On the Beat With the Chicago Bandits 2018 (Interviews Part 3)

I was back "On the Beat" with the Chicago Bandits for "Stars and Stripes" weekend. As you can see, the Bandits wore special jerseys, which were auctioned to raise money for Salute Inc., anon-profit organization that provides fiancial support for our military men and women. I interviewed Sammy Marshall, Emily Crane and Rachele Fico.

The Bandits are 19-6 in 2nd place, trailing the Pride at 24-1 in 1st place. As expected, the NPF season is shaping up to be a 2 team race. There are a lot of games to be played, but things look good for the Bandits to be playing for the championship on their home field in Rosemont.

The interviews were a mixed bag of fun. This was our 5th interview with veteran Sammy, but we still have plenty of good topics to discuss and superfan (and future Bandit) Kenzie Parker contributed a couple questions as usual.

This was our 2nd interview with Emily. We talked a little softball (University of Missouri and NPF) and a little bit of graphic design.

We got our first interview with NPF veteran Rachele Fico. We talked about her outstanding high school career (26 perfect games), coaching and more.

I hope you enjoy these interviews, learn a bit more about the elite athletes and are entertained. I thank Media Relations Director Jason Lowenthal for facilitating these interviews. I thank Sammy, Emily and Rachele for their time and consideration. I thank Bandit Nation for their continued support. I thank Mark Pandocchi for his video work and Kenzie Parker for her contributions.

On The Beat With Emily Crane of the Chicago Bandits 2017

We are back "On the Beat" with the National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits and we could not be happier.  Today, the Johngy's Beat coverage takes us to newcomer Emily Crane.

Emily had an outstanding career at the University of Missouri.  Among other accomplishments, she was only the third player in program history to be named a First Team All-American.  She ranks in the Top Ten of several categories for Missouri, including batting average (.404), home runs (17), RBI (61), doubles (15), slugging percentage (.801) and runs scored (64).

The Tigers experienced a lot of success during Emily's four seasons, reaching three Super Regional berths in that period.  Other stars included Sami Fagan and Taylor Gadbois.  The trio all were selected in the 2016 NPF draft..  

For the Scrapyard Dawgs, the speedy outfielder hit .224 in 125 at bats, with 3 home runs, 23 runs scored, 10 rbi's and 11 stolen bases.  Also, she only committed one error in 60 chances.

After the 2016 season, Emily was traded with Taylore Fuller to the Bandits for Brittany Cervantes and Taylor Edwards.  Chicago fans were understandably upset over losing the popular Cervantes and Edwards, but we also welcome the new arrivals.

Emily joins a crowded outfield for the Bandits.  Veterans Emily Allard, Brenna Moss and Sammy Marshall are established players and other newcomers will also be pushing for playing time.  I guess you cannot have too much talent.

In our interview, I welcomed Emily and we talked about her transition to pro ball, along with playing against her former teammates and with former opponents.  We also talked a bit about her reaction to Chicago and her sightseeing in the area.

I don't know where Emily will fit in the Bandits lineup, but I am quite sure she will get her share of playing time.  She is a talented, articulate athlete and Bandit Nation will embrace her and love her.  It's going to be fun watching er develop in Chicago.

As always, I thank the Bandits for their hospitality.  I also thank Emily for her time and consideration and I wish her luck in her first season here.

Continue to check back here for our recurring coverage of the reigning back-to-back NPF champion Bandits.  Also, go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info on this great team.