Tuesday, August 14, 2018

On the Beat With Natalie Hernandez of the Chicago Bandits 2018 (With Kenzie Parker)

The Chicago Bandits ended their regular season with a loss to the 1st place USSSA Pride. The outcome didn't really matter since these teams will be back facing each other in the National Pro Fastpitch championship series starting this Thursday (August 16).
We had just interviewed infielder Natalie Hernandez earlier in the weekend, but we landed her again. Actually, superfan (and future Bandit) Kenzie Parker scored this interview.
After contributing questions for many interviews over he last couple seasons, we finally were able to coordinate things to officially get Kenzie "On the Beat" with the Bandits. Of course, we had to get her favorite player!
Kenzie's family traveled from Michigan to attend this game and to do a few of the game day experiences. After they joined the Bandits on the field for as post-game team photo, they jumped in the autograph line to meet the players individually. When that was done, it was time for the interview.
Kenzie handled it like a champ. I can honestly say she did better than I did in my early interviews. She had solid questions and a good rapport with Natalie. Ever the pro, she didn't even let the roar of planes or the rowdy crowd behind her derail her interview.
The Bandits (and other teams) always preach growing the game. It's ben a lot of fun having Kenzie contribute and I am very happy to do my small part in helping to grow the game. It is a great sport and the women athletes are incredible players and people.
Kenzie is you, but I truly believe she will be a Bandit one day. She is dedicated, determined and certainly more mature than I was at her age.
Kenzie has an open offer to do more interviews anytime she is back in town. All I ask is that when she makes the Bandits, I get her first interview!
As always, I thank Director of Media Relations Jason Lowenthal for his help in facilitating this interview and the rest all season. Thanks to the Bandits for their hospitality. Thanks to Natalie for her time again. Thanks to the Parker family for making the effort and for their friendship. A big thanks to Kenzie for all of her contributions over the last two seasons.

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