Series Preview #1 - Osterman to start games 1 and 4
June 2, 2009 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Rockford Thunder News Release
ROCKFORD - The Rockford Thunder will begin its third season of play in Northern Illinois on Wednesday when they host the Akron Racers for a five game series to open the season.
The Thunder, who is coming off of its worst season in team history (18-30), looks to get off to a hot start when they send Olympian Cat Osterman to the circle. Osterman missed all of 2008 due to her commitment to the National Team and has a career record of 4-6 in the NPF.
Opening Day will also be the first poster giveaway of the 2009 season for the Thunder. The first 300 fans to enter the park will receive a Cat Osterman poster and the first 50 people through the gates will receive a ticket to get their picture taken with Osterman and her gold medal.
Osterman is a huge piece of the puzzle for the Thunder in 2009, but so will be the new group of players brought in by General Manager Aaron M. Moore. NPF veterans Chelsea Spencer, Lyndsey Angus and Shanel Scott look to provide speed and power to the Rockford lineup.
Game one of the give game series is scheduled for Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. at Thunder Park at Roscoe (5444 Swanson Road).
Game Schedule and Probable Thunder Starters
Wednesday, June 3, 2009 - 7:05 p.m.; Pitcher - Cat Osterman
Thursday, June 4, 2009 - 7:05 p.m.; Pitcher - Allison Kime
Friday, June 5, 2009 - 7:05 p.m.; Pitcher - Samantha Sheeley
Saturday, June 6, 2009 - 6:05 p.m.; Pitcher - Cat Osterman
Sunday, June 7, 2009 - 7:05 p.m.; Pitcher - Allison Kime
Weekly Promotional Schedule
June 3 - Cat Osterman poster giveaway
June 5 - 1/2 draft beers and postgame party at RBI's Bar and Grill (3870 N. Perryville)
June 6 - Clinic #1 of 4 for the season
June 7 - Culver's Kids Day
Players to watch
For the Racers, the player to watch is former Olympic team member Crystl Bustos. Bustos has been regarded as one of the best hitters in the game by several softball experts and she looks to lead Akron this season at the plate. The Racers will only travel 12 players to Rockford for the opening series.
On the Thunder side the player to watch is free agent rookie Jenna Rhodes. Rhodes is coming into the season as an undrafted rookie out of Virginia Tech. During her senior season Rhodes led the nation in hits and stolen bases.
Tickets
Tickets for all five games can be purchased by calling the Thunder at (815) 965-7000. They can also be purchased directly from the box office on the day of the game. Ticket prices start at just $7/each.
For more information on the Thunder contact the Thunder at (815) 965-7000. For additional information on the team visit them on the web at www.thunderprofastpitch.com.
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National Pro Fastpitch Stories from June 2, 2009
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- Series Preview #1 - Osterman to start games 1 and 4 - Rockford Thunder
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