For the last four seasons, I have spent many summer nights watching the Chicago Bandits (women’s pro softball).

Last week, I enjoyed my first Bandits’ road trip, traveling to Akron, Ohio, for their series against the Racers. The Racers were started by Ms. Joey Arietta in 1999. In 2004 they joined the NPF  (National Pro Fastpitch). The Racers are the longest-tenured team in the NPF. Firestone Stadium — home of the Racers —  was dedicated in 1925 by Harvey Firestone, the founder of the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company, which owned the stadium until donating it to the city of Akron in 1988. We missed the first game — a 1–0 win by the Racers — but saw the next two games, both won by the Bandits.

Taylor Edwards — my pre-game prediction for Star of the Game — hit two home runs to lead the Bandits and pitcher Michelle Gascoigne to a 6–3 win. The next night, the Bandits exploded for a 17–4 win, lead by Brittany Cervantes — my friend Chuck’s pre-game prediction for Star of the Game — who hit a home run and had three RBIs to back the pitching of Lacey Waldrop.

After the games, both teams signed autographs and posed for pictures with the younger fans. Every kid went away happy and every parent went away grateful. It really is quite a sight. I cannot say enough good things about the players, organizations or the league. The young female athletes truly play for the love of the game, the young fans and the future of the sport. The International Olympics Committee has recommended the return of softball for the 2020 Olympics.

Retired softball legend Jennie Finch predicted this in a conversation with me last year. It’s because of efforts from people like Finch but also because of the goodwill current players are spreading. I appreciate the hospitality of the Racers organization, especially media manager John Urchek, but it wasn’t just limited to this visiting journalist. I saw several members of the organization go above the call of duty in helping fans. One other part of this trip worth mentioning was our meal at Tres Potrillos. My shrimp tacos were among the best I have ever tasted. Their salsa had a unique flavor which was wonderful.

The 2016 NPF season is almost over, but I am already looking forward to doing this trip again in 2017. I have fallen in love with this sport.

— John Wroblewski, online contributor