Friday, August 14, 2020

Tammy Williams and Missing Chicago Bandits

If I haven't written it enough, I miss softball. One of the players I miss the most is former National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits shortstop Tammy Williams.
A Missouri native, Tammy was a left-handed hitting star shortstop for Northwestern University. A four time All-American, she currently owns the Northwestern Wildcats career records for average, home runs, runs, hits, total bases and slugging. She was selected by the Bandits in the second round of the 2009 NPF draft.
In 2009, with the Bandits, she was named the NPF Rookie of the Year and the Defensive Player of the Year. She played for Team USA in 2010 and returned to the Bandits in 2011. All told, she his .314 in 802 career at bats. She had 28 HRs, 119 RBIs and 145 runs scored. 
When I started covering the Bandits in 2014, Tammy was the first player who caught my eye. Together with 3rd baseman Amber Patton, the Bandits left infield was as strong as could be. Tammy was just a smooth fielder. She was just as much fun off the field. I loved our interviews, the first of which can be found at On the Beat With Tammy Williams.
Last season, the Bandits retired her #2 along with Amber Patton's number #12. It was a fitting honor for both women and I was happy to see them again at the Ballpark in Rosemont.
Tammy retired after the 2015 season. She has since relocated to the Indianapolis area where she has embarked on a business career. I am sure she brings the same energy and focus to her new career as she did to the softball diamond.
I have a bunch of great memories with Tammy. The 2915 championship day at the Bandits office was one of the coolest days ever. Tammy brought her dog Ozzie, named after Ozzie Smith, her idol. Notice, she wore #2, not Ozzie's #1, but she explained that in one of our interviews.
I wish Tammy a lot of success in her future. I thank her for so many awesome memories and for her time, consideration and friendship over the years.
Go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info on the team. Also, check the Chicago Bandits on Facebook for more frequent updates.
Tammy Williams and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2014.

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