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Elgin, Ill. - Thanks to the Chicago Bandits and Elgin, Judson University had one of the top pitchers in Major League Baseball on campus.  Chicago Cubs' ace Carlos Zambrano made an appearance at the Chicago Bandits softball game for "Carlos Zambrano Day" as he came to watch his native Venezuelan softball team play on Thursday, June 26th.  As part of the festivities, Zambrano threw out the first pitch of the game. 

As Zambrano was arriving to the Judson campus, Judson Director of Athletics Nancy Binger and Judson Trustee John Smith had a chance to meet Zambrano. 

"This was another great opportunity that the Chicago Bandits brought to Judson and Elgin. To see a player such as Carlos Zambrano on Judson's campus and in Elgin is just another sign of how thankful we are to have the Bandits here," says Binger. "Being a life-long Cubs fan, it was fun meeting him as he arrived on campus."

During the game, Zambrano cheered on his native country from the dugout as he signed autographs.  The Venezuelan softball team will be making their first appearance in the Olympics as they will compete in Beijing. 

Taking part and helping the Bandits, Judson University Director of Sports Information Adam Ledyard also had the chance to meet Zambrano in a different way.  Ledyard helped the Bandits as a "bouncer" when called upon to help escort Zambrano to his limo and guard the dugout entrance.

"I enjoyed having the chance to be around Zambrano while helping the Bandits," says Ledyard.  "He is a nice person and was gentle with the crowd of people around him."

The Bandits came from behind for a 6-4 win in the bottom of the sixth inning when Jamie Clark smacked a two-run double.  Kristina Thorson came in for the save in the top of the seventh as the Bandits won their sixth game of the year.

The Chicago Bandits are in their first year playing at Judson University and in Elgin.  They play at the renovated, state-of-the-art, Judson softball field that was revamped by Bill Sokolis.