On the Beat With Jill Barrett of the Chicago Bandits 2016

Returning to our coverage of the 2016 Chicago Bandits, today we are feature shortstop Jill Barrett.  The third year player was acquired from the rival Akron Racers in the offseason.

A star at Tulsa, Jill holds many school career records, including hits (322), runs scored (183) and batting average (.399).  She was a 3x All-Conference USA First Team selection before being drafted by the Akron Racers.

Jill put in two excellent seasons for the Racers.  She was one of a handful of opposing players who really caught my eye over the last couple seasons of covering the Bandits.  Obviously the Bandits had their own star shortstop in Tammy Williams.

With Tammy's retirement, the acquisition of Jill was the big move of the offseason.  You don't "replace" Tammy Williams, but Jill was brought in to pick up where Tammy left off and she has done just that.

Jill is on pace for career highs in almost every cateogory   We are still looking for her first home run with the Bandits, but the long ball isn't really part of her game.  I'll take her numbers any day.

I interviewed Jill prior to a recent game.  Jill discussed playing for the rival Racers and also switching sides in that battle.  We also talked about taking over for Tammy, seeing Chicago and other fun topics, including her fandom of David Freese (of the Pittsburgh Pirates).
Jill is one of those players you feared when she was playing against you, but you also enjoyed watching.  Of course, it is much easier to enjoy watching her play now that she is with the Bandits.
You can see Jill and the Bandits play all the way through early August.  Go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info, including scheduling.  You can also check back here for our continual coverage of the 2015 National Fastpitch Champions.