Will Ferrell and Christopher Walken have nothing on the Bandits of the Athletes Unlimited Softball League.
If you really want to hear "more cowbell," just check out one of their games. Pitcher Sarah Willis told MLB Network during the Bandits' 6-0 win over the Volts on Saturday night that the team encourages fans to bring the noise whenever something positive happens for the team, much like Walken demanded of Ferrell during their famous SNL sketch 25 years ago.
And positive moments are adding up, as the Bandits finished off the first three-game sweep in the inaugural season of the AUSL on Saturday at McMurry Park in Sulphur, La.
ATHLETES UNLIMITED SOFTBALL LEAGUE
"They did a giveaway the first game in Rosemont [Ill.]," Willis told MLB Network commentators Amanda Scarborough and Chuckie Kempf after she finished off four scoreless innings.
"And then one of our athletic trainers bought like a pack of four, so we’ve been dinging them [for] every good thing that happens, just trying to get the crowd up and then get some good energy.”
Scarborough was the first to ask Willis about the cowbell, which Willis held proudly during the in-game interview. And though, like the other three AUSL teams this season, the Bandits have no host city, you might be able to hear the booming percussion echoing through the stands when they play.
"One of our things that we like to tell our fans when we’re trying to get them to get loud is 'more cowbell,'" Willis said. "And so you just give them a little ding, ding, ding."
The cowbell revelation wasn't the only notable mic'd-up moment for the Bandits on Saturday. Willis' battery-mate, catcher Jordan Roberts, talked to Scarborough and Kempf while calling pitches and encouraging her teammates during one half-inning.
She even caught a popup before giving an immediate on-air recap.
After just six games, the Bandits are coming together behind their fundamentally sound play and an early-season prescription of more cowbell.
"I think the best team in this league is going to be the one that makes the fastest adjustments. And that’s what we’re doing, we’re staying steady, we’re making adjustments, we’re responding to the game and just working together," Roberts said.
"This is the most fun I’ve ever had on a team. I am really excited. I've really enjoyed the first few weeks."