The combination of Andrew Blackshaw (AUS) and Ales Jetmar (CZ) proved too much for the Chicago Bandits hitters as the two pitchers and catcher Jesse Delorit (USA) helped the Joliet Jackhammers hold the 2008 NPF World Champions scoreless for 8 innings leading to a 1-0 victory.  Monday's Battle of the Sexes game featured the Chicago Bandits’ Jenny Finch versus the Joliet Jackhammers at Silver Cross Field in Joliet, IL.  The matchup was the third installment of the Battle of the Sexes games.  The first installment brought together over 8,900 people to watch the game and the crowd at Silver Cross Field was expected and on pace to surpass that number. 

 

This is the second time that Tom Crouch and I were asked to secure pitching for the event.  The dominant pitching performances by both teams made for a great game for spectators, while the edged out victory enhances the rivalry between the fastpitch playing women of the Chicago Bandits and the baseball playing men of the independent Northern League (i.e. Joliet Jackhammers & Schaumburg Flyers). 

 

This event continues to be a win for all parties involved.  We would like to thank Kelly Sufka of the Joliet Jackhammers for providing our men with this opportunity.  It is always great to expose new audiences to our game.  This was a very rare opportunity for Andy, Ales, and Jesse to play on the same field as one of the most celebrated women’s players of all time, Jennie Finch.  Although none got to face her at the plate, I believe they all got a picture with her after what is supposed to be one of her final games with the Bandits.  It is my understanding that she will retire from the game of softball after the end of the 2010 season.

 

Andrew and Jesse will next be in action with the #7 ranked Bar of Appleton (BofApp) at noon this upcoming Sunday, August 15, 2010 as they begin action at the 2010 ISC Men’s World Fastball Tournament in Midland, MI.  Ales will take the mound with the #12 Aurora Dolan & Murphy Shamrocks on Sunday at 6pm in Midland.      

 

 

 

 

 

Dave “Hooda” Perkins

dperk10(at)gmail.com