A two-game National Pro Fastpitch series between the USSSA Pride and the Chicago Bandits will be played July 15 and 16 at T-Bones Stadium in Kansas City, Kansas.
It is the fifth year in a row that the T-Bones have held an NPF series, after featuring the USSSA Pride and Aussie Spirit in 2018.
Three well known, prominent players in the fastpitch community, including one from Independence, Missouri, are featured on the USSSA Pride team roster.
Paige Parker, a native of Independence, graduated from the University of Oklahoma in 2018 and was a two-time Women’s College World Series champion. As a sophomore, she was named the WCWS Most Valuable Player. She earned four All-Big 12 Pitcher of the Year awards and was a two-time All-American. She was drafted by the Pride in 2018.
She is joined by fellow former Sooner, Lauren Chamberlin, a 2015 graduate of the University of Oklahoma. Chamberlin was a three-time First Team All-American for the Sooners and a member of the 2013 Women’s College World Series championship team. She currently holds the NCAA career home run record (95). Chamberlin was the No. 1 overall draft pick in the 2015 NPF College Draft by the Pride.
Sierra Romero played shortstop and second base for the University of Michigan and is a former member of the U.S. Women’s Junior National Team and the U.S. Women’s National Team. She was named Big 10 Player of the Year in 2013, 2014 and 2016 and was the 2016 Schutt Sports/NFCA Division I Player of the Year. She was the second overall pick in 2016 NPF College Draft by the USSSA Pride, a professional women’s softball team based in Viera, Florida.
The two-game series is a highlight of the World Fastpitch Championships, a youth fastpitch tournament whose host is Midwest Sports Productions.
“We’re thrilled to host some of the finest women’s pro softball players and the NPF again this summer and showcase the versatility of T-Bones Stadium,” said Chris Browne, vice president and general manager of the T-Bones. “This event is a tremendous addition to the Kansas City summer sports schedule of activities. We enjoy partnering with MSP and the USSSA Pride.”
“The Pride look forward to traveling to Kansas City every year, not just to play but to interact with the youth who are participating in the World Fastpitch Championships,” said Jami Lopries, vice president of USSSA Fastpitch. “Many of the young girls playing in the WFC could one day play for the Pride or another professional fastpitch team. The exposure this series brings to the Kansas City community and these young players is invaluable to our sport.”
Monday night’s game will feature a pre-game tailgate party in the parking lot with food trucks and an appearance by the Falcon Skydivers.
Following each game both teams will be available for free autographs and to meet and greet fans in attendance at the ballpark. Gates will open at 6 p.m. and first pitch is at 7:05 p.m. for both nights. Ticket prices are $17 Prime, $13 Choice, $9 Select and groups of 15 or more receive $1 off Choice, $2 off Select. Suite rentals are available for both games starting at $20 per ticket, minimum 15 tickets.
Tickets for the series went on sale earlier this week at the Saint Luke’s Box Office, at www.tbonesbaseball.com and by calling 913-328-5618. Saint Luke’s Box Office hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. -2 p.m. on Saturday. Visit www.tbonesbaseball.com for more information.
Full and half-season 2019 ticket packages, as well as mini plans, are on sale online at www.tbonesbaseball.com, by calling 913-328-5618 or by visiting the Saint Luke’s Box Office between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Group ticket sales are also on sale. Opening day for the T-Bones is set for Friday, May 17, at T-Bones Stadium when the T-Bones play host to the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks to open the 2019 season.
- Story from T-Bones