The National Pro Fastpitch League (NPF) takes place from when players report for practice in mid-May and goes through the Championship Series at the end of August. When looking at the season as a whole, it’s roughly three months of actual games, and it sure goes by fast. So what do the players of the NPF do the other eight and a half to nine months out of the year? The “Where are They Now?” column covered by Fastpitch News will focus on several NPF Players a month, providing fans with updates and insights on what their favorite current and former Pro Athletes are up to in the lengthy and quiet off-season months.
First up: Sarah Pauly, Pitcher, Akron Racers.
Photo by: Don Martukovich
Sarah Pauly, an NPF Veteran, is a current member of the Akron, Racers. Pauly is a seven-time All-NPF team recipient and has over 100 career wins since she joined the league in 2005. Pauly spent her college years pitching for Texas A&M- Corpus Christi, where she was three-time Big South Pitcher of the Year and received All-American honors.
Sarah Pauly spends most of her off-season months playing overseas in the highly competitive Japanese League as well as a few months in the states where she dedicates much of her time to private lesson instruction.
Japan League Questions:
What team do you play for in Japan?
I play for TODA MEDICS, we are owned by a few Hospitals.
How many years have you played in Japan?
This is my second opportunity to play in Japan. So the first time was for HONDA and I was only here for a full season (six months). And this time while playing with TODA I have been here for a combination of (nine months).
Can you describe the structure of the Japanese league for those not familiar with it? (How many teams, how many American’s on each team, how many games played, what months you are there, etc.)
The league is separated into two halves. The first half is from March 1st until the first weekend in June. The second half starts back up Sept. 1st until the first weekend in November. We have 12 teams in the league and each team plays each other twice. Usually once in the first half and once in the second. Out of
Pauly plays on team TODA MEDICS alongside fellow American and NFP Chicago Bandits player, Brittany Cervantes
the 12 teams, seven of them have foreigners playing for them. Each team is allowed to carry two foreigners, however, they don’t all do it mainly because they don’t feel the need for them to win, but half do.
How soon after the 2016 NPF season concluded did you head back to Japan?
They want us back as quickly as possible. Veterans can ask for a longer break, but that all depends on how soon our season starts.
How long is the season you are currently playing in?
The season I am currently playing in is considered the second half and it lasts from Sept 1 – Nov. 8th. This year they have extended this half and have allowed for more practice/practice games in-between our regular league games. We play league one weekend and then don’t play again until two weeks later.
When will you head back to the U.S.? How long until you report back to Japan?
Most players head straight back, but for me personally, I will not go back until two to three weeks after our last game. I want to sight see in japan (the places we didn’t see). I will head back to Japan for the next year come
NPF Pitchers Sarah Pauly (right) and Morgan Melloh (left) strike a pose in their Japan gear
March 1st. So we technically have three and a half months at home in America before returning to Japan.
Talk about the difference in practice structures in Japan and the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) League.
Practice in the NPF is usually based on the saying “Get in, get what you need, and get out” since we are Professionals we know what we need to do to be prepared for the season or a series. Our NPF practices last up to three hours MAX.
In Japan, on the other hand, they are NOT considered Professional athletes. They are considered semi-Pro. With that being said some of the players on the teams are straight out of High School. So the mentality of an NPF practice just wouldn’t work, because they don’t know what to do or how to do it. A lot of our practices are very basic – basic fundamentals, something you would see from a college teams practice. We do the same basic drills every single day so that it becomes a habit for them.
What is your favorite thing about playing in the Japanese league?
My favorite thing about playing in Japan is we get to see a new place every weekend. We actually travel more than people think and it’s fun to be able to see so much while still playing ball.
Offseason questions:
When you return home from Japan, for the short time period, where do you live?
When I return home I live in Texas. That is not where I am from but that is where home is.
How many months out of the year do you get to spend at home?
I get to spend about three and a half months at home. The other time I am either in Japan or playing in the NPF.
Pauly spends a majority of her time home in the states giving pitching lessons as well as clinics.
Are you involved in any part time work during the limited time you are home?
Yes, when I am home I am giving private pitching lessons during the week and travel on the weekends to do clinics. I have a huge client base in my area and they are all eager for my return.
The lifestyle you live is very different than other players in the NPF. Talk about some of the difficulties and challenges you face living in three different locations throughout the year.
Since this is something I am so used to doing, it is part of my routine but I can tell you that living out of a suitcase for about half the year isn’t something I enjoy.
Does playing in Japan give the 12 NPF players (currently playing there) an advantage over others who don’t see any live action in the off-season?
During the first half of our season and then coming into the NPF I think we are more prepared in the sense that we have already been throwing to live batters, but the number one thing that affected me this season was the time change. I think I jumped into games way to early – if I had waited at least a week I would have felt much better about my performances on the mound. However, after NPF season is over and we go back to Japan, I am usually peaking as a pitcher so for me second half is that much easier.
Are there any disadvantages playing over in Japan?
The only disadvantage is the long hours of practice, however, if you go in with YOUR OWN PLAN then it is not as bad as what it seems. Our daily practice times last anywhere from four to six hours. When we have ALL DAY practice we go from 8am until 5pm. Our team is very reasonable and they work well with us so if we want to skip an all day practice to lift and rest, they will approve it at times.
Pauly at Kegon Falls, Nikko, Japan
How many days do you spend pitching in the NPF off-season? (games and practice)
Is there an off season? In the NPF I throw either every two or three games and when I am not throwing live in the game, I usually give myself one off day and then I am throwing a bullpen or spins to my catcher. Rest is always nice when you have it, but too much rest in this career in the middle of a season is not ideal for success.
Anything else you would like to add?
Playing in Japan is a once in a lifetime opportunity so if you have the chance I wouldn’t turn it down. It has opened my eyes to a new perspective in not only softball but in life itself.
