Ice add four players
Published on April 6, 2006 under National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Mid Michigan Ice News Release
The Michigan Ice, mid-Michigan's new women's professional fastpitch softball team, have added four players to their 2006 roster. Heidi Bauer, Kim Biskup, Grete Hornstrom & Becky Manson have committed to Ice Owner & General Manager Jason Newsham to join the first year pro fastpitch team.
Bauer played collegiate at Colorado School of Mines where she served as a utility player. She enjoyed her breakout season during her junior campaign when she batted .377 including 8 triples and knocking in 49 RBI's. Newsham expects her to serve the Ice best as an outfielder. "Heidi came in to the tryout in October at SVSU and played extremely well. She has above average speed which helps her track down balls in the outfield but even more impressive was her foot work and positioning."
Biskup is a native of Bay City. Biskup comes to the Ice after a standout career at Grand Valley State, earning NFCA first team All-America honors in 2000 and second team laurels in 1999. She was named the GLIAC "Player of the Year" in 2000, along with being tabbed first team all-region in both 1999 and 2000. The former first baseman holds the GVSU career records for home runs (46), RBI (238), total bases (445), and walks (110). She also holds the Lakers' single season records for hits (80), home runs (21, twice), RBI (78), total bases (157), and walks (40).
Biskup is expected to compete for the starting position at 1B. Newsham states, "Kim knows the 1B spot is open and she is very driven to play at the next level. She brings a wealth of softball knowledge she has obtained serving as an assistant coach at CMU (to Coach Jonker) and that will also help. I have known Kim for years and she is as passionate about this game as anyone I know."
Hornstrom starred at Kent State for four years from 2000-2003. She currently serves as an assistant softball coach at Ball State. Grete is an outfielder who will have an open door opportunity to obtain a starting position. "Grete really surprised me at the camp at SVSU. She has very quick feet and an excellent arm. The thing about outfielders that separates them from college to the pro level is accuracy and Grete has that," says Newsham. The Ice will carry five outfielders on their roster.
Manson, played her college ball for legendary softball coach Margo Jonker at CMU. Manson was a four-time All-MAC selection, earning first team honors three times. In 1999, the Rockford native was tabbed MAC "Freshman of the Year." Manson finished her career ranked first in the CMU record book for career at-bats (720), second in career runs (140) and hits (240), tied for second in doubles (42), third in stolen bases (67), sixth in batting average (.333), and seventh in games played (215). Her 18 doubles as a senior in 2002 set a CMU season record. As a senior, Manson was honored by her teammates with the Beth Pawlak Award. The award is given to the player whose leadership, hard work, and positive attitude serve as an inspiration to those she encountered both on and off the field.
"Becky was given the team role of utility player, because she can play at the pro level anywhere she is needed. She is a winner who makes her teammates around her better. With the schedule we have, we are better off for having Becky as part of this team."
The Ice open up training camp June 1st in Midland.
National Pro Fastpitch Stories from April 6, 2006
- Michigan Ice Softball Schedule Released - Mid Michigan Ice
- Ice add four players - Mid Michigan Ice
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.
