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NPF Akron Racers

Amy Kyler Is Third Akron Racers Impact Honoree

March 15, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Akron Racers News Release


Amy Kyler of the Akron Racers
Amy Kyler of the Akron Racers
(Akron Racers)

AKRON, OH - The Akron Racers have chosen a unique manner in which to catalogue their very proud 15 Seasons of Play. The 30 IMPACT honorees clearly begin to paint the historical timeline of the league's oldest existing franchise. Carla Brookbank-Schaal and Crystl Bustos began to write the story one week ago and now it's up to the third honoree, pitcher, Amy Kyler to continue the trailblazing Racers history.

"Amy, like Carla, stayed local to play at Cleveland State and Kent State," remarks, GM, Joey Arrietta. "I had a front row seat watching these two shape the game for players in this area. Amy, threw hard and fast like no other I had seen as evidence when she matched Olympic Gold Medalist, Lisa Fernandez, pitch-for-pitch and strikeout-for-strikeout in one of the most incredible games in Firestone Stadium history on June 9, 2000."

Kyler joined the Racers for their first season in 1999, after spending two seasons with the Carolina Diamonds of the WPSL in 1997-98. Kyler was not only a pioneer, but a dominating force in the circle for four seasons with the Racers from 1999-2000 and 2005-2006. The talented right-hander became one of only three players to have her number retired.

Kyler's #24, that she wore in her original stint from 1999-2000 with the Racers, hangs in Firestone Stadium alongside the first two IMPACT honorees announced last week - fellow pitcher, Carla Brookbank-Schaal (#4) and slugger, Crystl Bustos (#6).

Kyler currently ranks fifth in the Racer record book with 41 starts, 22 wins and a career 1.67 ERA, and she ranks sixth in team history with 21 complete games. Her 0.83 ERA in 2000 is a record for any Racer pitcher that threw more than 35 innings in a single season. That season Kyler helped Akron post a team record for lowest ERA by a staff with a 0.99 ERA. That mark places the Racers third, behind only the 2000 Florida Wahoos (0.85) and the 2004 Texas Thunder (0.88) in All-Time WPSL-NPF history.

Kyler, a 1999 WPSL All-Star, started 27 games over two years and posted a 10-12 record, throwing 177.2 innings, allowing just 123 hits and 69 walks while striking out 119 hitters with a 1.54 ERA.

When the NPF re-launched league play in 2004 Kyler spent one season with the California Sunbirds, before returning to Akron in 2005 to help the Racers win their very first Cowles Cup.

That season, Kyler was second on the staff with 11 starts and 84 strikeouts, Kyler also finished second on the team with a 0.857 WHIP and finished third on the team with a 1.72 ERA.

Kyler 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.




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Amy Kyler of the Akron Racers
Amy Kyler of the Akron Racers
   

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