Thursday, June 27, 2024

Unboxing my 2024 Topps AU Pro Softball Cards

Why Does a Straight Man Care About Women's Sport?

    With a younger sister who also played Little League, I spent plenty of time at softball games. It wasn't unusual to spend an entire weekend at the ball field. My town was so small that, we played nearly all of our baseball games on a converted softball field. Yep. No mound, no infield grass, and no fences. We also played soccer so, most of my childhood revolved around sports, and when I wasn't playing myself, I was watching the girls. So, it's never been such a stretch for me to watch, and even enjoy, Women's Sports. 

    It was always just normal to me. They were just more people playing the same games that I loved. I treated my sisters like competitors. There was even a few seasons in my teens, with such a small town league, that many of our soccer practices were scrimmages against the girls team. So, when I stumbled across the NCAA Women's College World Series a few years ago, it was a pleasant surprise. As a lover of obscure sports (in the late 90's, soccer was considered obscure) I always enjoyed finding games on tv. As much as I loved baseball, and with my familiarity with the game, watching softball came easy.

    I remember growing up, dreaming of playing in the Big Leagues. One day, I would get payed to play the games I love, compete against all of the players I idolized, and become a world champion in every possible sport there is. It never really occurred to me that my sisters, who were equally competitive and skilled, couldn't even imagine that possibility. For many girls, college would be the peak and that was just the way it was. So, when I discovered that Athletes Unlimited was looking to revolutionize Women's Sports, I became an instant fan. Well, sort of. 

    I watched the US Women's National Soccer Team go on their epic run in the Olympics and the World Cup and parley that into rebuilding the NWSL, National Women's Soccer League. Part of me is sad that my sister's had already moved on from the games they loved but, knowing that it was now possible for a woman to create a legitimate career playing sports felt like a win. I've been following NCAA softball tournaments and trying to familiarize myself with the subtle differences in the rules, some of the key performers, and various cultures of successful collegiate programs. When I found AUX, though. It didn't sit right with me. 


What Is Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball?

    Sure, I was excited to see that there was an opportunity for them to play but, the format turned me off. My philosophy has always been built around unselfish, team first mentality. The greatest teams and players I had always respected knew how to "take the ball and run" but, they also respected the fact that a great team will always find a way to beat a few great players. The AUX format tends to celebrate individual performances the most, rewarding points to players and ranking them on a leaderboard. Then, they crown a solo champion for the entire tournament. There are team win and inning win points for the entire team but, they also shuffle the rosters a few teams so, that team culture has little to no time to develop.

    It works for what it is. It is a fun exhibition. It is professional softball and it's being played on a high level. The women seem to be having fun and it has been promoted by many respected players. So, when I found out that AU had intentions of building a more traditional league format, I decided to take a look and I was excited to see some of my favorite collegiate players competing once again. I still prefer the college game. Even though there is a turn-over every four years, it has more of that quality of culture and development that can only come from time together. However, I can appreciate what AUX is and will be tuning in for the Championship Season beginning July 26.

Watch the Topps 2024 AU Pro Softball Unboxing on YouTube





    So, partly for myself and partly for my niece, (who is beginning her Little League softball journey in Montana) I happily picked up a box of the 2024 Topps Athletes Unlimited Pro Softball cards. I was lucky enough to pick up one of the rare Quad Autograph cards featuring Odicci Alexander, Danielle Gibson, Alyssa Denham, and Rachel Garcia. There was also a 1/25 Autographed Dejah Mulipola, a couple of 1/75 and 1/50 editions, as well as several cards of players that I would like to get autographs from in the future.



Some of my favorite player cards in this box include:

  • Kathryn Sandercock
  • Megan Faraimo
  • Josie Muffley
  • Aleshia Ocasio
  • Odicci Alexander
  • Delanie Wisz
  • Mariah Mazon
  • Sam Fischer

    I already knew some of these players from the NCAA tournaments, and some I watched for the first time at AUX in Wichita. There's still a few more players in the game that I am hoping to collect. As of today, previous AU collections are unavailable on the Topps website but, maybe the demand for these cards will increase and we can see a reissue in the future. Another reason I am excited about the potential for a traditional team format is that I would like to see the stat table on the back of the card, like we've seen for so many years with baseball cards. It has been years since I was invested in cards but, this box has me looking for a few special cases and looking for professional events near me.

Support Athletes Unlimited Professional Softball, Lacrosse, Basketball and Volleyball at AUSports.com


Pick up your Limited Edition 2024 AU Pro Softball cards at Topps.com


Check out more Sports content from myself at WriterJoshua.com/BallFirst


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Sincerely yours,
Joshua Lucero
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Location: Menifee, CA, USA

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