Chest Bumps from Cheek Will Return for 2020 Season
November 5, 2019 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release
Chicago Bandits infielder Abbey Cheek
(Chicago Bandits, Credit: Brandon Randall)
ROSEMONT, Ill. - The Chicago Bandits have reached an agreement on a one-year deal with infielder Abbey Cheek, team officials announced Tuesday morning.
The 2019 National Pro Fastpitch Rookie of the Year made an instant impact both in the hot corner and at the plate for the Bandits. On the field, Cheek had 23 putouts and had a hand in 4 double plays, ending the regular season with a fielding percentage of .966.
"Abbey's season was stellar, which just made this decision a no-brainer," General Manager Toni Calmeyn said. "Seeing her collegiate success translate to the professional level was amazing and we can't wait to see what she does with this ball club going forward."
Fresh out of a full and successful season at University of Kentucky, Cheek came to Chicago with 2019 National Player of the League and Southeastern Conference Player of the Year accolades, but that's not the only thing she brought with her to the midwest.
Fans and players alike bought in as Cheek brought a little piece of Kentucky tradition with her to Chicago; the team joined her in translating UK's staple chest bump celebration to a new Chicago tradition, making sure every home run had a "Chest Bump From Cheek."
There were plenty of chest bumps for the former UK standout - in 111 plate appearances, Cheek had nine home runs and 28 RBI, good for a .378 batting average.
"I am super excited to be back with Bandit Nation!" Cheek said in a statement. "I cannot wait to take on my second season as a Bandit. I'm eager to see where the pro league is going, and can't wait to be a part of it!"
In the offseason, Cheek practices her best Big League Chew bubbles with the Morehead State University Eagles Softball team as their assistant coach.
Images from this story
 Chicago Bandits infielder Abbey Cheek (Brandon Randall) |
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National Pro Fastpitch Stories from November 5, 2019
- Chest Bumps from Cheek Will Return for 2020 Season - Chicago Bandits
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