- Burkhardt was the 15th player selected in April's National Pro Fastpitch draft
- The Fort Wayne native was named first-team All-Big Ten in 2014
- Follow Burkhardt on Twitter: @smashley_4
- Purdue opens a three-game series Friday at Minnesota
Look out John Dennis. You have competition.
Although Dennis officially holds the title of mayor in West Lafayette, Ashley Burkhardt has become a formidable challenger, at least on Purdue University's campus. Say hello to Burkhardt, also known as the mayor.
"It's more of a joking type of thing: 'Oh, the mayor is here going in and chatting up everybody,' " junior pitcher Lilly Fecho said. "It's usually when we see somebody that nobody else knows but her. It's a friendly, fun type of thing."
Don't look for Burkhardt's name on the next primary ballot nor a Batman tattoo on the senior first baseman's calf.
The nickname took hold after head softball coach Kim Schuette and assistant Jason Dorey watched Burkhardt in action, and not just on the softball field.
"We said she eats, sleeps and tweets Purdue," said Schuette, now in her second season. "She goes to all the sporting events, she's tweeting about other athletes. She likes to hang out. She says hi to everybody. There's no special friend for her; she's friends with everyone. It's almost like she's running for mayor when she's walking around campus."
Based on Burkhardt's outgoing personality and engaging smile, Purdue's leader this season in batting average, home runs, RBIs and stolen bases would gain enough supporters to become a political asset.
"It's a big role. I guess I'm OK with it. At first, I was like why — I don't get it? It makes sense since I know a lot of people. I've gotten used to the name," Burkhardt said.
She's always been willing to help and step in at the last minute, regardless of the circumstances.
Shortly after Schuette was hired by Purdue, she returned to Charleston, Illinois, to deliver her second child. During her absence, a recruit stopped by the Boilermaker softball offices. Burkhardt also was in the office.
"I found out that recruit stopped in and ran into Ashley and Ashley took the next three hours of her day to show her around Purdue and didn't know that was a recruit," Schuette recalled.
Burkhardt took the recruit on the tour — Mackey Arena, Mollenkopf and nearly everywhere else on campus. Each time they turned the corner, Burkhardt knew somebody.
"They were like, 'you know everyone,' " Burkhardt said. "I get asked a lot to show around recruits. It's fun. I like to show people my campus. I love it here and I want other people to love it here. That's why I enjoy it so much."
That enjoyment carries over to the softball field where Burkhardt is full of energy, enthusiasm and it's easy to see why she's a team leader.
She participated in nearly every sport growing up, but began playing baseball in her neighborhood. Burkhardt was the only girl.
"I probably never played, but I was on the team," she said.
Softball's appeal was too strong. Once she joined summer travel teams, Burkhardt discovered a passion that hasn't subsided. When Burkhardt made the varsity team as a freshman at Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger High School, her love for the sport grew.
Burkhardt developed into a power hitter, utilizing her long arms and quick bat speed into a strength. Purdue's previous coaching staff, however, preferred to use Burkhardt as a slapper/bunter and played her at second base.
It didn't take Schuette long to change Burkhardt's approach and position to first base.
"No way you are going to slap and bunt," Schuette remembers telling Burkhardt. "She can bunt, she can steal, she can hit the long ball which the fans like. We like for her to swing away."
Burkhardt enjoys swinging away too. The 2014 All-Big Ten first-team selection belted a two-run homer in Wednesday's 2-0 victory over Indiana State, her 10th of the season. Burkhardt tied a program record with two home runs against Coastal Carolina earlier this season. She also snapped a 21-year record with four steals against Western Michigan and currently ranks second in the Big Ten with 27.
"To be honest, I was more relieved to be a power hitter," Burkhardt said. "The previous coach had me do those bunts and slaps. She had me do the slapping when I wasn't doing well hitting. I didn't like doing that. I enjoy hitting the gapers rather than the little slaps to the shortstop. If I'm able to hit it that far, why not do it all the time?"
That's what the Dallas Charge of the National Pro Fastpitch League made Burkhardt the 15th overall selection in April's draft. Once Purdue's season is over, Burkhardt heads to Dallas to begin training.
She'll leave Purdue with a degree in applied exercise and health with a concentration in sports performance. Burkhardt's goal is to one day coach.
What about becoming the mayor of Dallas?
"I don't think so. I can try my best. If it happens, it happens," Burkhardt said.
Don't be surprised if it does.
By the numbers
Purdue first baseman Ashley Burkhardt in 2015
.400
Batting average
60
Hits
41
Runs scored
10
Home runs
46
RBIs
27
Stolen bases
