NPF Chicago Bandits

Bandits Ink Olympians Abbott and Lever, ESPY Winner Mowatt

Published on February 17, 2011 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


ROSEMONT, Ill. -- The Chicago Bandits announced the signing of Team USA pitching superstar and National Pro Fastpitch veteran Monica Abbott at a press conference Tuesday.

Held at the Holiday Inn and Suites in Rosemont, Ill., Abbott and fellow pitcher Taryne Mowatt joined Bandits outfielder Caitlin Lever to finalize their contracts and talk with fans and the media about committing to the Bandits and the upcoming 2011 season.

The addition of Abbott makes her the Bandits ace, adding a powerful third arm to a staff that will feature 2010 Rookie of the Year Nikki Nemitz and Mowatt.

"It was a very warm welcome for Abbott," said Bandits Owner Bill Sokolis. "She has a renewed focus and seemed excited by the big city opportunity. I ‚¬â„¢m very excited about this season, our relationship with Rosemont and the new stadium."

Abbott finished the 2010 season as the Tennessee Diamonds team leader in wins, going 7-9 on the year with 115.1 innings pitched -- 47.9 innings more than the next Diamonds pitcher. Among pitchers, Abbott ranked first in the NPF in strikeouts (146) and ERA (0.79) and third in wins with seven.

Abbott was joined by 2007 ESPY winner Taryne Mowatt and Bandits outfielder and former Canadian National Team member Caitlin Lever to sign their respective contracts and meet with fans.

"This will be a fresh start for Taryne," said Sokolis. "She ‚¬â„¢s had rough starts with other teams in the league and this year she ‚¬â„¢s fully prepared to play with a team that will be there to support her. She ‚¬â„¢s a premier pitcher and with her, Abbott and Nemitz, I ‚¬â„¢m excited for 2011."

Mowatt pitched for the Racers in 2010 and was traded to the Bandits in exchange for pitcher Kristina Thorson. Mowatt appeared in 15 games last season for the Racers, pitching her way to a 2-3 record in 42 innings pitched. She finished the season with 26 strikeouts 6.83 ERA.

A member of the Bandits since 2007, Lever finished the 2010 season with a .250 batting average (11-for-44), seven runs, three RBIs and one home run.

"Lever is one of those special players that combines speed with defensive prowess," said Sokolis. "She struggled at the plate last season but has set high goals for herself and for the team this season."

Season tickets for the 2011 season, which features the Bandits in a brand new stadium, are on sale now! Packages start as low as $4 per game and can be ordered by calling 877-7BANDIT. For more information about the Bandits, visit www.chicagobandits.com .

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