Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.
Continuing my focus on the reborn Chicago Bandits, today I feature two catchers.
Gwen Svekis had a great career at the university of Oregon, helping the Ducks to three Women's College World Series appearances. She turned pro and played for the Chicago Bandits and then the inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited. Gwen was one of the most popular players for the Bandits and then the AU teams. The Rosemont crowds loved Gwen.
The other catcher didn't accomplish nearly as much, nor was he as popular as Gwen. Still, my pal Jim has done fine in his life. Jim helped me several times when I was covering the old Chicago Bandits. While he is not part of the old guard, he does qualify as an "old crusty" like the rest of us. He is also embraced by the old guard because he is a real fan of the game.
I took this picture of catcher meeting catcher. I was happy to return the favor after Jim did so much photography for me.
Gwen is still involved with AU in a leadership role. More importantly, Gwen married Taylor Edwards, another former catcher for the Bandits and AU. They are a great couple. Both are so positive and happy.
For more info on the Bandits, go to auprosports.com. Check my recurring coverage here.
Gwen and Jim in Rosemont, IL-June 2018.
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