Where in the Burbs is Big South -- Sept 8

I hope everyone in Bandits Nation had yourselves a great Labor Day weekend.

September 5th found me in Beecher Illinois checking out the Beecher Bobcats girls softball double header. It was a lot of fun talking with players and coaches from the Bobcats and Crete Crush and getting them excited for next season.

Bandits Nation grew with the players, coaches and parents from the Priairie Central Hawks. These girls are from Fairbury Illinois and will bring the excitement and noise when they come up in 2010 to see us play. I also saw the Illinois Outlaws 14u team and talked with their coaches and some of their players. We had some good conversations about softball and look forward to having the Outlaws coming out and seeing us.

Sunday found me at the Sportstation in Tinley Park and talking with Jim Garner. We had a very positive conversation and I'm looking forward to putting what we talked about into action. When you stop in Sportstation let them know you found out about them here and welcome them to Bandits Nation.

Special shout and props to Jessica Walters and Lincy Jones from the Starke County All-Stars from Indiana. They came up and watched the Bandits beat the Thunder and I know how much they loved making the trip: so much so that they gave up going to a tournament to come be a part of the Nation for the 1st time!
There are a few tournaments still scheduled this fall and I'm hoping to see everyone again. You can send me an email (chendrickson@chicagobandits.com) or find me on Twitter and say hello.

Where in the Burbs is Big South -- August 31

Hello Bandits Nation!

The past weekend found me at the Chicago-land Speedway in Joliet IL where I volunteered a few hours with the Indy Downforce fan club. I attended the Twitter get together before the race as well as the Downforce pre race party and was able to meet some great people as well as Indy drivers like Sarah Fisher, Tony Kanaan, Scott Dixon and others.

The weekend also was great to talk Bandits softball as I saw players and coaches from the Elite team and learning how their season went. I'm looking forward to talking with all of you soon and getting together for your fundraisers and having the Elite come to see us next summer.

I also met Morgyn Edwards, Avery Edwards, Alyssa Tomas and Elizabeth Dodson from the Lone Tree Crushers team. The Crushers are just southeast of Iowa City and are huge fans of Stacy May and the Bandits. We spent a lot of time talking about the Bandits and bringing the Crushers out for a game. These girls and their parents still have a lot of energy and I hope to see them play next spring.

Keep the updates coming for games, tournaments and events you have going on. I'll try to make as many of them as I can and have some fun meeting and talking with all of you.

- @chrishndrcksn

Where in the Burbs is Big South -- Aug 28

Hi there Bandits fans! If you're like me and others in the office you've already started counting down until the 2010 season and the Bandits working hard to get the Cowles Cup back where it belongs.

Congratulations to Cat Osterman, Amanda Williams, Aaron Moore and the Thunder organization on winning your 1st Championship. I know that when we play again in 2010 the rivalry will go up a notch or 2.

Being with the Bandits isnt just going to softball games and tournaments all the time. If you follow the Indy style racing league I am going to be in Joliet Saturday having some fun and talking about Indy Downforce but Bandits and NPF softball as well. I was fortunate to meet Ed Carpenter who drive the #20 Vision Racing Menards car on August 27th in Crest Hill.

There are several other drivers and teams I am hoping to meet and talk with. I will be at the Indy Downforce trailer from 1pm-3pm so stop by and say hello.

There are travel teams that have already done tryouts and set rosters for next season. If you would like to come up and experience Bandits Nation drop me a line or call the office at 877-7-BANDIT to arrange times we can all meet. As schedules allow I will come to you and your team talking about the Bandits and what we can do together.

Speaking of travel teams, special congratulations to Isabella Ferguson on making the Illinois Outlaws team. And I would be bad by not wishing Laura Harms good luck with her travel team the Team Oak Stars 16u. Laura was one of the original Bandits and retired after 5 years with the Bandits and 6 years in the league on August 16th.

NSA tournaments are coming up in the Kankakee area, who else is hosting tournaments? Let me know and I'll get there to show the softball love!

Congrats to the Rockford Thunder

August 23, 2009 - AKRON, Ohio - The Rockford Thunder captured their first Cowles Cup at Firestone Stadium on Sunday afternoon crowning them the 2009 NPF champions as they defeated the USSSA Pride 2-0 in the final game of the season. Rockford climbed back from a 1-0 deficit and near elimination to win both of their series on the weekend and become champions.

Cat Osterman led the way with her second complete game shut out of the day only allowing the Pride to have one single and a walk on the day. Between the two games on Sunday, Osterman struck out an amazing 26 batters and only gave up four hits. For the tournament, Osterman struck out 50 batters in 31 innings in five starts, pitching 31 of her team's 41 innings.

The only player to get on for the Pride in game three was Oli Keohohou who drew a walk and hit an infield single that bounced off of Osterman's glove in the fifth inning.

The Thunder picked up enough offense for Osterman against tough pitching by Sarah Pauly and Monica Abbott. Leadoff hitter Shanel Scott got Rockford going right away with a hit to left field jsut past a diving Kristin Schnake. Scott would eventually score on a sacrifice bunt by Lyndsey Angus to give Rockford a 1-0 lead. For good measure, Chelsea Spencer added another run when she blasted a towering shot that soared over the center field fence for a solo home run.

The home run would be the last pitch Pauly threw as the Pride turned to Abbott, who shut down Rockford's offense the rest of the way. Abbott gave up a single to the first hitter she faced, but then retired 12 of the next 13 hitters to close out the game. Even though Abbott kept the Pride close, Osterman wouldn't allow the Pride offense an opportunity to get back in the game.

Following the game Osterman was announced as the MVP of the NPF Championship weekend after picking up all of her team's victories. The Thunder ace allowed only gave up an astonishing two runs, one earned, in her five starts of the tournament.

Jamie Schloredt checks in post-Red Stars game

Sunday was my first ever Womens Professional Soccer game. Six other Bandits, myself, a few people from the office, and some friends went to a Chicago Red Stars game for an appearance. At first, I was somewhat skeptical that there were going to be soccer fans that would want our autographs, or anything to do with the Bandits in general.

Turns out, there was a good percentage of the girls there to watch the soccer game, were also softball players!

There were people that not only knew who we were, but had already seen a game this season. Some were even at the Battle of the Sexes game against the Flyers and agreed with us in saying that it was a hit, and that we should do it again the next year. I would love to do another game next year. After signing autographs and handing out some schedules, we headed up to a part of the field that we rarely get to attend, the stands! We sat at the end of the field, behind the goal of the visiting team. It was interesting too, because the visiting team was the Los Angeles Sol, and being from California myself, I was torn on who to cheer for. I ended up being a Red Stars fan. We were even able to witness a Red Stars goal before having to head down towards the field.
We were escorted through a few tunnels before we were down on the grass. It felt like I was on a putting green. I wish our grass was that nice. I feel as though you could have bowled on it with no problem. We waited there for a few minutes before the first half was up, and it was our turn to have the attention of the fans. We walked out to midfield as our team was announced in front of thousands of fans. We had a great response.

When we were announced we all smiled and waved and we all had a close up, up on their jumbo screen. As we walked off the field, I gave them my best Miss America wave and walk impression. As we were leaving we had a few hoops and hollars for the team and when we waved back we would get more. Their screams turned into whistles as we got closer to the end where they had drummers set up for music during the game. Unfortunately we had to leave because we had practice already set up for later that night, and since we were so far away from our field we had to leave early.

Overall it was an amazing experience to be at a WPS game, and to be on their field, and i will definately take advantage of someone's invitation should they ever ask me to a game in the future.

-- Jamie Schloredt

Where in the Burbs is Big South -- August 3

Bandits Nation, now is the time to raise your voices and get ready for the playoffs! We have 2 series left before we go to Akron and defend our Championship.
The Akron Racers are in town August 5-9 and hten we close with Rockford Thunder. If you don't have tickets yet call me or call the Bandits office at 877-7BANDIT so you don't miss out on this opportunity to see the Racers.
I met with coaches, parents and players from the Starke County softball team on August 1st. These players are definitley an exciting group of girls who love their softball and made sure I knew who their favorite player was. I'm looking forward to talking with all of them again, and hopefully bringing you up to see the Bandits that last weekend in August versus the Rockford Thunder.
Other teams I talked with include the Wheaton Bobcats, Herscher All Stars, and teams from St. John Indiana.
A big thanks goes out to Bill Yohnka and Allison Beasley from WKAN for having me on their show last Friday. We had a fun time in the studio talking Bandits and what we have coming up on the schedule. A special thanks also to Lane Walters and the Donovan IL All Stars. Lane is bringing her group up August 9th (Sunday) when we finish our series with the Racers -- also just let me know that even more people are coming out. Very cool to have all the Bandits fans coming out to cheer on the Bandits as they come down the home stretch.
To everyone out there, if you have teams playing fall ball, let me know! I have some tournaments this fall I'll be at hopefully with a 2nd Championship to talk about *knock on wood* so I hope to see you there.
If you are interested in bringing a group out to the Bandits, contact me at chendrickson@chicagobandits.com

See you soon and Go Bandits!
@chrishndrcksn

Checking In after Habitat

Stacy May, Nicole Trimboli, Ashley Carlson and Shane Winkler check in following the Habitat for Humanity.

Bandits team up with Habitat

I was just getting ready to head over to the heart of Elgin to take pictures of members of the Chicago Bandits taking time to fix a 19th century house with the help of Habitat for Humanity. That’s when I got a call from Bandits outfielder Nicole Trimboli informing me they could use an extra hand. Before I knew it I was on site with fellow intern Gail, taking a few pictures and then trading in the camera for a tin of paint stripper and a professional paint scraping tool........... read the complete article here.

Where in the Burbs is Big South -- July 30

To all of you who made it out to Schaumburg for the Battle of the Sexes or to Thillens Stadium THANK YOU from all of us! The turnouts at each ballpark were incredible and it shows how much softball means to all of you.

It's going to be nice being home for the last 2 weeks of the season as we host Akron and then Rockford. If you havent got your tickets yet there is still time but time is going fast! When you see me at your travel team tryouts, fall league practices or all star games coming up in the next 3 weeks and want tickets we can get you taken care of.

I'll be back on WKAN radio AM 1320 here in Kankakee this Friday morning with Bill Yohnka. Bill also doubles his duties as he is with the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce and does a great job at Chamber events that I have been at. Tune in and call in and let us know you're listening!

A lot of people ask what I do or what we as the Bandits front office do once the season ends and the players have gone back to their coaching jobs or regular jobs. A really good question to ask: keep reading the blogs because we'll let you know what we have going on and where we'll be. For me there is no off season and where ever there is a game or tournament you might just see me there talking Bandits softball and counting down the days until next year.

Go BANDITS and I hope to see everyone at the ballpark!

~Chris Hendrickson

THANK YOU BANDITS FANS!!

Chicago Bandits fans should have left the ballpark last week with a very good feeling, and not just because of 5 consecutive Bandits wins. The totals are in and the first four Bandits giveback nights have been deemed a success, for the donations and contributions to non-profit organizations from Chicago Bandits fans were numerous.

Wednesday July 15 saw the Bandits host a Walter Payton Toy Drive for the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation as part of the Christmas in July event. Santa made a surprise visit to the ballpark to thank fans for their early Holiday generosity. The 52 new toys that were collected will be distributed to abused, neglected, and underprivileged children throughout Illinois during the 2009 Holiday Season. Bandits fans also raised $26.00 in monetary donations from collection boxes at the ticket booth and concession stand.

Thursday July 16 marked the Chicago Bandits Food Drive event. Many fans brought canned food and non-perishable food items to be donated to the food pantry at Centro de Información in downtown Elgin, while ballpark collection boxes also netted $22.00 in donations for the emergency food pantry.

Friday July 17 the Chicago Bandits hosted honored guest Donald Hooton Jr. of The Taylor Hooton Foundation. The rain tried, but failed to wash out the awareness night which warned against the dangers of steroid drug abuse. The Chicago Bandits will be donating the proceeds from the night’s 50/50 raffle and Chuck-A-Ball contest directly to the Taylor Hooton Foundation.

On Sunday July 18, Judson played host to the first ever Chicago Bandits Blood Drive with the American Red Cross. The response to donate was overwhelming and the Red Cross’s mobile unit was not able to handle the onslaught of donation requests. The Red Cross on-site staff worked long after the game was over and tallied 24 blood donations. A large number of would-be donors were turned away due to the high volume and the Chicago Bandits would like to personally thank all who contributed or attempted to contribute their support. Although the Bandits were able to help, the need for blood donations is still great. Please visit www.givebloodgivelife.org to find out about other drives in the area.

If you missed out on the opportunity to help worthy causes, there will be more philanthropic activities at the next Bandits home stand August 5 thru August 9. The Chicago Bandits are teaming up with the American Cancer Society to raise donations and awareness for skin cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, and Locks for Love. Come out to the ballpark and look to contribute through our collection boxes, buying a Chicago Bandits Play for a Cure T-Shirt, or pledge your support by purchasing a donor recognition nametag ribbon which will be posted on the Chicago Bandits dug out. For tickets call 877-7BANDIT or visit www.chicagobandits.com and click the “Ticket” tab.

Bandits Visited Children's Memorial Hospital earlier in the week

07/14/2009 12:53 PM

Chicago, Ill. – “What game did you just win!?” asked Bandits rookie pitcher Brandice Balschmiter as she pointed towards the camera at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago on Tuesday. “SAFETY BINGO,” shouted the child on the other end of the telephone, joyfully announcing her victory to the kids playing in the bingo room and throughout the pediatric center playing via closed circuit television. Ashley Carlson, Tammy Williams, Eileen Canney, Cheyenne Jenks and Balschmiter all took part in the afternoon bingo session and also headed off to visit kids in the clinic for an afternoon of Chicago Bandits at Children’s Memorial Hospital. ................................ read the rest at http://www.chicagobandits.com/news/index.html?article_id=665

International relations might hamper Bandits, Venezuela series

Elgin, Ill. – An interesting twist of politics between the United States and the Venezuelan governments is on the verge of derailing the Venezuelan National Team from playing the Chicago Bandits in Elgin this week.

The July 15 – 19 series has been a staple of the Bandits schedule since their inception in 2005, with an international series occurring every season in late June or early July. Since April, representatives from the Venezuelan National Team have tried countless times to meet with members of the U.S. Embassy to get the visas required for entry into the United States for the July series.

“We’re very disappointed that this kink has been tossed in our schedule, especially so late in the process,” said Bandits’ President Bill Sokolis. “We’ve been playing [Venezuela] the past five years without a single problem and it’s pretty ridiculous that a women’s softball team is being blocked from coming and playing.”

The Chicago Bandits, not wanting to lose the opportunity to play international competition, tried to assist the Venezuelans by sending formal letters and phone calls in support of the national team.

After hearing the news of the possible kink in the schedule, Bandits coaches and front office members spent the weekend searching for women’s major’s teams to fill in the possible gaps. The Venezuelan series counts as an exhibition series in terms of National Pro Fastpitch standings, but has been an exciting series each season.

Promotions for the upcoming series are still scheduled to go on, regardless of the opponent. Wednesday, July 15 will be the Christmas in July Toy Drive and Dog Days. Thursday will be a canned food drive with all donations going to the Centro de Informacion in Elgin, Ill. Along with fireworks on Friday, the Bandits will be having Taylor Hooten Foundation Night.

Saturday night will be the All American Girls Night, featuring members of the original All American Girls Pro Baseball League. The Bandits will be turning back the clock, and transforming Judson University into a World War II era baseball field for the night.

Sunday will feature Olympic Day where the Bandits will host members of the Chicago 2016 Olympic committee, an Olympic wrestler from Mexico and a U.S. Sitting Volleyball Paralympian.

“Right now we’re calling around and trying to line up some majors teams, just in case,” added Sokolis. “Unfortunately it may come down to that. If we do play majors teams, each day will be double headers starting at 5 p.m. everyone with tickets to the regularly scheduled game will then get two-for-one. We’re also considering allowing the July tickets to be used for free entry to an August home game.”

For more information on the Chicago Bandits contact the front office at 877-722-6348 or visit www.chicagobandits.com.

Where in the Burbs is Big South -- July 13

It seems that after not having internet access for a few days that I have missed out on a lot of things!
First of all, a big Welcome Back Gina Oaks! Gina pitched for the Bandits in 2005,2006 and 2007. She is going to be a huge asset to our pitching staff and comes back after pitching in Austrailia and Japan.
Thanks to Brandon Denison and the Indiana Chaos 10U travel softball team for talking with me. We look forward to having the Chaos coming to see us soon and good luck in the games you have left!
I try to get out to as many tournaments and recreation league games as I can and I appreciate the emails and calls to see if I can come watch your team and league. I not only work for the Bandits but I am in management for a retail store here in the Kankakee area. Many times Bill Sokolis, Andrew Phillips and other Bandits front office people will get an email from me at 1 or 2 in the morning with updates and other things I have going on. When I'm not working in the retail store I'm doing Bandits work either on-line, on the phone or in person. If you let me know early enough about a game or tournament you're playing in I'll do my best to be there and talk with everyone and get you up to see us defend our 2008 World Championship!
LETS GO BANDITS !!!

@cjh1960

Bandits take two from Thunder in double header

ROSCOE, Ill. – The Chicago Bandits looked like a first-place team in Friday’s doubleheader sweep as they knocked off the Thunder by final scores of 8-4 and 5-0 in game one and two.

In game one of the doubleheader the Bandits (19-4) used an 11-hit attack to score eight runs. The Bandits were led by a two-hit, three RBI game from 2008 rookie of the year Rachel Folden. Folden’s three-run home run in the top of the fourth inning provided the insurance Chicago would need to win.

A five-hit first inning gave the Bandits an early 3-0 lead. Rockford (9-10) added a run of its own in the first, but the offense couldn’t put together any more until the fifth inning when they added two more runs. Chelsea Spencer added a solo homerun in the seventh inning to end the scoring in the game at 8-4.

Samantha Sheeley fell to 0-3 on the season with the loss. She allowed all eight Bandits runs in the game in five innings of work. Brandice Balschmiter (2-0) pitched the first six innings for Chicago to record the win.

Chicago also had two-hit games from Stacy May, Nicole Trimboli and rookie Amber Patton in the game one to lead the offense. Amanda Williams led the way for Rockford at the plate with three hits and Jenna Rhodes collected two more.

In game two the Bandits took advantage of Megan Brown’s wildness in the circle. Chicago scored three of its five runs courtesy of walks or hit batters by Brown.

Brown, who was making just her second start of the season, allowed five runs in 4 2/3 innings of work. She gave up six hits, walked four and hit two more during her time in the circle. Brown was relieved by Cassidy Scoggins who has now worked in all four games of the series and has been very effective out of the bullpen. So far in the series, Scoggins has allowed just one run in 9 1/3 innings of work in the inning.

The big inning of game two for Chicago was the fifth when they plated four of their five runs with the big hit being a two-run double by Trimboli. Trimboli and Folden each had two more hits in game two for the Bandits.

Rockford managed just four singles, two by Spencer, in the game off of Bandits starter Kristina Thorson. Thorson went the distance for Chicago to raise her season record to 5-3.

The series finale with Chicago is scheduled for Saturday night at 7:05 p.m. at Thunder Park which is one hour later than originally scheduled. Allison Kime will be in the circle on Saturday night to close out the series for Rockford, and recently resigned Bandits’ pitcher Gina Oaks may step into the circle for the Bandits.

THORSON GOING INTERNATIONAL, JOINING ITALIAN LEAGUE FOLLOWING 2009 SEASON

Elgin, Ill. – Looking to extend her softball opportunities after the conclusion of the 2009 National Pro Fastpitch season in August, Chicago Bandits pitcher Kristina Thorson has reached a deal to play for the Fiorini Softball Club Forli – an Italian Pro Softball team – in an effort to bolster their pitching staff as the team moves into the playoffs in late August and mid September.

“It’s so much fun to play in Europe and I love playing in Italy,” said Thorson. The upcoming stint with Forli will be her second venture into European softball as she played for the Dorbirn Sharx in 2006.

“Going to Europe, you get to experience the different cultures, the different style of play, new people and they don’t really make any money so they’re truly playing for the love of the game over there. It’s inspiring.”

Thorson has been solid in the circle for the Bandits so far in 2009 with a 5-3 record in eight games started. She has struck out 30 batters on the year with a 2.82 ERA in 207 batters faced, and has earned one save.

“Usually you play a double header one day a week and then practice one day a week,” added Thorson. “So you really get to travel a lot and experience the countries.”

Details of Thorson’s contract were not immediately available, but Bandits’ fans need not worry however, as Thorson will not miss any of the remaining 2009 season and will be back to pitch for the black and orange in 2010.

“I’m just going to pitch for the playoffs, I get to travel, play in a new setting and hopefully learn some Italian,” said Thorson. “And go to Oktoberfest. I will be back next season for the Bandits, this is just a chance to play softball for a little longer this season.”

For more information about Kristina Thorson or the Chicago Bandits visit www.chicagobandits.com or call 877-722-6348.

#07/10/2009#

That Tournament Guy

If you have been to a travel tournament in the Northern Illinois area over the past few weekends then you probably have seen me. Yes I am that guy harassing you to take a Chicago Bandits schedule and asking you everything you know about the team.

It’s nothing personal I just think everyone should know about the Bandits. With our next home series fast approaching and our 16-4 record my opinion is why not watch the one team in the Chicagoland who is a favorite to win another Championship.

Back to back championships haven’t occurred in the Chicagoland area since the Bulls in the 1990s, now that’s awhile, and the Bandits could end that drought this year.

The Bandits have been dominant so far and are looking continue the winning way for the rest of the season. Now back to the part of me bothering you to go to our games, this weekend for the lucky teams playing in Northbrook, Burr Ridge, Woodstock, and Cary you will see me or someone else on the Bandits staff at your tournament. Be sure to come up to one of us and say hi.

Actually, I really enjoy it when people talk to me and ask me questions about the Bandits and games we have upcoming this season. Honestly, the question I get the most is, are you still playing at IBC? Well the answer to that is no, but Judson really isn’t bad to get to its right off I-90 and Route 31.

For those of you in Naperville and Lisle, it could be worse trust me. Also, we have a few games this season away from Judson, like the Battle of the Sexes game at Alexian Field in Schaumberg, and the Thriller at Thillens Stadium in downtown Chicago. Anyways, if you are a travel player or a house league all-star look for one of us at your tournaments and tell us what you know about the Bandits. No question is a bad question so ask away and hopefully we’ll see you at the ballpark.

- Preston "That Tournament Guy"

::: Breaking News ::: Bandits ink Gina Oaks

Familiar face steps back into the circle for the Chicago Bandits

Bandits ink pitcher Gina Oaks for remainder of 2009 season

Elgin, Ill – You might be able to recognize the newest addition to the Bandits roster because she has already spent ample time sporting a Chicago uniform in the past. The Chicago Bandits have inked former Bandits’ pitcher Gina Oaks to a contract for the remainder of the 2009 season – giving an already potent team more depth in the pitcher’s circle.

Oaks spent 2008 pitching in Japan as part of their professional softball league.

Oaks was a solid contender with the Bandits for three seasons (’05, ’06 and ’07) as she donned the orange and black. She played her first season in the National Professional Fastpitch league (NPF) as a member of the New York/New Jersey Juggernauts in 2005.

Versatility is the name of her game as Oaks made her presence known in both the pitching circle and the batter’s box, garnering 2004 and 2005 NPF All-Star honors.

In 2004, she sustained a 1.39 ERA in 131.2 innings pitched and 116 strikeouts with a 12-8 record. On the other end of the spectrum, Oaks earned a .190 batting average with 16 runs, 29 hits, 10 RBI, five doubles, one triple and one homerun.

Oaks made the transition to Chicago in 2005 and bolstered the best pitching rotation of the NPF behind Lauren Bay and Jennie Finch. Oaks held her own pitching a 2.44 ERA in 17.2 innings with 12 strikeouts. With the stick, she maintained a .187 average with 12 runs, 17 hits, 11 RBIs, six doubles and 11 walks.

The right handed hurler saw an increase in playing time for the 2006 season due to the departure of Lauren Bay and prior Team USA commitments of Jennie Finch.

Oaks’ record was 9-4 with a 1.82 ERA in 77 innings. She proved she could go the distance pitching five complete games, second only to Bandits’ pitcher Amy Harre’s seven. Oaks’ batted .194 with seven runs, 12 hits, five RBIs, two doubles and 10 walks.

The 2007 season marked Oaks’ best year in the batter’s box as she earned a .203 batting average with six runs, 13 hits, five RBIs, two doubles and ten walks. Oaks pitched her way to a 4-5 record with 36 strikeouts in 55 innings.

If you would like to learn more about the Bandits players or ticket options then please visit www.chicagobandits.com or call 877-722-6348.

Bandits take aim at service, fun

Sometimes, it’s not just about the game of softball. That will definitely be the case during the next homestead, as the Bandits focus on service at the ballpark. The Bandits front office has been hard at work planning community service events which will be held at upcoming home games. In most cases, if you participate in the service event you will receive a ticket discount or free stuff.

We are so excited about the support we received for our Breast Cancer Research Charity Exhibition Game on July 5, we know we can count on Bandits fans to make our next service days a success!

July 15^th we will host a toy drive for the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation. The legendary Chicago Bears running back established the Foundation with his wife Connie to help abused, neglected, and underprivileged children in the state of Illinois. The toys collected at the July 15 game will be distributed to children during the 2009 Holiday Season. Fans who bring a new toy to donate to the Walter Payton Toy Drive will receive one free outfield admission with the purchase of one outfield admission (Buy One, Get One) at the gate. Toys must be new, unwrapped, and in their original packaging. Visit the Walter and Connie Payton Foundation for more information.

July 16^th will feature a can food drive. Every year, 10 percent of the population of Illinois goes hungry. The Bandits will attempt to lower that statistic locally as food collected will be donated to the emergency food pantry at Elgin’s Centro de Información. We will gladly be accepting all types of canned food, but Centro de Información is especially in need of Hispanic diet staples like uncooked white rice, canned or dried red and pinto beans, and Goya products. All fans who bring a donation for the food drive will receive 20 percent off an outfield ticket at the gate. A food donation wish list and more information on their services is available at the Centro de Información’s website.

July 19^th the Bandits will team up with the American Red Cross to host a blood drive. The Red Cross donation trailer will be set up in the parking lot beginning at 1:00pm. The first 25 people who donate will receive a Dairy Queen ice cream cup, while all donors will get a coupon for $1.00 a Blizzard redeemably at the ballpark. Fastpitch Forever Magazine also is giving donors a free copy of their latest issue. Donate blood early and stay for the 3:05pm game. To register online and reserve a time, visit www.givebloodgivelife.org and click on the “Donate Blood Now” tab. Enter the Elgin zip code 60120 for information on the Chicago Bandits Blood Drive.

The July home series will not just focus on service, but fun as well. July 15^th is also Dog Day so bring your pooch out to the park for treat giveaways and doggie bag raffles. July 17^th will feature our post-game fireworks show, while also raising awareness for the steroid abuse awareness group, the Taylor Hooten Foundation. July 18^th will be a blast from the past as we throw it back to the 1940s and 1950s with women from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, World War II memorabilia and veterans, and some swing time music. The series will wrap up with Olympic Day July 19^th with appearances by Chicago 2016, 2008 Olympian Larry Langowski, and 2008 Paralympian Curtis Lease.

The best part of promotions is not the planning, but rather seeing the fans having a good time and enjoying being at the ballpark. Please help us giveback by participating in our community service promotions and stay for our fun themed events!

See you there! – Brooke Buzard, Promotions and Marketing Intern

P.S. Look out for our next community service events during the August 5-9 home series vs. the Akron Racers, as we raise money for the American Cancer Society.

If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out with the crowd. Buy me some peanuts and…loaded nachos?! When it comes to food, there has been a buzz around the Bandits Stadium about a twist on a classic ballpark favorite.

By adding meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and a few other toppings, our loaded nachos have become our top selling item. But, that is not the only thing that’s hot in world of concessions these days. I’m often asked, “Is it hot in the concession stand?” And, well, let me answer with a resounding YES! With only four power outlets in the concession stand it IS very warm, and there’s no room for a fan – and NO, the building is not air conditioned either.

However, you will hear no complaints from this Bandits intern about such conditions. Like the old saying goes, “If you can’t take the heat, stay out of the kitchen.”

Customer service is a huge aspect of any sports organization and concessions is one area where an emphasis on customer service must be placed. People pay good money to come to sporting events and they do not want to wait in long lines to be served. Doing so causes them to miss the reason they came in the first place – to watch the game. Proper preparation must be done in order to effectively serve our fans. Failure to do so could result in a bad experience for a fan, which may result in that fan deciding not to return to our games! We need fans in the stands, and providing fans with a positive experience helps to ensure return visits. It also helps to have them leaving with a happy stomach!

-Jon “Lord of the Loaded Nachos” Higdon (inspired by Sara Russell)

Chicago Bandits announce All-American Girls night for July 18

CHICAGO BANDITS ANNOUNCE ALL AMERICAN GIRLS NIGHT FOR JULY 18 GAME

ELGIN, ILL- The Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch have announced that 4 former players of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League will attend All American Girls Night on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at the 7:05 pm game against the Venezuelan National Team at Judson University, in Elgin.

The women who played in the AAGPBL from 1943-1954 will be honored with a pregame ceremony. On this special night, the ballpark will be transformed to resemble the historic Wrigley Field of the AAGPBL time period. The Chicago Bandits be will offering discounts on classic ballpark food (popcorn & peanuts) and music from the 1940s and 1950s, including the sounds of Frank Sinatra, Etta James, Chuck Barry and Elvis Presley.

A replica 1948 Chicago Colleens uniform will be raffled off during the game, and a representative from the AAGPBL will be in attendance with a display of league memorabilia and a life-size cut out of a Chicago Colleen to allow children to pose as a Chicago Colleen player for the night.

The first 150 fans in attendance will receive a pack of Wrigley Gum, with an explanation of the significance the Wrigley family had on the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. American flags will also be provided to wave during the game.

For more information about the Chicago Bandits and ticket options, visit www.chicagobandits.com or call 877-722-6348.

About the All American Girls Professional Baseball League

Phillip K. Wrigley, heir to the Wrigley Chewing Gum Co. and the Chicago Cubs baseball team, formed the All American Girls Professional Baseball League in 1943. He came up with a plan to keep attendance high at ballparks while many big name professional baseball players were sent overseas during World War II. Centered in the Midwest, women from all over the country were drafted to all-female professional baseball teams and kept America’s Favorite Pastime alive while the men were at war. The league was illustrated in 1992’s “A League of Their Own” starring Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Madonna and Rosie O’Donnell. The All American Girls Professional Baseball League paved the way for many women’s professional sports leagues including the National Pro Fastpitch.

For more info contact Laura at chicagobanditspromos@gmail.com