Dallas, TX—February 12, 2015–The Dallas Charge are pleased to announce the signing of Morgan Melloh as the fourth player in franchise history. Melloh, the 2011 Big 10 Pitcher of the Year, has been playing the last three years in the Japan Softball League after spending 2011 and 2012 in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF). The left-handed pitcher has a wealth of professional experience and offers a great complement to the Charge’s recent signee, Jolene Henderson.
“It’s great to add to another high quality pitcher to the team. I’m excited about the foundation that we are putting in place. Morgan brings a wealth of experience and ability to the squad. Paired with Jolene, she will help give us a chance to be competitive right away. I’m pleased that our fans can look forward to a team that they can feel good and be proud of. The North Texas area is getting excited about the Charge and this signing should add to it,” said Dallas Charge GM, Kevin Shelton.
Melloh was drafted seventh overall by the NPF Diamonds in the 2011 NPF draft. She spent her rookie season as the team’s ace striking out 87 hitters in 112 innings pitched. Melloh was asked to carry the pitching load for the Diamonds in 2011 after they lost their other two starters during the season. While pitching on a young and inexperienced team, Melloh proved she had the ability to keep NPF hitters off balance and become one of the top pitchers in the league.
“I am excited to join the Charge and play in an area like Dallas because it’s an opportunity to expand the NPF. I’m excited to return to the NPF with the great competition that exists in the league and become a better player for facing that type of competition every day. It’s always good to be up for a challenge,” said Melloh.
During the 2012 NPF season, Melloh joined the Carolina Diamonds midway through the season after returning from Japan. She finished 2012 with a 2-1 record in 7 games and stuck out 27 hitters in 23.1 innings pitched. Melloh last pitched in the NPF in the 2012 NPF Championship Series.
After spending her first three college seasons at Fresno State, Melloh transferred to Indiana University to be closer to her family, who reside in Fishers, Indiana. In her one season with the Hoosiers, Melloh was named Big 10 Pitcher of the Year and set school and Big 10 records for strikeouts in a season (494) and strikeouts in conference play (221). In 2009, she became the fourth pitcher in NCAA Division I history to begin their career with back-to-back 400 strikeout seasons (Monica Abbott, Cat Osterman, and Angelica Seldan were the only others). At the time of her graduation in 2011, Melloh ranked ninth on the NCAA Career Strikeout list.
The Dallas Charge inaugural season kicks off at home on June 3, 2015 against the Pennsylvania Rebellion. For more information and questions about the Charge, contact us at [email protected] or call 724-CHARGE1 (724-242-7431). You can also follow the Charge on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About the Dallas Charge
The Dallas Charge will begin competition in the National Pro Fastpitch league in 2015. The Charge will provide elite softball players the opportunity to pursue a professional career and inspire the next generation of professionals. Located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, the Charge organization and its players are committed to demonstrating leadership in community involvement, entertainment, and professionalism. Follow the Charge at www.dallascharge.com or on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About National Pro Fastpitch
National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) is headquartered in Nashville, Tenn. The league, created to give elite female fastpitch players the opportunity to pursue a professional career in their chosen sport, has operated since 1997 under the names of Women’s Pro Fastpitch (WPF) and Women’s Pro Softball League (WPSL). NPF is the Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball in the category of women’s fastpitch softball and has been since 2002.