The National Pro Fastpitch championship series is in Rosemont starting August 15. As a best of five series, games will be played Thursday through Saturday, with games on Sunday and Monday if needed. While it isn't a lock yet, the Bandits should be in the series.
In addition to the great softball action, there is a huge pre-game tail gate event each day. There will be entertainment, food, fun and even some former Chicago Bandits hanging out.
Last year, I ran into Michelle Gascoigne and Danielle Zymkowitz, two of my favorite former Bandits and two of my favorite college coaches.
A star pitcher at Oklahoma, Gascoigne joined the Bandits in 2013. She was a major part of two Cowles Cup championships during her time in Rosemont. She has been the pitching coach for the Northwestern Wildcats since September 2015.
Infielder Zymkowitz starred at the University of Illinois, before joining the Chicago Bandits in 2011. Z helped the Bandits to three Cowles Cup championships before retiring. She has been an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin for two years.
People always ask me who my favorite Bandits are. That's a really tough questions, but Michelle and Danielle are certainly in that discussion for me. They were true competitors, real ball players. They were great with the fans, too. These two young ladies were elite athletes and class individuals. I still follow them in their coaching endeavors and I see Michelle at every NU game.
I have no inside info if these two will be at any of the championship series games. My best guess is they will be there sometime. I am sure other former Bandits will also be around. It's just one more reason to get out to the games and cheer on your Bandits!
Go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info on the playoffs and the tail gate party. Also check ProFastpitch.com for more info on the league.
Michelle Gascoigne, Danielle Zymkowitz and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2018.
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