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NPF Akron Racers

Ashley Thomas Named Impact Honoree

June 1, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Akron Racers News Release


Ashley Thomas of the Akron Racers
Ashley Thomas of the Akron Racers
(Akron Racers)

AKRON, OH -The 28th spot on the IMPACT honoree list belongs to current second baseman Ashley Thomas. Thomas came to the Racers as a former the ACC Player of the Year as the shortstop for the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets. When GM Joey Arrietta told Thomas the plan for her in Akron was to switch to second base, she never blinked, Thomas did what was best for the team and has produced at a high level as a second baseman daily going into her third year with the team.

"On the very first day of practice Ashley lined up at short," recalled Arrietta. "I motioned her to move to second base and the rest is history. Ashley never questioned my decision and turned in an All-NPF season in her rookie year."

Thomas was chosen in the fifth round with the 18th overall selection by Arrietta in 2014. In her rookie season, Thomas was named to the 2014 All-NPF Team while placing third on the team with a .326 batting average and 42 hits. Thomas also scored 25 runs, drove in 15 RBI and hit five home runs and played in every game during her rookie campaign. Thomas also posted a .944 fielding percentage as a rookie.

This past season Thomas again played in all 48 Racer games. Thomas batted .271 on 36 hits while plating 20 base runners and scoring 18 runs. She hit three doubles and four home runs.

In two years with the Racers, Thomas has quickly ascended Akron's record books. Entering just her third season Thomas is within striking distance of the top 10 of most offensive accumulative statistical categories. With 43 runs already, she needs to score just eight this season to move into the top 10, Her 78 hits have her just 19 away from that mark as well. Four more home runs added to the nine Thomas has already hit would place her tenth and 19 RBI in addition to her current total of 35 would place her in the same territory.

Thomas also has a batting average of .298, a slugging percentage of .420 and an on-base percentage of .338, to go with five doubles and six stolen bases. Without question in just two short seasons, Thomas has clearly etched her name into Racers history.

Thomas and the 29 other IMPACT honorees being revealed will be recognized in a weekend of celebration July 15-17 when the Racers welcome the Dallas Charge to Akron. The honorees and other former players will be in town for the festivities, the highlight of which will be a ceremony to honor them in which they will receive a personalized commemorative jersey with their name and number.

2016 Akron Racers IMPACT Honorees (to date)

1. Carla Brookbank-Schaal 9. Radara McHugh 17. Angela Tincher 25. Nerissa Myers

2. Crystl Bustos 10. Iyhia McMichael 18. Norelle Dickson 26. Charlotte Morgan

3. Amy Kyler 11. Nicole Trimboli 19. Jackie Pasquerella 27. Rachele Fico

4. Sarah Dawson 12. Brandee McArthur 20. Lisa Modglin 28. Ashley Thomas

5. Nicole Odom 13. Jenny Topping 21. Lisa Norris

6. Tobin Echo-Hawk 14. Oli Keohohou 22. Sam Marder

7. Kellyn Tate 15. Kristen Butler 23. Jill Barrett

8. Kristin Johnson 16. Veronica Wootson 24. Ayumi Karino




Images from this story

Ashley Thomas of the Akron Racers
Ashley Thomas of the Akron Racers
   



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