Chicago Bandits Open Sophomore Season Thursday May 31, 2006 - Chicago--The Chicago Bandits are set to begin their second season in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league on Thursday, June 1st, 2006.  The Bandits will open their 52-game schedule at 7:00 PM against the Venezuelan National Team. Their schedule includes 32 home games against the NPF, international and elite level women’s teams.

The roster is a mix of Team USA members, international superstars and the best local talent the sport has to offer. World famous, Jennie Finch, anchors a pitching staff that includes 2005 NPF 14-game winner, Peaches James, and the flame-throwing Amy Harre from Southern Illinois University.

The batting order for the Bandits is just as potent as its rotation. Current Team USA Training Squad member, Vicky Galindo, and 2004 USA National Elite Team player, Gina Oaks, make a formidable table-setting tandem at the top. 2004 Olympic Gold medal winners, Jennie Finch and Jaime Clark, along with Selena Collins will solidify the middle of the order. 

Co-head coaches Eugene Lenti, DePaul University, and Mickey Dean, Venezuelan National Team and formerly of Indiana University, return for a second season. Under Lenti’s tutelage, the Blue Demons made their third trip to the NCAA Women’s College World Series last season.

Throwing out the ceremonial first pitch on opening night will be Southpaw the mascot of the Chicago White Sox.

The Bandits play their home games at Benedictine University’s Sports Complex in Lisle.  The NPF has teams in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Ohio, Arizona, and Texas. In addition to league opponents, the Chicago franchise will host the Venezuelan, Chinese Taipei and USA World National teams.

For more information visit www.ChicagoBandits.com and www.ProFastpitch.com.