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NPF Chicago Bandits

Marshall's Journey with Bandits Comes Full Circle

March 8, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Chicago Bandits News Release


Sammy Marshall of the Chicago Bandits
Sammy Marshall of the Chicago Bandits
(Chicago Bandits, Credit: Dina Kwit)

At one time in her life, Sammy Marshall couldn't envision herself as the one holding the permanent marker or pen to sign autographs after each game at The Ballpark at Rosemont. In a way, with a year under her belt in the NPF, it is still a surreal experience for her to line up on the opposite side of the autograph line. She can still recall in admirable detail her first time signing her name for a fan.

"This summer, after our first exhibition game against the Rebellion, I started walking out by where the autograph line starts and just remember the swarm of kids that were headed our way to sign anything and everything they wanted," Marshall said. "At that moment, I think this whole professional experience came full circle for me. Instead of me being the 12-year-old running at the 20-something-year-olds, I was the 20-something-year-old that was being chased down."

Marshall, a native of Naperville, Ill. brings up "being the 12-year-old" in particular because she made the trip to a Bandits game for her 12th birthday and got to be center stage with some of the Bandits players during a meet and greet after the game. Among the notables to sign the softball she brought along with her: Bandits legends Jennie Finch and Vicky Galindo.

"I remember looking up at those girls with total admiration," Marshall said, reminiscent of the birthday experience. "They were who I looked up to and wanted to be like. They were the professionals in the sport I loved and I wished to be them one day when I grew up."

Marshall said neither Finch nor Galindo were her idols, growing up. That title would belong to Natasha Watley, who Marshall has now competed against in the NPF. Regardless, seeing the names of two NPF and national icons in Finch and Galindo on that softball meant the world to her. In fact, Marshall admitted that she still gets a bit star-struck when Finch makes an appearance at the ballpark. Now, her role is reversed and she is the one who the 12-year-olds look up to.

"I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that these girls want my autograph," Marshall said. "I think I struggle with that so much because I remember exactly how they feel and how excited they get when they interact with me and all the other Bandit players."

Marshall, who scored 11 runs and swiped six bases in her rookie season, said signing autographs for kids who admire her is the most gratifying feeling she's ever had in her softball career.

As she continues to prepare for her second season with the Bandits, Marshall shared her thoughts on the upcoming season.

"We have a lot of great pieces in place right now to where I believe we are serious contenders for another Cowles Cup Championship," Marshall said. "I think the city of Chicago deserves another year of housing the Cup."

You can witness Marshall's continued journey with the Bandits and get her autograph at a game this season. Single-game tickets for all 2016 home games, including the home opener on June 2 and the team's ring and banner ceremony on June 18 are on sale now at www.chicagobandits.com or by calling the box office at 877-722-6348.




Images from this story

Sammy Marshall of the Chicago Bandits
Sammy Marshall of the Chicago Bandits
(Dina Kwit)		   



National Pro Fastpitch Stories from March 8, 2016


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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