Chicago Bandits Sign Morgan Foley

Fresh off a stellar four-year career with Division 2 powerhouse Indianapolis, ace pitcher Morgan Foley has signed with the Chicago Bandits.

(c) UIndy Sports Info

The dominant hurler is UIndy's all-time wins leader and will be the first Division 2 player to ever suit up for the Bandits, who are coming off a league championship in 2015 and looking to shore up their rotation and pitching staff following the departure of all-time great Monica Abbott this offseason.

During her career at UIndy, Foley set three school records including wins (140), strikeouts (1,659), and innings pitched (1027). She registered eight career no-hitters.

Foley is second all-time in Division II history in strikeouts, behind only fellow 2016 NPF rookie Hannah Perryman, who was drafted by the Akron Racers. Foley got the "W" in the duo's only true head-to-head matchup this season, registering eighteen strikeouts and allowing just one hit and two runs in the conference tournament against Perryman's UMSL squad.

For 2016, Foley finished the season with a 40-4 record and 0.85 ERA. She collected 487 strikeouts in 272 innings of work. She allowed just twenty-one extra base hits and opponents hit just .133 against her. Throughout her entire career, Foley never allowed opponents to hit higher than .166 against her.

Also on the strikeout front, Foley holds the NCAA record for most strikeouts in a single game with thirty, a record she set in a thirteen-inning affair.

2016 NPF Draft Preview

The NPF Draft takes place tonight. As a preview of the action to come, let's take a look at each team's biggest needs and positions of depth, as well as some of the top players available.

AKRON RACERS
Joey Arrietta's squad has shown themselves competitive over the last couple of seasons, thanks in large part to minimal fluctuation of the roster and some low-profile draft picks and UFA signings that turned out well on the positive side. Following the trade of Jill Barrett, however, and the likely departure of Rachele Fico, the Racers will once again be in the market for some under-the-radar big-time playmakers.

PITCHING: Signed to the Racers' roster already are right-handed pitchers Aimee Creger; Alison Owen; Laura Winter; and Sarah Pauly. Fico received the franchise tag, but has not been officially signed. There are no left-handed pitchers on the roster at this point in time.

CATCHING: Second-year player Griffin Joiner is the only catcher actually on the roster at this point in time; Haley Outon also received a franchise tag, but likewise has yet to be resigned. Jessica Garcia, who split starting backstop duties last season with Outon, was traded to the USSSA Pride this offseason.

INFIELD: Following the afore-mentioned trade of Barrett, the hot-hitting super-utility player, the Racers only roster three true infielders at this point in time - Ashley Thomas, Kelley Montalvo, and Sam Fischer. Fischer has a Team USA commitment for part of the summer, so cannot be counted on for more than 1/2 of the season.

OUTFIELD: The one position the Racers are fully set in the depth department is the outfield. With five solid outfielders - namely A.J. Andrews, Jenny Gilbert, Shellie Robinson, Taylor Schlopy, and Cassie Tysarczyk - any future injury issues can be compensated for and covered sufficiently.

DRAFT PICKS: #3 (first round); #4 (first); #10 (second); #20 (fourth); #23 (fourth); #30 (fifth); #31 (fifth); #37 (sixth)

BIGGEST NEEDS: LHP; 1B; C; IF; IF; C; RHP

CHICAGO BANDITS
The reigning Cowles Cup champions will have to do some retooling this season following the offseason retirements of some key players, including star shortstop Tammy Williams, who made the move official just this week. It may be difficult to grab many of the A-list collegiate stars with their first pick coming at #11 overall, but Aaron Moore has a good eye for talent outside of the 'A-list'.

PITCHING: On the right-handed side of the circle, the Bandits have 2014 NCAA Player of the Year Lacey Waldrop; Sarah Moulton; and Tatum Edwards. Michelle Gascoigne is the lone southpaw that has resigned thus-far. Monica Abbott received the franchise tag, and is likely to re-sign for 2016, but that is not a 100% surety.

CATCHING: Slugger Taylor Edwards is the only catcher on the roster, so there is a serious need once-again for depth behind the plate. It seems like forever ago that Bandits fans had the luxury of a three-catcher system, any one of whom could be an all-pro star.

INFIELD: The recipients of Jill Barrett in the trade with Akron, the Bandits do have several more infielders to work with, including Brittany Cervantes; Danielle Zymkowitz; Natalie Hernandez; Sammy Marshall; Megan Blank; and Barrett. The retirement of Williams, as well as starting third baseman Amber Patton, leaves two gaping holes in the starting lineup. With such late-round and a minimal number of picks, I expect the future starters at those positions to come from those already signed or from the Bandits' always-well-attended open tryouts.

OUTFIELD: Speedsters Emily Allard and Brenna Moss are the only outfielders signed to this point; both are capable and worthy of starting, but there's obviously a need for a third starter (they're fast, but not THAT fast) and depth.

DRAFT PICKS: #11 (second); #17 (third); #22 (fourth); #24 (fourth)

BIGGEST NEEDS: OF; C; OF; P

DALLAS CHARGE
No longer the league's newest franchise, the Charge are coming off a playoff appearance in their first season of existence and look to build on that, especially with new homegrown competition in the Scrap Yard Dawgs. GM Kevin Shelton is famous for building his roster in true building-block fashion, with several unheralded-but-capable players and giving them the chance to prove themselves, often to solid success.

PITCHING: Collegiate standout Lauren Haeger, as well as Aussie Vanessa Stokes and former Georgia Southern star Sarah Purvis suit up from the right side, while NPF veteran Morgan Melloh is the token southpaw on the staff. Jolene Henderson received the franchise tag, though her return remains up in the air.

CATCHING: The Charge are (alphabetically) the first team to have their catching situation under complete control. NPF veteran and Clint Myers product Kaylyn Castillo is joined by second-year player Vicky Galasso and Aussie signee Chelsea Forkin behind the dish.  The trio should all vie for starting time as the season wears on.

INFIELD: Shelton's team is covered at every position around the horn, thanks to the staying power of his draft selections in 2015. Kaitlyn Richardson; Ashley Burkhardt; Kahley Novak; Nadia Taylor; Danielle Henderson; Kylee Lahners; and Renada Davis all return this season, Taylor the only one of the group with more than a year's professional experience under her belt.

OUTFIELD: Similar to their counterparts in Chicago, the Charge return just two outfielders - Mikey Kenney and Brianna Cherry - and, while both are solid contributors, the need for depth and a third starter is obvious.

DRAFT PICKS: #9 (second); #15 (third); #29 (fifth); #38 (sixth)

BIGGEST NEEDS: OF; OF; P

PENNSYLVANIA REBELLION
Despite the change in ownership to solidify what was formerly the league's always-in-limbo franchise, the Rebellion haven't been able to get much out of the league cellar, even missing the playoffs last season in favor of first-year club Dallas. Issues with the coaching staff created rifts among some members of the roster and saw some players released despite talent and a history of production, but the Rebellion really need a steroid shot in the arm (proverbially speaking) to get some new life in them and make them competitive in 2016.

PITCHING: Former #1 overall pick Dallas Escobedo is joined on the right side by Emily Weiman and Emma Johnson; lefty second-year players Miranda Kramer and Haylie Wagner finish out the staff.

CATCHING: The Rebellion are set behind the plate with Kristyn Sandberg, Mandy Ogle, and Taylor Tsistsikronis, the Australian import. All three are signed just through this season, but the trio of them leave no real hole for a backstop that wants to do more than ride the pine.

INFIELD: Australian legend Stacey Porter should be handed a starting job on a silver platter; the Rebellion are well-covered across the infield, with Alisa Goler; Olivia Watkins; Sarah Prezioso; Cheyenne Cordes; Whitney Arion; and Team USA commit Raven Chavanne.

OUTFIELD: Victoria Hayward and Courtney Senas, both second-year players, are the only rostered outfielders as it stands now; the Rebellion will need to pick up at least two before the season begins, unless they intend to again use Ogle as an outfielder on a regular basis.

DRAFT PICKS: #1 (first); #8 (second); #14 (third); #16 (third); #21 (fourth); #28 (fifth); #35 (sixth); #36 (sixth)

BIGGEST NEEDS: OF; OF; corner IF; P

SCRAP YARD DAWGS
Don't tell new general manager Connie May that there are only moderate expectations for her club to win much in their inaugural season in the league; she is ready to build her team and challenge immediately. However likely or unlikely that prospect may be, the Dawgs' strategy thus far has been an interesting one, which makes their draft prospects even more so.

PITCHING: In the continuation of stocking their roster, the Dawgs have many holes. They've added four to their staff so far, though that number includes two Team USA products in Jackie Traina and Sara Nevins. Both are only likely available for 1/2 of a season, maximum. Rachel Fox and Katie Cotta currently make up the rest of the staff in the circle.

CATCHING: Former USSSA Pride catcher Amber Freeman was acquired in the so-called 'expansion draft', while former Texas A&M backstop Meagan May-Whitley and Team USA catcher Amanda Chidester finish out the round behind the plate. Despite Chidester's national team commitments, the Dawgs should be able to make it work without any added depth behind the plate.

INFIELD: The Dawgs now have even more holes in their infield, their most drastically-bare set of positions, thanks to the retirement of Megan Low after one season. Lexy Bennett, Britt Vonk, and Nerissa Myers make up the entire infield roster pre-draft. Of that group, only Myers has any professional experience and proven NPF staying power.

OUTFIELD: The Dawgs are close to setting pretty in the outfield, with 'expansion draft' additions Emilee Koerner and Brejae Washington, both moving over from USSSA. Renee Erwin, the former Dallas Charge player, and Christi Orgeron, she of Louisiana-Lafayette fame, round out the outfield. The Dawgs could use another outfielder, but it is not a majorly-pressing need.

DRAFT PICKS: #6 (first); #7 (second); #19 (third); #26 (fourth); #27 (fifth); #33 (fifth); #34 (sixth); #40 (sixth)

BIGGEST NEEDS: LHP; RHP; 1B; 3B; P; IF depth

USSSA PRIDE
The premier franchise in the league is having to retool a bit for the first time in a long time, following the retirement of staff ace Cat Osterman, as well as the surprising trade of two of their best infielders earlier this week. With a few holes to fill, the Pride won't be in a "just the best available" selection mode all draft, but after filling their most pressing needs, do not be surprised if that thought process abounds.

PITCHING: Following the loss of Osterman, the Pride are likely to dub Keilani Ricketts the new staff ace. Behind her are closer Jordan Taylor, who has proved solid, and less-proven long-time pros Chelsea Thomas, Andi Williamson, and Hannah Rogers. Ricketts is the only lefty on the staff.

CATCHING: Megan Willis has also retired, leaving Chelsea Goodacre and newly-acquired former Racer Jessica Garcia as the 1-2 punch behind the plate. Both have the look of starter material, though I would not be surprised to see the Pride pick up another catcher if a good one is available.

INFIELD: Even after the trade of Madison Shipman and Brigette Del Ponte, the Pride are still solid 'round the horn. Gionna DiSalvatore, Shelby Pendley, Andrea Duran, and Courtney Ceo are the likely starters as it stands now, with Amanda Kamekona and NCAA home run queen Lauren Chamberlain also in the fold. Despite all of that, I firmly believe we'll see an infielder taken with the Pride's #2-overall selection, likely plugged in to a starting role, however unearned the spot may be.

OUTFIELD: Longtime pro and former Alabama great Kelly Kretschmann and the speedy Megan Wiggins anchor the outfield, where they're also joined by second-year former AZ Wildcat Hallie Wilson. There is a need for depth behind the trio, possibly to compete for playing time and to back up in case of injury.

DRAFT PICKS: #2 (first); #5 (first); #12 (second); #13 (third); #18 (third); #25( fourth); #32 (fifth); #39 (sixth)

BIGGEST NEEDS: OF; C; P; IF

Shipman, Del Ponte Traded to SYD

In a bit of somewhat-baffling news, the USSSA Pride traded all-pro shortstop Madison Shipman and fellow infielder Brigette Del Ponte to the Scrap Yard Dawgs in exchange for the 13th overall pick in this year's draft, as well as a 2nd and 3rd round pick in the 2017 draft.

Shipman, the 2nd overall pick in the 2014 draft and the league's Rookie of the Year that season, hitting .344 with twenty-eight RBI; last year, she hit .198 and her RBI numbers were cut in half.

Del Ponte, the former Akron Racer, hit .244 during the 2015 season, with four home runs and fifteen RBI. She began her career with the Racers and spent one year in Akron before being traded to the Pride.

The trio of draft picks received by the Pride in the trade give them eight total in this year's draft, including five in the first three rounds (#s 2, 5, 12, 13, and 18 overall).

The 2017 picks were specifically noted as Scrap Yard's first picks in the second and third round, 
leaving open the possibility the team may yet end 
up still selecting in those rounds in a year's time.

Historically, the Pride tend to hold onto players of Shipman's skill set and high marketability, so the trade surprised many, especially considering what was acquired in return. In a press release, Pride GM Don DeDonatis noted an offseason coaching change and that the move 'was the best thing for these players and their careers as every day players'.

It's rather obviously a table-setting maneuver, looking forward to certain acquisitions in the draft, but it's still quite a coup on the Scrap Yard Dawgs' part and a somewhat-puzzling transaction for the league's premier franchise. 

Where Are They Now: Clare Burnum

Who is she? Claer Burnum, a former all-conference third baseman for the Oregon State Beavers and in the National Pro Fastpitch league.

What is she known for? Burnum spent three years at OSU, earning all-Pac-10 honors in each of her three seasons in Corvallis. She led the Beavers to the Regional round three years in a row and graduated as the program's all-time leader and record holder in doubles. She went on to play for the Texas Thunder, Philadelphia Force, and Akron Racers for a combined seven seasons.

Here's something interesting... Prior to her current profession, Clare spent ten years in the coaching business, including stints at the collegiate; high school; and travel ball levels. She calls coaching a “real passion”.

Quotable quotes: 

"The opportunity to keep playing softball was crucial in becoming who I am today. I don’t know who I would be if I went into the real world without softball in my life at 23, right after college. My time at Oregon State was also amazing. I had so much fun in college, and playing in the PAC-10 against the now-legends of the game. Softball actually gave me the skills to be a contributing member of society."

"I still have a hard time with the eligible recruiting age now. I think it’s too early in a career for players to be committed to a college in 8^th grade. I know it’s competitive for coaches to get the best players early, but with the talent being all over the country now and not just coming out of CA, AZ, TX, there is a huge amount of players to recruit."

What's she up to now? Clare currently works as a police officer for the Milwaukie Police, her jurisdiction bordering Portland, Oregon. She says becoming a police officer is a long-standing plan and dream and it’s now her reality. Now Mrs. Clare Davis after her marriage to Matt, a firefighter in the same vicinity as Clare serves, they’re expecting their first child in a matter of weeks.

Keep up: Clare shares her thoughts on various parts of the game on her Twitter feed, @clare2cb.

Chelsea Forkin Steps Into Justin's World

When the Dallas Charge announced the signing of Chelsea Forkin last fall, many American softball fans' first reaction was 'Who?'. But for fans of the sport down under, it was a familiar name and one that is etched into Aussie softball history.

A 1989 product of Perth, Western Australia, Chelsea is not the only athlete in her family. Her brother played college baseball in the state of Alabama as well as for Team Australia in international competition.

Chelsea played baseball right alongside the boys as a youngster, including representing her nation at the 2004 World Cup of Baseball, among other top-level events. She also suited up for soccer and basketball, as well as softball. As in the US, Chelsea has a career outside of softball, as a high school physical education and geography teacher, as well as a softball coach.

She holds five medals from her tenure on Team Australia on the softball side, including one silver from the 2013 Canada Cup and four bronze medals, including one from the 2011 Canada Cup. In addition to playing for the Charge this season, she will also suit up for her country yet again at the 2016 ISF World Championships in Surrey, Canada.

Forkin is hardly the first Aussie to join an NPF roster, and will be one of a quartet of her countrymen to suit up for a league team in 2016.

Justin’s World: What do you think will be the biggest culture shock in coming to the US full-time?

Chelsea Forkin: Driving on the other side of the road!

Justin’s World: Though you have not experienced it *yet*, what are some of the major differences you are expecting between playing ball in the US and playing in Australia?
Forkin: I think the biggest aspect will be the difference in schedules. Back home in Australia, we only play a game once a week, which is for our local club team. We don’t have the opportunity to play as many scheduled games as the NPF offers which is awesome because I’m looking forward to the big game schedule.

Justin’s World: What factors played into your decision to sign with the Charge and play in the NPF?
Forkin: I felt that they were the right fit for me. Having fellow Aussie teammate Vanessa Stokes on the team made the decision a lot easier too!

Justin’s World: Give me your thoughts on the potential return of softball to the Olympics and what that would mean for the sport as a whole.
Forkin: The return of softball to the Olympic program would just be fantastic for our sport on so many different levels. I think the biggest effect it will have is boosting participation and helping so many young softball players to dream again. It will offer so many more opportunities for the younger generation of players coming through the ranks. I can’t wait to hear of the decision!

Justin’s World: In the NPF, you will also face Team Australia teammate Stacey Porter as an opponent. What will that be like for you? You having played with her, is that going to give your team a bit of a leg-up with insight you can give them?
Forkin: Ports is a longtime friend of mine, so when I found out she signed to play in the NPF, I was stoked for her! It’s also a nice feeling knowing that there are a few of us Aussies getting the opportunity to play professionally in the States. Back in Australia, Ports and I play on different state teams so it won’t be anything different; I’ll just treat the experience the same way as I do back home. Stace is a legend and I’ll do my best with insight, but it’s pretty hard to stop one of the best hitters in the world!!

Justin’s World: What is your favorite moment or memory from your career thus-far?
Forkin: There’s been some pretty special moments and memories made along the way so far, but I would have to narrow it down to when I was apart of the 2012 Australian National Team when we won the Bronze medal at the World Champs in The Yukon, Canada. Another special moment was when I was apart of the Aussie Spirit team that beat the USA for the first time since playing for Australia.

Justin’s World: What are you most looking forward to about playing in the NPF this summer?
Forkin: I’m really looking forward to playing with and against some of the best players in the world in front of some big crowds. I’m looking forward to playing alongside likeminded athletes who live and breath the game. It’s going to be a great season in Dallas!

Justin’s World: What new challenges do you think playing in the NPF will present for you?
Forkin: I’m pretty optimistic about challenges; I’m really just trying to envision how much of a positive experience it’s going to be and how playing for The Charge is going to help me grow as a ballplayer and person. 

Justin’s World: Who is the toughest opponent, either an individual or team, that you have faced?
Forkin: I’ve played against some great players and teams over the years. If I was to narrow down toughest opponent, I would have to go with Ueno from the Japanese National Team – she is fierce, plays smart and with her heart. Phenomenal player.

Justin’s World: What are your long-term plans for the future? Is playing in the NPF something that you would like to do long-term? If softball returns to the Olympics, do you plan to go back to playing for Team Australia sooner rather than later?
Forkin: My long-term plans for the future are to continue playing softball at the highest levels available to me. I would love the opportunity to return to play in the NPF. If softball is re-instated back into the Olympic program for 2020, then that will be a big goal of mine. For the time being, I will continue to take every opportunity I can to play top-level softball. I am also a qualified teacher so my career in teaching is also very important to me.

Justin’s World: Let’s end with my favorite question! Say you were stranded on a deserted island for an undetermined period of time, but you could take three things with you. No boats, no phones. What would you take?
Forkin: A Hammock, a smart and funny companion, and lots of water.