National Pro Fastpitch officials recently announced that the Philadelphia Force have joined the league as an expansion team for the 2006 season. 

The Force, owned by brothers and native Philadelphians William M. and John M. Thompson, will be headquartered out of Horsham, Pa. The club will play its home contests at Patriots Park in Allentown. 

The Force has signed four free agents, including 2004 Olympic gold medalist Natasha Watley. Watley played for the New York/New Jersey Juggernauts a year ago and batted a team-high .374. 

Philadelphia has also signed 2005 NPF co-Pitcher of the Year, Lauren Bay. Bay, currently the top pitcher on the Canadian Olympic won 17 games and compiled a 0.88 ERA as an all-star game selection in 2005. Joining Bay and Watley on the Force is another 2005 all-star, second baseman Carri Leto, and power hitting catcher Ryan Realmuto. 

The Force will be unveiling team logos, marquee athletes and inaugural ticket packages and fundraising opportunities at the Sellersville Belles Fall Classic on Saturday, October 22, at Druckenmiller Park in Sellersville, Pa.