NPF changes Bandits’ home opener

Posted April 08, 2011 12:00 am

Daily Herald Report

Former Olympic pitcher Monica Abbott will open the NPF season for the Chicago Bandits in a televised game against USSSA Pride and star pitcher Cat Osterman. associated press

The Chicago Bandits have called a timeout on the June 9 opener at their new Rosemont stadium and moved it to June 16 to accommodate a cable TV broadcast.

National Pro Fastpitch announced Friday that coverage of the NPF 2011 Opening Weekend will be carried live on ESPN2 at 2 p.m. June 11 and both the Chicago Bandits and the USSSA Florida Pride have changed their schedules to play in that contest. The game will broadcast live from ESPN’s Wide World of Sports at Disney.

The Bandits, who were originally scheduled to open on June 9 at home versus the Pride, will now begin the 2011 season in Florida. Chicago’s home opener will now take place on June 16, also against the Pride, at the team’s new facility in Rosemont.

“We’re thrilled to be able to play on ESPN2 to open the season against a great team like the Pride, and we’re just as excited to officially open our ballpark against them on the 16th of June,” said Bandits general manager Aaron Moore. “We didn’t get the chance to play them at home last season, so this will be a great treat for our fans and this is quickly turning out to be a great rivalry.”

The game will likely feature a pitching duel between former Olympian Monica Abbott of the Bandits against former Olympian Cat Osterman of the Pride. In all, at least 11 former Olympic athletes will square off in the competition.

For additional information on the date change, fans should contact the Bandits office at 877-722-6348.

Cat Osterman, a former Olympian, will open the NPF season against the Chicago Bandits in a televised game on June 11. associated press

United States starter Cat Osterman, left, greets teammate Monica Abbott after beating Japan 7-0 during the Womens Softball World Championship game in Caracas, Friday, July 2, 2010. The United States won the gold medal. associated press

Article Comments

Article Categories
Communities NPF Pro Sports Rosemont Softball Sports Sports Leagues Sports Types

Article Comments

Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.