Athletes Unlimited Softball Starts Today in Rosemont

Fresh off the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Volleyball season in Washington D.C., AU returns to Rosemont for its second season. Last season's first champion Cat Osterman will be joined by 67 other elite softball players in a league based on individual performance within team play.

In the unique scoring system of AU, players earn points for various individual stats and team performances. Teams are redrafted every week, with the top four players acting as captains. Instead of a championship team, there is one individual champion based on these points.

Last season, in preparation for the Olympics, Osterman came out of retirement and ultimately became the first AU champ. She has already announced her planned retirement upon the conclusion of this season. Will she retire as a two-time champ? I wouldn't bet against it.

Every Saturday through Monday, each team will play three games (one game against every other team). Therefore, each day features all four teams playing.

I was very curious how it would work. I even admit I was a bit apprehensive about the system. How would it be attending several games with no team rooting interest? After a couple games, I found myself completely engaged in the game, enjoying the softball play and forgetting about the individual scoring.

I will be "On the Beat" all season. I will bring the recaps, news and other info right here.