Thunder Opener on Thursday; Osterman to Throw First Pitch
May 27, 2008 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Rockford Thunder News Release
ROCKFORD - The Rockford Thunder of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) will kick off the 2008 regular season in less than 72 hours when they welcome in-state rival Chicago to Sportscore on Thursday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CDT.
This season's opening night doesn't carry the same pitching match-up as 2007 when Olympic hurlers Cat Osterman and Jennie Finch squared off for a 14-inning, 41 strikeout affair, but the excitement is still there. The rivalry should continue to grow stronger more and more this season, especially with the Bandits now being less than 60 miles away in nearby Elgin, IL.
Rockford's Osterman and Chicago's Finch and Vicky Galindo will all miss the entire 2008 season due to their commitment to the 2008 Summer Olympic Game in Beijing.
Although she will not be in the circle this season for the Thunder, Osterman will be a presence on Opening Day with a pre-game autograph signing period from 5:30 - 6 p.m. She will also throw out one of the ceremonial first pitches before the ballgame.
Both teams have retooled entering this season, but a lot of familiar faces remain on each club. Veterans Lindsay Gardner, Erin Evans and Kristen Zaleski are all in at least their fourth season for the Thunder, while Chicago possesses veteran leadership in Nicole Trimboli and Jaime Clark. The game will also be a reunion of sorts for a couple of different players. Amanda Freed will be making her first appearance against the Thunder since being traded in the off-season, and rookies Savannah Brown (Thunder) and Aileen Morales (Chicago) both just finished their college careers at Georgia Tech.
Last season the Thunder took the season series from the Bandits by winning nine of 16 games, including a four-game sweep to start the season. But the numbers were pretty even across the board, including ERA where the Thunder had a 2.04 mark compared to the 2.06 of Chicago.
Great tickets are still available for the home opener, as well as the other games in the series. Tickets start at just $5 and can be purchased from the Thunder office or at the ticket window on the game day.
For more information on the Thunder or to purchase season tickets for 2008, contact Aaron M. Moore at (815) 965-7000 or amoore@thunderprofastpitch.com. For additional information on the team, visit them on the web at www.thunderprofastpitch.com.
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National Pro Fastpitch Stories from May 27, 2008
- Riptide opens Thursday in Washington - New England Riptide
- Thunder Opener on Thursday; Osterman to Throw First Pitch - Rockford Thunder
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