A Look Back at the Chicago Bandits and the Start of Professional Softball in Chicago

In 2005, professional softball in Chicago was launched with the fastpitch team known as the Chicago Bandits. They were founded by longtime coach Bill Conroy, and the Bandits competed in the National Pro Fastpitch League (NPF). 

For their first couple of seasons, the Bandits had temporary home ballparks around the Chicagoland area. Their first home was on the campus of Benedictine University where Chicago went 41-7 in year one. The Bandits called the Benedictine campus home for their first three seasons, and in two of those seasons they reached the league finals. 

In 2008, the team moved to the campus of Judson University. Much like at the campus of Benedictine, the professional organization in partnership with the Judson campus and city of Elgin, Ill. took the already existing field on campus and revamped it to provide a quality atmosphere to house professional competition. Selecting the Judson campus was an investment on the part of Conroy and the city of Elgin to provide a quality location for the athletes and fans. Prior to that 2008 season, some of those modifications included stadium seating, netting, and a high-end sound system. 

With these investments toward the facilities, the Bandits played their home games from 2008-2010 on the Judson campus. In addition, the players also lived on campus during their time, which allowed the community to be drawn to this team, and for good reason. 

Join Today to Get Unlimited Access to Extra Inning Softball

Join Now

Already a Extra Inning Member? Log In

— Nick Schaeflin/Extra Inning Softball