history

The Beginning -

"You're gonna learn more baseball."

The women of the Southern California Women's Baseball League (SCWBL) green squad, designated 'Bandits', struggled through 2004 Regular Season without a single win, as in the previous Season, and therefore did not qualify for the Post-Season Tournament.

At the suggestion of M-T. Cosgriff-Hernández, SCWBL President Dr. Chris Hill, Ph.D. invited Richard Cosgriff and Kevin-Khristián Cosgriff-Hernández to coach the Bandits squad for the 2005 campaign.  That summer the squad finished second in the Regular Season with a 3-3 record, and qualified for the Post-Season Tournament.  The Bandits squad made it to the Post-Season Tournament Championship Game, ending the summer 4-4.

The team's success was in large part do to the pitching of Shelly Moore, and Barb Robles.  Windy Weinman, Maria Cervantes, and Michelle Wilson set the table for the offense by getting on, stealing at will, and scoring often.  Carin Elliott, Lupe Navarro, Robles, and Moore used their bats to move our leadoff hitters around.  Meghan-Tómasita Cosgriff-Hernández was the catalyst to our pitching behind the plate, and was an offensive leader.  Steph Sharp and Ashley Atkins came through with clutch, late inning hits and solid play in the outfield.

2006 Summer Campaign -

"All for one!"

Coaches Cosgriff and Cosgriff-Hernández were asked to come back for another season in 2006.  In this very special season, the Bandits squad won the Regular Season Championship with a 5-1 record.  In the Post-Season Tournament, the Bandits squad made it to the Post-Season Championship Game for a second consecutive year. 

This squad was characterized by explosive offensive play and stellar pitching from Moore and Stefanie Young.  The Bandits squad displayed true defensive grit winning two one-run games back-to-back. 

The aggressive offense of the Bandits squad made them a threat in any given inning averaging over 8 runs a game for the Season.  Michelle Wilson led the team in Hits and Runs Scored.  Weinman was by far the best leadoff in the league, leading the team in Steals and was number two in Runs Scored and Hits.  Cosgriff-Hernández' eye improved at the plate, leading the team in On Base Percentage and zero Strikeouts.  This adjustment helped her lead the team in RBI's and Batting Average.  Elliott followed in the clean-up spot finishing in the top three with Hits and RBI's.  

Other highlights included Atkins' transition to second base.  Cervantes re-joined the Bandits outfield after recovering from a back injury, later making the switch to shortstop.  She and Atkins finished the season strong at the plate and helped fill critical voids in the infield.

The additions of Amabelle Valdellon, Reshanda Jennings and Danielle Ingram made the Bandits squad even stronger.  Valdellon boosted our offensive production in the areas of Runs Scored, RBI's and Total Bases.  Veteran player Jennings' stellar play in center field awed our fans, gave fits to our opponents and thrilled our pitchers.  Newcomer Ingram made timely contributions at the plate and served well as a third baseman.

Unfortunately, the Bandits squad lost the services of veteran Bandit Barb Robles and newcomer Vicki Mogab as the result of a league transfer to complete another roster.

Bandits in the SDABL -

"You're going to be challenged in new ways."

The Bandits Baseball Club formed in late Summer of 2006.  Coaches Cosgriff and Cosgriff-Hernández decided to establish an independent club that was committed to year-round development and training.  After extensive negotiations, the club was invited to play in the San Diego Adult Baseball League (www.sdabl.com)  commencing with the 2006 Fall Season.  (The SDABL is a member of the National Adult Baseball Association [NABA].)  The Bandits Baseball Club played 11 games in the 38A+ Division.

Throughout the season the coaches concentrated on developing the skills, and, the knowledge, of each player in a very competitive environment.  Players were encouraged to try new positions and given detailed instruction.  The team grew stronger, culminating in a close loss in the last game of the season. 

Finally, the SDABL Fall Season featured a new look for the Bandits Baseball Club.  Coaches Cosgriff and Cosgriff-Hernández created a unique look that included a color scheme from a prior team; Grandparent's Pride.  Interestingly, these teams shared many of the same qualities: determination, commitment to excellence, and, camaraderie.  The Bandits sported a green 'Tiffany B' on a navy jersey with Carolina blue trim and numbers.  In addition to this new color scheme a team logo(TM), designed earlier that Summer (by Cosgriff-Hernández, M-T), was incorporated into a patch and placed on the left arm.  The hats retained the same Bandit logo, but on a navy cap with a Carolina blue bill.

Tournament Bound -

"Vegas Baby!"

After developing more baseball skills and knowledge in the SDABL, the Bandits Baseball Club decided to put together a squad for the 2007 Roy Hobbs First Pitch Invitational Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The tournament was played over the weekend of April 14-16, 2007. 

Since then, we have made a second appearance at Roy Hobbs, and vastly improved on our first showing, placing seventh in the 2008 Roy Hobbs National Championship Cactus Classic, in Tucson, AZ. (October 2008)

We have entered into our eighth consecutive season in the SDABL 38+ single 'A' division.  If you are interested in joining our SDABL roster, please contact us.