Jourdan Skirha and the Bandit Academy

The National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits should be entering the last third of their season, but unfortunately 2020 has been derailed. There is still a lot of great stuff happening at the Ballpark in Rosemont though.
The Bandit Academy is open and there to help young softball players. The main group of instructors include Holly Scott, Abby Ramirez and Jourdan Skirha, but they are occasionally joined by others, including Bandits.
Jourdan is pulling double duty, as she is also the assistant GM for the Bandits. At a young age, she already is compiling an impressive resume.
A grad of Oak Forest High School, Jourdan was a member of the 2009 IHSA 3A State Championship team. Jourdan earned all-conference honors as a sophomore, junior, and senior and was named 2nd Team All-State in 2011 and 2012. She went on to Drexel University, where she played third base, second base, shortstop and outfield. In 2017, She was nominated for Drexel University’s Best Athletic Play for her pinch-hit, walk-off grand slam against Colonial Athletic Association conference rival, University of Delaware. I included a video of that grand slam in my interview with Jourdan at On the Beat With Jourdan Skirha.
I have often said that Jourdan is a blur of activity at the games, while in charge of game day operations. She oversees a lot of pre-game and in game fun activities. I am sure she brings the same type of dedication, energy and talent to the Bandit Academy.
Jourdan is a great role model, especially for young girls. At a young age, she holds a big job with a pro sports team. Earlier this year, Jourdan was very vocal on social media about the social and racial climate in the country. I applaud her courage in speaking out. Jourdan has a bright future and I will be proud to say I know her.
On a personal level, I appreciate Jourdan facilitating my first pitch and my batting practice session, two of my most memorable times covering the Bandits.
For more info, go to ChicagoBandits.com. Also, follow the Chicago Bandits on Facebook for more frequent updates and other news.

Jourdan Skirha and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2017.

Friend Encounters: Jourdan Skirha and Jim Strong

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

Today, I am featuring two important people who have been instrumental in my coverage of the National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits. Jourdan Skirha is the Assistant GM and Jim Strong is a good friend who helps with video and photography.
Jourdan joined the Bandits organization in 2014 (coincidentally my first season covering the team). A softball player at Drexel University, Jourdan started as an intern. She moved up to Director of Game Day Operations, where she did a stellar job. Jordan's energy, enthusiasm and organizational skills made her a favorite of everyone. In the last offseason, Jourdan was named Assistant GM to Toni Calmeyn. Busier now more than ever, Jourdan still is a bundle of energy and always has a smile.
My buddy Jim isn't quite as energetic, but he's a good guy who is always willing to help me with interviews, pictures and whatever else I might through his way. We watched a lot of great softball action this season and had a lot of fun along the way. I appreciate his efforts and his friendship.
The Bandits season is over, but next season is only about 7 months away. I know I'll be back for my 7th season covering the team and I am quite sure Jourdan and Jim will also be there. Go to ChicagoBandits.com for info on the team. Also check here for recurring coverage.

Jourdan Skirha and Jim Strong in Rosemont, IL-August 2019.

Johngy's Ceremonial First Pitch

The National Pro Fastpitch Chicago Bandits have given me the opportunity to check off several things from my sports bucket list. I have done broadcasting with Mike Knezevich, batted against Kirsten Verdun, took batting practice off of Kristyn Sandberg and several other fun experiences. Last Monday, the Bandits gave me one more unique moment. Thanks to the hospitality of the Bandits organization, through the organization of Assistant GM Jourdan Skirha and because of Global Traveler magazine, I had the privilege of throwing out the ceremonial first pitch.

Jourdan contacted me about a week prior to the game and said I would be throwing out the first pitch. While I was really excited about doing this, I also knew I needed to practice a little bit. I knew I could make a good overhand throw, but this is fastpitch softball and underhand throws are encouraged (mostly by the fans who would jab me endlessly if I threw overhand.

I spent several years pitching on my softball teams, but that was many years ago and was an entirely different situation. I would just need a few practice throws to get the muscle memory back. I wasn't overly nervous or in panic mode, but I wanted to do okay.

I enlisted Jim Strong to video the moment and to catch my practice throws in the Bandits parking lot prior to the game. My main goal was not to bounce it in to the catcher. Of course, in practice, I was snapping my wrist and throwing strikes. It came back to me quickly.

We entered the stadium and Jourdan instructed us when to meet on the field. When the time came, there were a few young girls throwing out pitches and I figured I would be with them. Much to my confusion, I figured wrong.

I watched as the team lineups were announced and the players took their places on the baselines from home plate. I watched as the Chinese and U.S. national Anthems were played (the Bandits wer playing the Beijing Shougang Eagles). Then Jourdan signaled to me to take the mound. Suddenly, this wasn't one of the first pitches. This was THE first pitch. I was introduced over the PA system and Bandit Nation gave me a nice round of applause.

I looked at catcher Amanda Chidester and took a deep breath. I started the motion, but failed to snap my wrist and just lobbed it underhand. My toss made it on the fly...and then some. Amanda had to stand up and even reach a little, but she caught it. It wasn't the best first pitch by any stretch, but it certainly wasn't the worst.

After the toss, Amanda gave me the ball and I thanked her for catching my "slightly" high toss. She was a great sport about it. After the game, a few of the players joked with me about the throw, but all was in good fun.

In the end, it was a lot of fun. Jourdan and the Bandits went above and beyond in making this a special night. I am happy that the throw was decent, but it really wasn't a huge worry. I just soaked in the moment and enjoyed it for what it was.

Friend Encounters: Jourdan Skirha and Jonathan Cimaglio

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

A noted autograph collector, Jonathan Cimaglio must have thousands of graphs in his collection. I know I have seen hinm get several hundred at Chicago Bandits games. Cimags is a big fan of the women's pro softball team. Actually, he is a fan of the whole league, including the Aussie Peppers, who are based out of Mankato, not that far from where Cimags relocated a couple years ago. Did they put a team out there just for him?

I am sure Cimags would agree that Jourdan Skirha is not the most famous person her ever met, but she is one of his favorites (and mine, too). We first knew her as an intern with the Bandits, then as Director of Game Day Operations. Last month, Jourdan was named Assistant to the GM. Cimags and I both congratulate Jourdan on the promotion and the Bandits on an excellent choice.

I don't know if Cimags has Joudan's autograph, but I wouldn't doubt it. If not, he should add her to his collection. A young women in such a position is pretty big news.

Cimags has a YouTube page featuring all sorts of graphing-related content. You can find it at Cimags on YouTube.

Go to ChicagoBandits.com for all of the info on the team. You can also follow the Bandits on all forms of social media, including Chicago Bandits on Facebook.

Jourdan Skirha and Jonathan Cimaglio in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2018.

Congratulations Jourdan Skirha Chicago Bandits Assistant GM

Last week, the Chicago Bandits announced that Jourdan Skirha was promoted to Assistant General Manager. It is a well-deserved opportunity and we are sure Jourdan will continue to do great things for the organization. 

A star softball player at Oak Forest High School, Jourdan went on to play at Drexel University. She started with the Bandits as an intern and worked her way up to Director of Game Day Operations. Popular with the fans, Jourdan always brings a lot of energy to anything she does.

I have known Jourdan from hanging in the bullpen area for the last couple seasons. It would be easy to say she has a fun job, and I am sure it is fun, but most people do not see exactly how hard Jourdan works throughout the game to create that fun. She is usually a blur of activity as she coordinates onfield activities between innings.

Last season, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jourdan, which can be found at On the Beat With Jourdan Skirha. We talked about her big home run for Drexel, her path to the Bandits and much more. It has been one of the most viewed interviews I have done with the team (I wonder if she used that stat as leverage in her negotiations for the new job?). We will definitely do an update interview with Jourdan this year.

Aside from our excitement for Jourdan, this is really a big deal for the league and for women. The Bandits have women at both the GM and Asst. GM positions. It's great to see more women in charge in the NPF. Additionally, it is good to see promotions coming from within the organization. Jourdan is the perfect fit and a great role model for young women. We wish Jourdan a lot of luck and we look forward to new and interesting things from her.

Go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info on the team, including the schedule. Be sure to come out to see the team and make sure you congratulate Jourdan, if you can actually catch her when she isn't on the move.

Jourdan Skirha and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2018.

Jourdan and the Chicago Bandits

Born and raised in a Chicago suburb, Jourdan Skirha played softball all through high school. She continued her softball career at Drexel, where she also earned a degree in Sport Management.

As an intern for the Chicago Bandits, Jourdan managed and operated game day experiences. She would have to handle groups or games doing stuff between the innings and after the games. She was one busy lady.

Last offseason, the Bandits announced that Jourdan accepted a position as Director of Game Day Operations and Promotions. Bandit Nation was very proud and happy for Jourdan. She worked very hard in her previous roles and was always helpful to everyone. Best fo all, she did it with a smile all of the time.

She was an excellent and natural choice to continue and grow in that role. It's an exciting opportunity for her, too. In short, it is a great fit. Bandit Nation should enjoy Jourdan while she is here, because she is destined for big things in her future.

She is a great example of the quality people I have met through the Bandits. Getting to know the players, staffers and fans has been a wonderful experience.

I really appreciate all that Jourdan has done for me with team pictures and dealing with us in ther bullpen area. I wish her luck in her new role and in her future.

Jourdan Skirha and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.