Monday, July 23, 2018

Friendly Encounters: Michelle Gascoigne and Sheri Samson

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Sheri Samson is one of the biggest fans of the Chicago Bandits and has been for years. For Sheri, there are only two seasons in the year: Bandits season and the offseason. If the Bandits are home, she will be found behind home plate. If they are away, she can be found watching them on NPF-TV. If they aren't playing, she is probably bored (unless she is watching videos of old Bandits games).
She is a cancer survivor and a total sweetheart. Her and her husband Richard welcomed me into Bandits Nation and are always there with a friendly smile and good softball talk. I always look forward to seeing them.
Former pitcher Michelle Gascoigne is currently the pitching coach for the Northwestern Wildcats. She is also an occasional guest back at her old stomping grounds in Rosemont. Michelle was on the first Bandits team I covered and I still see her at the Wildcats games. It's always good seeing Michelle.
The picture of Sheri and Michelle represent a lot of Bandits history. Fans like Sheri make the game fun and make Bandit Nation the best fan group in all of sports. Players like Michelle are why we love the team. She was tough, gritty, successful and very fan-friendly.
I have totally enjoyed the wonderful 5 seasons I have spent around the Bandits. Michelle and Sheri have been responsible for many fun moments and I am proud to call them friends.
Michelle Gascoigne and Sheri Samson in Rosemont, IL-June 2018.

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