NPF Chicago Bandits

Bandits Sign Two Japanese Players

Published on April 30, 2013 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


ROSEMONT - Eri Yamada and Kazuki Watanabe have signed contracts to play with the Chicago Bandits, becoming just the second and third player from Japan to sign with an NPF team. Earlier this month, the Akron Racers signed Ayumi Karino, who became the first Japanese player to sign a contract to play in the NPF.

"We're beyond thrilled with the additions of Eri and Kazuki to the Bandits roster," said Bandits GM Aaron M. Moore. "We have been working very hard at signing these two players for several months and to have it happen now is a great thing for the Bandits and for the NPF.

"We couldn't have done this without the helping hand of Monica Abbott. She's been working equally as hard as our office in seeing these acquisitions go through."

Yamada won the gold medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing when Japan defeated the U.S. for the first time since 2000, denying the Americans a chance for a fourth straight gold medal. Before the defeat, the U.S. had won 22 straight games.

Yamada, an outfielder, is nicknamed "The Female Ichiro" in Japan because her batting stance is similar to that of the current New York Yankee and former Seattle Mariners star center fielder.

"We were looking to find some upgrades in the outfield for 2013 and we feel like we've done just that with Eri Yamada," stated Moore. "She's extremely respected in the Japanese Pro League and she has some experience against some of the best pitchers in the world, including Monica Abbott."

Japan defeated the U.S. 3-1 in the sport's last appearance in the Olympics for at least eight years -- and maybe for good. She hit .344 in the tournament while belting two home runs and driving in five for Japan. In the gold medal game, she went 2-for-3, including a solo homerun off Cat Osterman.

Yamada, who currently plays for Team Hitachi, also helped Japan win the bronze medal in the 2004 Games in Athens where she hit .412 and had a team-best five RBIs.

"Having a player like Eri join our talented group in the outfield will make for some exciting games," Moore said. "Knowing Cat and her amazing toughness and competitive streak, the battle between her and Yamada will be very exciting and I believe the fans will truly enjoy it."

Kazuki Watanabe, who currently catches for Abbott and Team Toyota in Japan, also signed a contract with the Bandits. Watanabe helped guide Team Toyota to back-to-back Japan Softball League Championships in 2011 and 2012.

"When Shannon (Doepking) announced her retirement following the 2012 season, we knew we wanted to bring in a catcher that has experience working with Monica to compete with Kristen and Jenna," Moore said. "Monica spoke up and suggested Kazuki because of their work together for Team Toyota.

"The fit made sense for us and we're thrilled to have Kazuki join us in 2013."

Although this will be the first time the pitcher-catcher duo will play together in the NPF, Watanabe is no stranger to the United States, as Team Toyota comes over annually to play collegiate and professional teams to prepare for the Japan Softball League.

"Watanabe is not only a solid defensive player, but she's also another left-handed bat for Coach Steuerwald to have in the lineup," Moore added.

"This addition really will give us some depth and options this season behind the plate and should give us some versatility in different game situations."

Watanabe is also teammates with USA Olympian and current USSSA Pride member, Natasha Watley in Japan.

Yamada and Watanabe will join the Bandits for opening day, scheduled for Wednesday, June 5 against the Akron Racers at The Ballpark at Rosemont.

Looking for other ways to connect with the Bandits? Follow us on Twitter, @NPFBandits, and visit our Facebook page at facebook.com/ChicagoBandits.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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