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Bandits Fri Aug 21 2009
Bandits Make Off With League Honors
(Ed. Note: As they continue their run through the National Pro Fastpitch playoffs this weekend, the Chicago Bandits may take a moment to polish up their hardware as they picked up seven post-season individual honors for their NPF play this season. Tammy Williams - left - picked up the Bandit's second Rookie of the Year award while Eileen Canney was named NPF Pitcher of the Year. Bandits PR chief Andrew Phillips gives the details.)
Akron, Ohio - For the second year in a row, a Chicago Bandits has been awarded National Pro Fastpitch 'Rookie of the Year' honors. The Nokona American Glove Rookie of the Year award, given to Tammy Williams on Wednesday night as part of the NPF Fan Fest and Awards Ceremony, was just one of seven awards the Chicago Bandits received.
Williams, a spark plug in the line-up for the Bandits, began her rookie season with a home run in her first at-bat and continued onward and upwards from there to the tune of a .340 batting average, six home runs, 20 RBIs, 20 runs and a .557 slugging percentage - all combining for a stellar rookie season. In the field, Williams quickly became known for her flashy glove work and rock-solid defense - which also earned her the 2009 Nokona American Glove Award as the NPF Defender of the Year; the second award that Williams brought home for the Bandits.
Bandits' pitcher Eileen Canney took home the 2009 Diamond Sports NPF Pitcher of the Year honors. Canney opened the '09 campaign (her first year in a Chicago uniform) with an electric start, jumping out to a 6-0 record in her first six appearances. Canney finished the 2009 campaign with a 10-4 record in 110 innings pitched (nine complete games) while striking out 98 batters. Canney was also selected to the All-NPF Team for her pitching accomplishments this season. To win this award, Canney beat out Rockford's Cat Osterman (11-1).
Finishing with a 27-12 record and in first place at the end of the 2009 season the Chicago Bandits garnered the Majestic Cup NPF Regular Season Champions award for the second year in a row. Chicago jumped out to a quick start this season, but lost momentum towards the end as the Akron Racers took 7-of-10 games from the Bandits. Chicago held off Rockford in the final series by taking it 4-1 including a highlight win over Rockford's Cat Osterman in game four.
Other winners for the Bandits included All-NPF Team honors for Rachel Folden (catcher and 2008 Rookie of the Year), Samantha Findlay (first base), and rookie Amber Patton (outfield).
The NPF playoffs kicked off Thursday night at with the No. 1 Chicago Bandits taking on the No. 4 USSSA Pride. Game two is scheduled to begin at 8:45 p.m. and will feature No. 2 Akron Racers and the No. 3 Rockford Thunder.
