Bandits sign pitcher, utility player

The Chicago Bandits have signed pitcher and utility player Jamee Juarez for the 2011 season, general manager Aaron Moore announced Thursday.

“I’m really excited to be a part of the Chicago Bandits,” Juarez said in a statement released by the team. “I can’t wait to see what this season brings not only for myself, but for the entire team.”

Juarez, who had an outstanding collegiate career with the Ohio State Buckeyes, has played for the Akron Racers since 2007. During the 2010 season, Juarez went 7-11 on the season with an ERA of 3.29. In 122 at-bats she has 19 runs and 31 hits with a batting average of .254.

At Ohio State, Juarez was a four-time All-Big Ten performer (2004-07) and was named Ohio State’s team MVP three times. She set OSU career pitching records for wins (76), strikeouts (747), shutouts (27), innings pitched (746.1) and appearances (147). At a hitter, she finished third in RBI.

“Playing in Chicago will definitely be a new atmosphere for me, but I’m looking forward to this fresh start. Getting a chance to play in the Bandits brand new stadium will be amazing, so I can’t wait to get back on the field and start this season.”

Season tickets for the 2011 season at the new stadium in Rosemont are available as low as $4 per game by calling 877-7BANDIT (877-722-6348). For more information about the Bandits, visit chicagobandits.com.