Chicago Bandits release 2010 schedule

The Chicago Bandits have announced their schedule for the 2010 National Pro Fastpitch season, as well as two special dates on which they will play in "Battle of the Sexes" games.

The NPF is down to four teams this season with the demise of the Philadelphia Force. Additionally the Rockford Thunder, which won the 2009 league championship, has moved to Tennessee and will play at Alcoa High School in Blount County. Former Thunder general manager Aaron Moore is now the GM of the Bandits.

The Bandits will play a 45-date schedule, but only 19 of those dates are slated for the Bandits' home facility at Judson University in Elgin. This is the Bandits' third season at Judson.

The season opens June 9 when the Bandits, who won the 2008 NPF title, begin a 5-game series against the USSSA Pride in Lubbock, Tex. The Pride is based in Kissimmee, Fla., but the first series is scheduled for Lubbock as the NPF appears to be looking for possible expansion locations.

The Bandits' home series against Akron scheduled for July 20-22 will be played in Omaha, Neb.

The team's home opening series is scheduled for June 20-22 against Akron. Those are the only home dates the Bandits have in June. They play 11 home dates in July and eight in August. The Bandits are scheduled to host the Tennessee Diamonds July 1-4 at Judson. Tennessee expects to have Olympic star pitcher Cat Osterman on its roster.

The NPF championship series is scheduled for Aug. 25-29 in Sulphur, La.

In addition to its NPF schedule, the Bandits have also slated two "Battle of the Sexes" games. They will play the Rockford River Hawks minor league baseball team at Road Ranger Stadium in Rockford on June 17, and they will take on the Joliet Jackhammers of the Northern League on Aug. 9 in Joliet.

Last summer, the Bandits and Schaumburg Flyers drew a record 8,918 fans to Alexian Field for an exhibition game won by the Bandits 4-2.

According to the Bandits' roster on the team Web site, many of last year's players are returning, including pitcher and women's softball icon Jennie Finch.

For more information, or to see the Bandits' complete schedule, log on to www.chicagobandits.com.