Bandits Going International?

Thirty members of a delegation from the city of Komogawa, Japan, were in Manitowoc this past weekend enjoying the sights of their sister city of Manitowoc. At a reception held in the Holiday Inn Atrium, Bandits officials Quentin Powalish and James Maurer were invited to participate in the festivities which themed around both countries favorite past time, baseball.

In a pre-reception meeting with Mr. Takao Hasegawa (pictured), Superindent of Education and Mr. Suzuki, Vice President of Sister City Relations, discussion began on offering a Komogawa ballplayer the opportunity to play for the Bandits next season and beyond. The future of that is to be determined at a later date, however, the event was probably one of the "coolest" things that the Bandits have participated in during their entire team history.

Mr. Hasegawa graciously accepted a Bandits home jersey, which he will take back with him to Japan and wear proudly. So proudly in fact, that during the reception which was for the most part of formal attire, Mr. Hasegawa wore the jersey the entire evening, even during the presentation of gifts made between the two city's delegates.

Another short sidenote, during discussion with the Japanese delegation, was a comment was made by Mr. Hasagawa to explore the possiblity of the Bandits playing a team from Komogawa one year in Japan and another year in Manitowoc. Could it happen? Who knows!