Pro softball bringing action to the Kansas City metro this week
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (KCTV) - A new pro sports team will play in the Kansas City metro this week – and be coached by a former Royals All-Star.
Billy Butler and the newly formed KC Diamonds will be a part of a 6-game pro softball showcase at Blue Valley Northwest High School from June 11-13. The Diamonds will host the Florida Vibe and New York Rise, a pair of independent s of the Association of Fastpitch Professionals. Butler says fans will see a great show.
“Superior athletes. There are going to be some really good plays,” Butler said. “It’s going to be high level, exciting play, and competitive games.”
The Diamonds are made up of some of the top Division I talent from across the country, and feature players from the Big 10, Big 12, SEC, and more. Jessica Sherman played D1 softball at UConn and is the current high school coach at St. James Academy. She’s on the Diamonds’ coaching staff – and says the team’s caliber of player is outstanding.
“Just the velocity behind how they throw the ball and the way they hit it,” Sherman said when asked about what stands out about the Diamonds. “The pitchers, I mean you are going to get girls who are throwing 70. Right now, in the Kansas City area, you might not see that unless you are watching TV.”
Event organizers hope this weekend shows KC is a hub for softball talent. A good showing by the city could help bring a pro softball team to the metro.
“They are trying to put a team here, and there are a lot of things in the works on that,” Butler said. “You should come out and it. Show how many people are interested in the game and trying to grow it here and everything like that because they are trying to bring a team here.”
The Diamonds, Vibe, and Rise will all play on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Doubleheaders are scheduled for each day – with game 1 on Wednesday at 4 (followed by a home run derby), while Game 1 on Thursday and Friday will be at 5. The second game will follow the first each day.
Tickets and more information can be found here: PRO Series | Top Gun Events
More information on the Diamonds, their coaching staff, and roster can be found here.
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