Thursday, July 12, 2018

Angel Bunner and the Beijing Shougang Eagles

Pitcher Angel Bunner was selected by the Carolina Diamonds in the 2012 National Pro Fastpitch draft. She was the first player from Auburn ever drafted by an NPF team.
The Diamonds folded after the 2012 season and Angel joined the New York/New Jersey Comets. After one season with the Comets, she joined the Pennsylvania Rebellion. Angel played with the Rebellion until she was traded to the Bandits midway through the 2016 season.
That's when things really became fun. After helping the team into the playoffs, Angel was the winning pitcher in Game Three of the NPF Championship series, pitching six innings in helping the Bandits win the Cowles Cup!
Unfortunately, the 2016 offseason was a tumultuous one for the Bandits. A change in ownership and management led to a big roster turnover. Angel eventually signed with the USSSA Pride for the 2017 season. This season, she was on the move again, landing with the Beijing Shougang Eagles.
The Eagles are mostly comprised of members of the China National Team, in hopes of gaining professional experience in preparation for the return of softball for the 2020 Olympics.
Angel is a great pitcher and is very friendly. I was happy to see her at the Parkway Bank Sports Complex this week as the Bandits hosted the Eagles. Many of the fans and her former teammates chatted with her and got pictures, too. Of course, I could not be left out of that. I made sure to talk to her and get my picture.
Angel will always hold a special place in the hearts of Bandits fans. She wasn't here that long, but her performance in Game Three will always be remembered as a great moment in team history.
For more info on the Bandits, go to ChicagoBandits.com. You can also go to ProFastpitch.com for info on the entire league, including Angel!
Angel Bunner and me in Rosemont, July 2018.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi , Angel Bunner is my teacher and she is THE BEST TEACHER EVER . she teaches at Greenway Elementary School , in Ocala Florida. she is the best but you probably already know that . anyway bye :)

Johngy said...

LOL. I have heard that from other students, too. Angel is awesome every time I see her. Tell her Johngy from the Bandits sens his best!