OT: Pro Fastpitch Softball

[MelRock]

http://espn.go.com/espnw/sports/arti...expansion-team

"The Houston-area Scrap Yard Dawgs, National Pro Fastpitch's newest expansion team, this week signed Abbott, a free agent, to a six-year contract expected to pay her $1 million. It is the first million-dollar contract in the history of NPF, which begins its 13th season later this month with six teams and plays a 50-game regular season. The contract is believed to be the most lucrative paid by an individual American professional franchise to an active female athlete in team sports."

[31Ragin97]

So much for that alleged salary cap!

[smdcajun06]

And to think one of our own was the first overall pick. Pretty cool if you ask me. Hopefully this league keeps growing. I think elkins is about to blow it up! Geaux Cajuns!

[CajunAmos]

So much for that alleged salary cap!

The salary ($20K per year) is actually pretty small with the team salary structure of $150,000. The major part of this contract is basically an endorsement deal. At this point she's still the best pitcher in the work in women's softball and it's not close. She has unbelievable control and is still throwing in the mid 70's.

The structure of Abbott's contract highlights how much of a departure it is from the norm in American professional softball, which has an on-again, off-again history that dates to 1976 and the International Women's Professional Softball Association that Billie Jean King helped found. Teams in the NPF must squeeze rosters of at least 18 players within a salary cap of $150,000. Few players earn more than $20,000. Most make low-to-mid four figures for the three-month season. To fit that structure, Abbott's deal pays her a base salary of $20,000 for each of the next six seasons, with attendance bonuses making up the rest. It will not be difficult to qualify for the bonuses, which are triggered when attendance for a small number of games reaches 100 fans, regardless of whether the team is at home or away and whether or not Abbott pitches.

[axg8750]

How would a professional softball team do in Lafayette area? I think it would do well. Especially, if there were always a few Cajuns on the team.

[ulXrunner]

How would a professional softball team do in Lafayette area? I think it would do well. Especially, if there were always a few Cajuns on the team.

I had the same question.

[cajun4life]

How would a professional softball team do in Lafayette area? I think it would do well. Especially, if there were always a few Cajuns on the team.

If it didn't conflict with the Cajuns season then it could be decent.

[CajunEXPRESS]

IMO could not exist long. These softball teams have major sponsors from mass markets. Yes, that word again, market.