Chicago Bandits 2019 National Pro Fastpitch Draft

Last Monday, the National Pro Fastpitch 2019 Draft took place in Nashville, TN. my friend and I joined a packed house of Chicago Bandits fans at Kings Dining and Entertainment in Rosemont to watch the draft live streamed on their big screens.

As always, we arrived early and chatted with Bandits Director of Operations Holly Scott and Communications Coordinator Thomas Porter. It was my first real encounter with them and we talked a bit about the team and my future coverage during the season. As fans trickled in, the conversations broke off into many ever-changing groups as we shared our thoughts on the draft and the season.

We eventually settled into seats as appetizers of fried mozzarella and margherita pizza were served. I love cheese sticks and these were awesome. Lightly breaded and served with a buttermilk ranch marinara, these sticks would have been enough to satisfy me all night. Of course, the margherita pizza was too tempting to pass. The pie, topped with large circles of fresh mozzarella screamed to me and I answered. Believe me, that was plenty of food in itself, but there was also a buffet including chicken, pasta and salad.

As the eating died down, current Bandits Courtney Gano and Abby Ramirez and Bandits legend Amber Patton mingled with the fans. I talked to Courtney and Abby about the Northwestern, where they are on the coaching staff. I also talked to Amber about her upcoming Bandits number retirement (on August 10). Bandits mascot Swiper was also meandering through the crowd to the delight of the youngsters (and me). I admit to having a fascination with mascots and Swiper is a good one.

The Bandits selected the following players:

1st Round #1-Kelly Barnhill-University of Florida-pitcher
1st Round #4-Alyssa DiCarlo-University of Georgia-shortstop
2nd Round #9-Caleigh Clifton-University of Oklahoma-infield
3rd Round #14-Abbey Cheek-University of Kentucky-infield
4th Round #19-Katie Reed-University of Kentucky-shortstop
5th Round #24-Savannah Heebner-University of Houston-pitcher/utility

In picking Barnhill first and Heebner later, the Bandits shored up their pitching staff that saw the retirement of Lacey Waldrop and the trade of Shelby Turnier. DiCarlo, Clifton, Cheek and Reed will be in the mix in the infield, which saw the departures of Natalie Hernandez, Megan Blank and Emily Carosone. The aforementioned Ramirez is the lone starter left from last season's infield. Often, rookie players see limited action in their first season, but this rookie crop should see plenty of time on the field.

The Bandits have plenty of talent. The pitching staff is a nice blend of young veterans and rookies. On the field, veteran catcher Kristyn Sandberg will handle a staff of Rachele Fico, Haylie Wagner, Paige Lowary and Danielle O'Toole, along with two-way players Aleshia Ocasio and Ally Carda.

The incoming rookie class joins a veteran group led by 2018 NPF Offensive Player of the Year Brenna Moss (OF). The rest of the offense includes Sandberg, Ramirez (SS), Emily Crane (OF), Gwen Svekis (C), Hannah Flippen (IF), Courtney Gano (IF), Amanda Chidester (IF), Jessie Scroggins (OF), DJ Sanders (IF), Jenna Lilley (3B) and Nadia Taylor (UT).

The Bandits open their season at home against the Cleveland Comets. The season runs into August and is capped off by the NPF championship series starting August 15. The Bandits lost to the USSSA Pride in the championship last season and I predict a repeat matchup this season, but hopefully with a different outcome.

General Manager Toni Calmeyn has done a great job running the organization. In addition to continually improving the team, there has been a considerable amount of time, energy and money put into marketing the team, improving the experience for fans and reaching out to the community. In a city like Chicago with so many entertainment options, this is not an easy task, yet the crowds at the Ballpark in Rosemont prove there is a loyal and growing fanbase.

On the field, the Bandits are coached by Lauren Lappin, a former standout player, who won a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics and went on to play in the NPF. Lappin served as an assistant coach under Stacey Nuveman Deniz on last year's Bandits staff.

This will be my 6th full season of following and covering the Bandits. I am not a member of the organization, nor do I get paid for the interviews and coverage. I do all of this because I love the team, the sport and the athletes. I do this because I love spending my summer nights at the Ballpark in Rosemont.

I do this because 6 years ago I attended my first Bandits game and was hooked. I had no intention of this being a longterm thing. I went to see a game as something different for a one-time story. After seeing the game and the interaction between the team and the fans before, during and after the game, I wanted to be a part of this experience.

I appreciate the Bandits organization for allowing me to do what I do. I thank them for the access. Over the years, I have conducted more than 150 interviews. I think I have interviewed every player over the last 5 seasons and I am happy to report I will be back “On the Beat” this season. Check back here for my coverage all season long and into the championship series!