Bandits sign new head coach
The Chicago Bandits have hired a 22-year veteran of fastpitch softball, Darrick Brown, as the National Pro Fastpitch team's new head coach.
“Darrick brings an outstanding coaching resume to the table with experience in all levels of ball except professional,” said Bandits Owner Bill Sokolis, noting Brown's expertise as a hitting and pitching coach in western Michigan and northern Indiana. “I know he has the tools to start career as an NPF coasucceed as a professional coach.”
Coaching since the age of 19, Brown has quickly become one of the top instructors in the United States. In his 18 years of coaching, he has guided over 30 teams. Currently Brown is the varsity softball head coach at Portage Northern High School in Portage, Mich., and the varsity hockey coach for the Kalamazoo Eagles.
“I'm excited for the opportunity,” Brown said. “I'm looking forward to meeting the players and getting started. Having a new stadium is a great opportunity for Chicago to expand its exposure of National Pro Fastpitch, the sport and to show the city we're serious about the Bandits.”
One of Brown's greatest moments in the softball world came when, at the age of 21, he squared off against Mike Branchaud of King and his Court team. Brown blast the 90 MPH fastball over the centerfield wall, beating the legendary traveling team.
Brown will certainly have a challenge ahead of him as the 2011 season approaches. The retirements of infield cornerstone and 2010 National Pro Fastpitch MVP Stacy May and pitching superstar Jennie Finch.
“You can't replace May and Finch,” said Brown. “They are both great ambassadors for the sport of softball. We will need to find that leadership and passion from returning players and players we decide to bring in to replace them.”
Brown has signed a one year contract with the Bandits. For more information about Darrick Brown, visit www.brownfastpitch.com.
Brown replaces Mickey Dean in the dugout. Dean, who is also the head softball coach at Radford University, decided to step down from coaching the Bandits after six years, the last four of those as the team's sole head coach. Dean will remain with the team as a player consultant.
The Chicago Bandits will open the 2011 season in a new stadium under construction in Rosemont. Season tickets for the 2011 season are now available at www.chicagobandits.com.