TUCSON, AZ - The opening pitches are about to be let loose in the new National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) softball league on June 1 around the country. Last month, SWM introduced you to the Sacramento Sunbirds. In this issue, we will focus on the Arizona Heat.

When it comes to picking a location for a professional softball team, Arizona is an obvious choice. The criteria used for city selection was based on facilities, fan base, viability and the franchise owners themselves. Not only does Arizona have a wide range of talent, and numerous softball fans, but also the weather to compliment it. "Women’s professional sports are the new frontier in sports entertainment," says General Manager Jim Tiggas. "I’m thrilled to be in the best softball city in the country, with the best university program, soon to have the best Pro franchise."

The Arizona team is excited to have Stacy Iveson as the manager. A local girl, Iveson began coaching at Salpoint Catholic High School in 1990, and took the state championship in 1993. In 1994, Iveson went on to her alma mater, the University of Arizona. With over 14 years of experience, Iveson is excited about this new opportunity. "It’s an honor and a privilege to be a part of women’s sports history, now the thousands of young girls in our community have a dream, to be a professional athlete," says Iveson.

What makes this league unique from women’s professional softball in the past is their partnership with Major League Baseball (MLB). MLB has brought legitimacy to the league, particularly with sponsors. The league took the best of women’s professional sports and created the model for the National Pro Fastpitch, by having locally owned franchise owners who are already valued members of their communities. Additionally, they have been careful not to overpay their players. Paying exorbitant salaries has been the downfall for new leagues, both men and women.

After the Olympic hustle and bustle, the NPF still believes they can sell seats. "The Olympic players will add value to the league. You can build an entire franchise around some of the premier players on the Olympic team," says Cindy Jordan, Director of Operations/Marketing.

MLB has also been able to bring National media to the table, like ESPN. The All-Star break will be played in Oklahoma City against the USA team and that will be aired on ESPN.

The Heat will play at Hi Corbett Field, the spring training home for the Colorado Rockies. The Heat is the only franchise in the league that shares its facility with a Major League Baseball team and it is the largest facility in the league. Hi Corbett, located in the middle of Reid Park, has been the host to a number of major and minor league baseball teams since 1937. Teams such as the Cleveland Indians and the Tucson Sidewinders have called Hi Corbett home. Over the years, Hi Corbett has seen a variety of modifications. The recently remodeled field holds 9,500 seats, a new press facility, a modern clubhouse, new administrative offices, upgraded restrooms, concession stands, batting cages, pitching mounds and the new Dugout Sports Store and ticket offices. The team expects 1,700 people per game.
The names that appear on the Heat’s roster have been around the game of softball for many years. They include pitcher Leigh Ann Walker (Tucson, AZ) from University of Nebraska and Erica Beach (Scottsdale, AZ) from Arizona State University. The team’s catcher is Leah Braatz (Costa Mesa, CA) from the University of Arizona. The infielders comprise of third baseman Becky McMurtry (North Platte, NB) Illinois State and Louisiana-Lafayette, Lisha Ribellia (Moses Lake, WA) University of Arizona, Nancy Evans (Glendale, CA) University of Arizona and Tamara Ivie (Riverside, CA) Cal State Northridge. The outfielders are Alison McCutcheon (Glendale, CA) University of Arizona, Becky Turi (Olympia, WA) University of Washington, Jane Teixeira (Tucson, AZ) University of Texas, Jodi Otten (Mesa, AZ) Louisiana State University and Amy Hillenbrand (Tucson, AZ) University of Arizona.

The new recruits have not signed contracts as of press time, but they have been announced. The Heat is looking forward to welcoming Mackenzie Vandergeest (University of Arizona), Claire Sua (UCLA), Cheryl Bolding (Point Loma Nazerene University), Tiffany Maddox (Judson College), Wendy Allen (University of Arizona), Amanda Oleson (University of Washington) and Keira Goerl (UCLA).

Arizona will be traveling to Sacramento for their first scheduled game against the Sunbirds. The first home game is scheduled for June 5 against the New York/New Jersey Juggernauts. For more information on the Arizona Heat, call 520 296-9595 or go to www.tucsonsoftball.com. For more information on the National Pro Fastpitch, visit www.profastpitch.com.