(Photo Courtesy of Michigan State Athletics)
ROSEMONT, Ill. – Chicago Bandits GM, Aaron M. Moore, announced the signing of free agent outfielder Jessica Bracamonte to the 2014 roster.
As a four-year starter for Michigan State University, Bracamonte finished her collegiate career with a .292 batting average including 79 RBIs, 12 home runs and an on-base percentage of .366. A key component for the Spartan outfield, Bracamonte posted a .943 career fielding percentage.
She ended her senior season ranked 45th in the nation and third in the Big Ten Conference with a team-best four triples. In addition, she led the Spartans with 16 walks, including a team-high 28 RBIs and ranked second on the team with a .485 slugging percentage.
A native of Hacienda Heights, Calif., she dreamed of one day getting the call to play in the NPF.
“I could not be more excited about being a part of the Bandits organization,” said Bracamonte. “It has always been a dream of mine to play in the NPF and I would have played anywhere there was an opportunity, but there was just something special about the Bandits that I really wanted to be a part of.”
Jessica first landed on the Bandits radar after attending tryouts prior to the start of the 2013 season. Despite not being named to the roster then the Bandits kept her talents in mind and are anxious to see what she can add in the outfield.
“Jessica is a great fit for our organization,” said Moore. “Playing in the NPF is something that she really wants and she was so close to joining the Bandits after last year’s tryouts.
“She will add another piece to our outfield puzzle and is able to play both corner positions. We’re excited about the addition of Jess to the Bandits family in 2014.”
After getting a taste of what it would be like to be a member of the Bandits and receiving a warm welcome from the players, Bracamonte knows that Chicago will be a perfect fit to showcase her talents.
“During tryouts last summer I was able to meet most of the girls on the team and they instantly welcomed, not just me, but all of the girls trying out. They made you want to be a part of their family.
“I’m truly blessed to be able to live out this dream and look forward to contributing to the team in any way I can. I’m so thankful to Bill Sokolis and the ownership for giving me this opportunity.”
Bracamonte is currently serving as an assistant coach at Central Michigan.
For more information about the Chicago Bandits, visit www.chicagobandits.com or call the front office at 877-722-6348.
The 2014 home opener is set for Saturday, May 31 when the Bandits host the Akron Racers at The Ballpark at Rosemont. Single-game tickets for all 2014 home games, including the home opener will go on sale Monday, March 3 at 10 a.m. CT.
About the Chicago Bandits
Since 2005, the Chicago Bandits have been members of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league. Located in Rosemont, the Bandits provide an opportunity for female fastpitch players to further their careers at a professional level, and the roster has included such names as Jennie Finch, Stacy May-Johnson and Monica Abbott. The two-time NPF Champions play at The Ballpark at Rosemont, the only stadium in the country built for a women’s professional team. The 2014 season will be the Bandits 10th season in the NPF.
About National Pro Fastpitch
National Pro Fastpitch is headquartered in Nashville, TN. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball since 2002.
