Thursday, June 8, 2017

On The Beat With Haylie Wagner Of The Chicago Bandits 2017

Being back "On the Beat" with the back-to-back reigning National Pro Fastpitch champion Chicago Bandits is one great feeling.  Today, the Johngy's Beat coverage brings us to newcomer Haylie Wagner.
Haylie had a great career at the University of Michigan.  She started her career by winning the conference’s Pitcher of the Year and Freshman of the Year Awards in 2012.  She finished with a 25-3 record, a 1.75 ERA and a six-to-one strikeout-to-walk ratio in her senior season.  In her career, she was a three-time All-Big Ten Conference player, while earning All-American honors twice.
Somehow, she was not drafted in the NPF.  That was a fact that slipped by me, as I assumed those stats merited a selection.  In the interview below, Haylie was polite about my mistake.
Haylie signed with the Pennsylvania Rebellion, posting a 3-4 record, with a 2.60 ERA and 3 saves in her rookie season.  Last season, she went 3-6, with an ERA of 5.47 and 4 saves in 26 games, 6 of which were starts.
Haylie joined the Bandits as a free agent early in the year.  Especially with her Big 10 background, she is a welcome addition to the pitching staff.
We interviewed Haylie prior to the Season Opener.  She then went out and picked up wins in the first two games.  Again (like with Emily Carosone), I have to question whether there is a connection.  Seriously, obviously, this is all Haylie's doing.  Either way, it is a fantastic start and a sign of great things to come.
We talked to Haylie about her path to Michigan and the differences between the Rebellion and the Bandits.  We also talked about her biggest surprise from college to the NPF and other fun stuff.
I am really excited about Haylie joining the Bandits.  I followed her at Michigan and I know the type of pitcher she can be.  It's going to be fun watching her pitch here!
I want to thank the Chicago Bandits for their continued hospitality.  I also want to thank Haylie for her time and consideration.  I hope everyone checks out the Bandits in action and also on the web at ChicagoBandits.com.  They are a great bunch of women athletes and Haylie will fit in well.

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