NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Akron Racers

Former Michigan Grad, Kellyn Tate Named Racers Impact Honoree

March 29, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Akron Racers News Release


AKRON, OH - Former Michigan grad Kellyn Tate becomes the seventh Akron Racers IMPACT honoree as announced today by the team which is celebrating its 15th Season of Play in 2016. The Racers began announcing the 30 players that have had the most profound impact on the franchise since Akron's inaugural season in 1999 on March 8th. Tate relocated to Akron when the Racers acquired the Orlando Wahoo's roster after the WPSL suspended play in Orlando in 1999.

"Kellyn was one of the brightest and most consistent players in our history," noted GM Joey Arrietta. "Her personality and spirit was contagious. She brought that to every practice, every game, and every day she played in Akron."

In the 1999 season, Tate led all qualified hitters with a .320 average, collecting 56 hits, 11 doubles, 32 runs scored, 27 RBI and 13 stolen bases, playing in 60 of the Racers 66 games that season. The Racers finished tied for second place with a 34-32 record. Defensively, she made only one error while switching between centerfield and right field. A 1999 WPSL All-Star, Tate led the Racers in runs scored, doubles, triples (2) and RBI. She finished second on the team in hits and stolen bases behind fellow Wolverine, Traci Conrad.

Tate once again rose to the occasion to have a huge impact on the Racers in 2000, playing in 30 of the team's 32 games. She led Akron with 23 hits, three doubles, six RBI, a .345 slugging percentage and a .361 on-base percentage. Her .274 batting average was just one point behind Danielle Cox for the team lead. Tate once again was stellar in the outfield, with a perfect 1.000 defensive average in 33 chances.

Throughout her two-year career with the Racers, Tate put up some incredible numbers. Tate played in 90 games and had a career average of .305. Tate currently ranks in the Top 25 in eight different career categories. She is in the Top 10 with a .400 on-base percentage (8th) and 16 stolen bases (10th). Tate is also 11th with 14 doubles, 12th with a .305 average, and 14th with 79 hits, 16th with a .432 slugging percentage, 18th with 40 runs scored and 24th with 33 RBI.

After the WPSL suspended league play in 2001, Tate's greatness in the league was recognized again as she was named to the 2001 WPSL All-Stars for the league's "Tour of Fastpitch Champions" which featured stars of the league, like Tate, and a team of American and international Olympians. Tate would also return to competition for one season when the league began play under the new league moniker, (NPF) in 2004, playing for the California Sunbirds.

Tate and the other 29 IMPACT honorees will be recognized this summer, culminating in a weekend-long celebration July 15-17 when the Racers welcome the Dallas Charge to Firestone Stadium for a three-game series. The Racers will welcome back many of their former players to celebrate the history of the franchise, culminating in the pre-game presentation of the 30 IMPACT honorees on July 16th. Each honoree will receive a special commemorative jersey bearing their name and number.

2016 Akron Racers IMPACT Honorees (to date)

1. Carla Brookbank Schaal

2. Crystl Bustos

3. Amy Kyler

4. Sarah Dawson

5. Nicole Odom Reis

6. Tobin Echo-Hawk

7. Kellyn Tate

• Discuss this story on the National Pro Fastpitch message board...

National Pro Fastpitch Stories from March 29, 2016


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central