Sparks, MD – Maryland-based firm API Sports Management & Marketing has created an entity designed to shape the future of fastpitch softball at the professional level. All-Pro Fastpitch (APF), LLC, officially commenced operations yesterday and already has signed former University of Arizona star Samantha Banister to a management and representation contract.
 
“It is with great pride and excitement that we announce the creation of All-Pro Fastpitch,” said APF/API CEO Scott Lowe. “It is the goal of APF to help solidify professional softball as a viable career opportunity for the great athletes currently playing the game at the highest levels. We hope to accomplish this by doing a better job of exposing those involved in the sport at all levels – as well as those not as familiar with softball – to the tremendous personalities currently playing professionally. That, in turn, should provide more opportunities for these outstanding athletes to make a living doing what they love while having a positive impact on the game as a whole.”

APF has been established to provide elite softball players with avenues to make a comfortable living through continued involvement in their sport. Not only will APF assist players with their contract negotiations, marketing and appearances, but it also will develop camps, clinics, tournaments and other business opportunities for professional fastpitch athletes around the country. APF truly is The Future of Professional Softball. Parent company API has represented 2008 NCAA Player of the Year Angela Tincher for marketing, appearances and business development since February.
 
Banister played for the Akron Racers of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) this year after a standout career at Arizona in which she was a part of two national championship teams while playing multiple infield positions and serving as a designated player. She was chosen by the NPF to represent the league at the Major League Baseball All-Star Game  in St. Louis this past summer. In addition to being named the college player of the year in 2008, Tincher became famous after no-hitting the U.S. Olympic Team, ending its 185-game non-Olympic win streak, that same year. She also led Virginia Tech to its first-ever Women’s College World Series appearance. Tincher plays professionally for Akron of the NFP and in Japan for Leopalace 21.

For more information please contact Scott Lowe, CEO API Sports/APF, at 410.472.3500.