2016 National Pro Fastpitch season
| 2016 NPF Season | |
|---|---|
| League | National Pro Fastpitch |
| Sport | softball |
| Duration | May 31, 2016 – August 14, 2016 |
| Number of teams | 6 |
| TV partner(s) | CBS Sports Network |
| 2016 NPF Draft | |
| Top draft pick |
Lexie Elkins C Louisiana–Lafayette |
| Picked by | Pennsylvania Rebellion |
| Regular Season | |
| NPF Cup (Best record) |
USSSA Florida Pride |
| Runners-up | Scrap Yard Dawgs |
| Player of the Year | Kelly Kretschman |
| Pitcher of the Year | Monica Abbott |
| Cowles Cup | |
| Champions | Chicago Bandits |
| Runners-up | USSSA Pride |
| Finals MVP | Brittany Cervantes Chicago Bandits |
The 2016 National Pro Fastpitch season is the 13th season of professional softball under the name National Pro Fastpitch for the only professional women's softball league in the United States. From 1997 to 2002, NPF operated under the names Women's Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL). Each year, the playoff teams battle for the Cowles Cup.
The Akron Racers celebrated their 15th season in 2016, the most of any NPF team. They have played in all 13 of the NPF's seasons, as well at the WPSL's last two seasons (1999 and 2000).
On October 23, 2015, the NPF announced that the Scrap Yard Dawgs would join the league as an expansion team.
On April 11, NPF announced a renewal of their television agreement with CBS Sports Network for 2016. Broadcasts will include the 2016 NPF College Draft, 23 regular-season games, a Championship Series Preview Special, and most of the Championship Series.
On June 10, the Pride's Chelsea Thomas and Kelsey Nunley pitched a combined no-hitter against the Dawgs at the Scrap Yard's first-ever home game.
On August 11, Lauren Haeger pitched a no-hitter, beating the Chicago Bandits 5-0. The only Bandit to reach base did so via a Charge fielding error.
Rawlings announced it would begin awarding a fastpitch softball gold glove to an NPF player, selected by a vote of league coaches and managers. The Racers' A.J. Andrews was selected for this award.
Kelly Kretschman became the first NPF player to win the triple crown when she ended the season leading in batting average, home runs, and RBI.
On June 12, in response to online threats made against players, NPF cancelled the mandatory 45-minute autograph session after each game. The following Tuesday, the league reinstated the sessions, but limited the attendees to children.
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