2008 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THEY YEAR BACK BEHIND PLATE FOR BANDITS
Chicago Bandits GM, Aaron M. Moore, announced the re-signing of catcher Kristen Butler for the 2014 season. This will be her third year in a Bandits uniform.
"Signing Kristen for the 2014 season was very high on our list of priorities this offseason," said Moore. "Not only is she very capable offensively, but she's still a solid receiver and a trusted veteran on the team.
"She has always worked well with our pitching staffs and we expect that to continue. Kristen is a pro's pro and we're looking forward to a big 2014 from her."
Both an offensive and defensive presence at the plate, Butler finished last season with a .256 batting average, recording 25 RBIs and five homeruns. Her 133 putouts were good for fourth best in the league and she tied for first in the league with 13 assists.
"Being back in Chicago for the summer is going to be exciting," said Butler. "This will be my seventh year in the NPF and it never gets old. Every year I play, I realize how blessed I am to live out my childhood dream and continue to do what I love most. The Chicago Bandits organization is first class and I'm proud to be a part of it."
Before her days as a Bandit, Butler spent four seasons with the Akron Racers (2006-2009). In 2009, she made the journey to Japan where she spent two seasons playing overseas in the Japan Softball League. In 2010 she competed on the PFX Tour, which features US Olympians and All-Americans before signing with the Bandits in 2012.
She is currently serving as an assistant coach at Charleston Southern University in North Charleston, S.C.
For more information about the Chicago Bandits, or to inquire about becoming a season ticket holder for the 2014 season, visit www.chicagobandits.com [1] or call the front office at 877-722-6348.
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.
