Monday, November 19, 2018

Friendly Encounters: Natalie Hernandez and Kenzie Parker

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

Kenzie Parker is a young softball player and a huge fan of the Chicago Bandits. Her family lives in Michigan, but has made a few trips to Chicago for games.
Last season, I asked Kenzie if she wanted to be part of my interviews with the Bandits. Even though she couldn't be here in person, Kenzie gave me questions fo some of the players. It was always fun to get a different perspective on the questions and I know the players liked it, too.
Kenzie's favorite player is Natalie Hernandez. Natalie also happens to be the only remaining Bandit from my first year of covering the team. Kenzie and Nat have a special bond. Natalie always tries to make extra time for Kenzie when she is at a game. It's part of Natalie's nature. She is a great ambassador for the league.
The NPF is full of elite athletes who play for the love of the game, the fans and the growth of the sport. Players like Natalie are the main reason why I love covering the Bandits and the NPF. I see what Natalie means to Kenzie and so many other young fans and it is heartwarming.
You can check out all of my interviews with the Bandits over the last 5 seasons at the Johngy's Beat Chicago Bandits YouTube playlist. Kenzie's contributions can be found in many of the interviews from 2017 and 2018.
Natalie Hernandez and Kenzie Parker in Rosemont, IL-June 2018.

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