChicago Bandits -- Eugene Lenti and Mickey Dean See also Sports List of professional sports leagues List of professional sports teams in the United States and Canada References External links National Pro Fastpitch Category:2005 in women's softball Category:2005 in American women's sports Category:Softball in the United States