NiJaree Canady holding out from the AUSL
Her agent says she is seeking a “fair and equitable contract.
I think Nijaree has to be careful here. She is no longer at Texas Tech, where generous boosters helped pay her a Million dollars+ for the last two seasons. Several professional softball leagues have failed in the past, but the AUSL has the advantage of being subsidized by the major league baseball. That doesn't mean that they have unlimited funds, however.
Per the linked article, "an average AUSL salary ranges from $40,000 to $45,000, though bonuses can bring that total up to $75,000—a far cry from the seven-figures Canady made in college. Amenities such as housing, transportation, health insurance, and childcare are also provided."
Maybe she just wants a little break from playing softball, but it will be interesting to see how this plays out.
I'm glad the Blaze drafted Karlyn Pickens #1. Maybe they knew something.
19 Replies
N
nkhooch
1mo
mediocrity in this league. NC may be looking at her value from strictly a PR perspective, name recognition. But, no guarantee she will dominate AUSL like she did college. But, we see this in other sports, where players are compensated more in college than they are in the pros.
So, it may be she is not that passionate about playing.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
She will win. I mean they let gambling football players play now....
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
I'm not sure they will win, but I wouldn't have thought a gambling QB would win either...lol
(In response to this post by rberry7676)
V
vt49701
1mo
Being located near Pickens home town was a big part of her being drafted first. That fact along with the obvious talent, kinda makes it no brainer.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
Even though Weaverville, NC is 234 miles from Durham, she's still the "local" kid.
Her high school even named their softball field in her honor.
Link:
Karyln Pickens Field
(In response to this post by vt49701)
1mo
Knoxville is 'just up the road'.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
V
vt49701
1mo
the other night had a sideline reporter interview Pickens parents for a good portion of the inning. They came across as super nice and great ambassadors of the sport. As so many of our Hokie families certainly are.
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
First couple trips to OKC they had “Adventures of Smokey” on her social media taking a stuffed animal along for the ride. Taking pictures with cops, the bus driver, exploring Buc-ee’s, etc. very cute!! Little sad it didn’t happen a couple weeks ago.
(In response to this post by vt49701)
1mo
(In response to this post by VTsportscaster)
1mo
(In response to this post by laphroaig)
1mo
(In response to this post by VTChip)
1mo
to this year's seniors.
Of course, they have certainly been known to change their minds...lol
(In response to this post by laphroaig)
1mo
(In response to this post by VTChip)
N
nkhooch
1mo
innings and gave up 25 ER for a 3.94 ERA. Against great competition but far from dominating.
Oddly, she pitched better in the WCWS - 29.2 innings, 10 ER, 2.36 ERA which is really good. The Super Regional against Florida was terrible for her. 8.2 innings and 10 ER and brought her total post season numbers down.
(In response to this post by TomTurkey)