The 2011 NPF Season: Watch professional softball online this summer

We’re finding ourselves spending a lot more time around the computer screen this summer, thanks to National Pro Fastpitch’s online broadcasts.

The NPF is providing streaming video and live stats for all of its games this season. You can take a look at their broadcast schedule here. (Note: All times are local.)

You can also download the league schedule in PDF form here:

For those unfamiliar with the NPF, it’s a four-team softball league that features some of the legends of American softball. Players like Monica Abbott, Cat Osterman, Natasha Watley, Jessica Mendoza, Lauren Lappin and Caitlin Lowe are all on NPF rosters.

It’s a league built around a fan-friendly atmosphere, and one of its major goals is to get youngsters interested in softball. It’s not uncommon to see players stick around, sign autographs and chat with fans after games.

There are franchises in Akron, Chicago, Nashville and Kissimmee, Fla. The league also plays games in other areas of the country and has a series planned for Canada this season.

If you’re nearby and would like to check out a game in person, you can purchase tickets here.

Related: Here’s more on the history of the league, which has been around since 1976.

Softball tips: Jessica Mendoza’s tips for mental preparation

Here’s an interesting 10-minute interview with Team USA’s Jessica Mendoza.

After explaining how she got started in softball, Mendoza shares how she mentally prepares herself for at-bats and in-game situations. She also offers insight on offseason conditioning, making it in college softball and getting organized to reach your goals.

Related: Get your swing on with a Louisville 2010 TPS Mendoza -11 Fastpitch Softball Bat.

Softball tips: Baserunning with Jessica Mendoza

Olympic gold-medalist and Team USA star Jessica Mendoza explains some of the fundamentals of baserunning in softball.

Her topics include running through first base, how to round bases, running form and taking a lead off the base.

Related: Browse our selection of softball cleats and training shoes.

Thursday trivia: Pitch lands in the umpire’s ball bag… What’s the call?

It’s Thursday, and that means its time for our weekly softball rulebook trivia question.

Here’s how it works: We give you a hypothetical softball scenario. You tell us what call the umpire should make or if the umpire shouldn’t make a call.

Without further ado, here’s this week’s question.

With one out and a runner on second, the batter swings for strike three on a low pitch. The pitch tips off the catcher’s glove and lands in the umpire’s ball bag.

What’s the call?

If you know the answer, post it here, give us a Tweet or find us on Facebook.

While you think it over, here’s the video of USA Softball star Jessica Mendoza explaining how to hit outside pitches.

Related: Browse our selection of discount softball equipment in the discount dugout.