NPF Chicago Bandits

Bandits Acquire All-NPF Infielder Jill Barrett in Trade with Akron

Published on November 18, 2015 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


ROSEMONT, Ill. - The Chicago Bandits announced today that they have acquired two-time All-NPF selection Jill Barrett in a trade with the Akron Racers. The Bandits agreed to send the No. 4 overall pick in the 2016 NPF College Draft, as well as the No. 31 pick and the rights to AJ Andrews in exchange for the speedy infielder.

"I am grateful for the opportunities given to me as a member of the Akron Racers family," Barrett commented. "I enjoyed playing for such a high-quality organization, which has now presented me with the opportunity to play with the Chicago Bandits."

Barrett, who was the 15th overall selection in the 2014 draft, starred collegiately at the University of Tulsa before joining the Racers. While at Tulsa, Barrett was a four-time All-Conference selection, three-time All-Region selection and the 2014 C-USA Player of the Year. She also broke the Tulsa hits record in three consecutive seasons.

"I truly believe Chicago will be a place I can call home during the summer," said Barrett. "I'm beyond excited to get to work with such amazing athletes, coaches, and play in front of an electric crowd at The Ballpark at Rosemont.

"I can't wait to step on the field wearing orange and black while playing for such an outstanding organization and competing with some of the best players in the NPF."

The 23-year-old Fort Smith, Ark. native continued that success in her first two seasons in a Racers uniform. She hit .315 as a rookie in 2014 and was tied for third in the league with eight doubles. Last season, Barrett was even better as she led the NPF in hits with 56 and she was third in the league with a .339 batting average. Her efforts on the field helped her earn the 2015 All-NPF selection at shortstop.

"The Bandits organization as a whole is incredibly excited about the acquisition of Jill," said GM Aaron M. Moore. "She is a player we wanted out of Tulsa and have had aspirations of adding to our roster ever since.

"We are giving up some good pieces in a first round pick and AJ, but any time you can add a true difference maker and a player that has been enormously successful in the league, you have to make the move! We think Jill will help put us in position to compete for another Cowles Cup and we're looking forward to seeing her in a Bandits uniform."

In her only season with the Bandits, Andrews who saw most of her time in right field, had 50 at-bats and recorded a .160 batting average. She also recorded five walks and seven stolen bases in her rookie campaign.

Moore said, "AJ did everything she was ever asked of during the 2015 season. She is an ultimate competitor and was a key piece down the stretch for us last season. We wish her nothing but the best as she continues her career in Akron."

Andrews will be most remembered by Bandits fans for her 12 pitch at-bat and stolen base in a July game against the Rebellion that helped lead to a comeback win for Chicago.

Season tickets for the 2016 season are on sale now. Don't miss any of the action as the 2015 Cowles Cup Champions look to defend their title. For more information about becoming a Chicago Bandits season ticket holder visit us on the web at www.chicagobandits.com or call the front office at 877-722-6348.

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