The 2017 National Pro Fastpitch season was the 14th season of professional softball under the name National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) for the only professional women's 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.
The Dallas Charge announced that they would be relocating to San Marcos, Texas and changing their name to the Texas Charge.
On January 16, 2017, the NPF announced that the ownership of the Pennsylvania Rebellion would be dissolving the team, effective immediately. All Rebellion players under contract were granted free agency.
On February 1, the Village of Rosemont announced it would be assuming ownership of the Bandits from previous owner Bill Sokolis. The transaction included a $50,000 licensing fee paid to the NPF. Rosemont employee Toni Calmeyn will take over as general manager and will hire a new head coach.
Later in February Softball Australia and NPF announced an agreement that will allow at least eight players from the Australia women's national softball team to play for the Bandits. This will increase the NPF's international profile, and allow the Australian players to compete against top-level talent.
On May 2, 2017, NPF announced the addition of an expansion team, Beijing Shougang Eagles. Its roster is to be populated with members of China women's national softball team and selected American players. For 2017, the home half Beijing's schedule will be played in the home venues of the other NPF teams. Beijing is expected to announce a permanent US home location in the future.
At the Pride's first home game at Space Coast Stadium, they announced that legendary pitcher Cat Osterman's jersey number 8 had been retired, commemorating it with a banner on the outfield fence.
On July 26, Brittany Mack-Oakes threw a no-hitter, beating the Eagles 6-1.
Monica Abbott threw the first no-hitter in Scrap Yard Dawgs' history on August 2, striking out 18. It was her fourth professional no-hitter.
NPF held its annual winter meetings in Nashville from January 18âÂÂ20, 2016. The following announcements were released after the meetings:
The 2017 NPF College Draft will be the 14th annual collegiate draft for NPF.
The Dallas Charge hired Scott Smith as their general manager. Smith is the founder of the Texas Bombers, a softball organization with hundreds of players nationwide.
USSSA purchased Space Coast Stadium and announced renovations to make it a center for amateur softball and baseball with 15 fields. The Pride announced it would be their new home stadium, beginning in 2017.
The Pride announced that former player and assistant coach Megan Willis was promoted to assistant general manager.
The 2017 NPF Championship was held at Tiger Park in Baton Rouge, La. on the LSU campus from August 17âÂÂ20. This was the first time this venue has been selected for the NPF Championship.
The Pride and Dawgs both swept their semifinal series 2 games to 0, against the Bandits and Racers, respectively. USSSA was able to beat Monica Abbott in game one of the final series. However, on the second day, Abbott pitched two complete games to clinch the championship for the Dawgs. Abbott was named MVP of the championship.
Source: http://npf.805stats.com/leaderboard.php
The NPF's annual awards and All-NPF Team were announced at its league banquet, held August 16 at the Crowne Plaza in Baton Rouge, LA. Kelly Kretschman won her third consecutive Player of the Year award, hitting a league-record .500. Monica Abbott won her sixth overall Pitcher of the Year award. A new award, Umpire of the Year, was presented for the first time.
The 2017 winners: