Aliyah Binford and Ashton Lansdell have spent plenty of time at the ballpark this summer–whether they’re competing or cheering each other on.
Binford, a right-handed pitcher for the Texas Volts, and Lansdell, a professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Queens and Banana Ball’s Party Animals, have spent the past year balancing their own careers while supporting each other along the way.
The couple celebrated one year together in August and, whenever their schedules allow, can be found in the stands at each other’s games.
Both have had plenty to cheer for.
Binford put together a historic first full season in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League in 2026, making an impact both in the circle and at the plate for the Volts. She tied for the league lead with 17 pitching appearances and set an AUSL single-season record with 16 relief outings, posting a 2.89 ERA across 36.1 innings.
At the plate, Binford hit .268 with five home runs and 11 RBIs. On June 23, she became the first player to hit a home run and earn the win in the circle in the same game. She did it emphatically, going 2-for-3 with two home runs and three RBIs while tossing three scoreless innings in relief.
Lansdell has showcased similar offensive prowess on the baseball diamond.
Before joining the Queens for the inaugural WPBL season, Lansdell spent part of the summer playing Banana Ball with the Party Animals. She also brought extensive international experience to Los Angeles after representing the United States Baseball Women’s National Team at multiple international events.
Once the WPBL season began, Lansdell quickly became an offensive force for the Queens. During the regular season, she appeared in 15 games and hit .477 with 21 hits, four doubles, four home runs, and 14 RBIs with a .841 slugging percentage and 1.441 OPS.
She continued to deliver in the postseason. In the Queens’ first three playoff games, Lansdell batted .600 with six hits, five runs, two doubles, two home runs and seven RBIs as Los Angeles advanced past the New York Heights and into the championship series.
Whether it’s Binford taking the circle and stepping into the batter’s box or Lansdell making an impact on both sides of the baseball diamond, the pair has plenty in common in their respective games.
And when they can trade the field for the stands, each has another professional athlete ready to cheer them on.
Siera Jones is the digital media reporter at Athletes Unlimited. You can follow her on Instagram and X @sieraajones.
