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NPF Akron Racers

Jill Barrett Named Impact Honoree by the Akron Racers

May 24, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Akron Racers News Release


Jill Barrett of the Akron Racers
Jill Barrett of the Akron Racers
(Akron Racers)

AKRON, OH - The Akron Racers are celebrating their 15th Season of Play this coming summer. The Racers are continuing to identify the players who have had the most significant impact on the team's storied history. The 22nd IMPACT honoree to be recognized by the Racers is one of the best utility players ever to play in Akron, Jill Barrett.

"I was particularly convinced that the athletic ability and versatility Jill possessed would translate into a successful career at the pro level," remembered GM Joey Arrietta. "She proved night-after- night that she could play anywhere on the diamond."

Arrietta tapped Barrett in the fourth round of the 2014 NPF Draft with the 15th overall selection. Barrett burst onto the scene from relative obscurity at the University of Tulsa to go on to blossom and earn two consecutive All-NPF awards. In 2015, Barrett grabbed the shortstop position spot on the All-NPF Team ahead of some of the most recognizable names in the game.

From the start of her rookie campaign, Barrett's versatility set her apart as a player that has made a unique impact in her two-year stint with the Racers. Barrett made her debut in a pinch-hit appearance on May 29, 2014 in Akron's home opener, a 4-0 win over the Chicago Bandits. Her debut in the field came the very next night, when she entered the game at shortstop. From that point on Barrett would become a fixture in the leadoff spot in the lineup playing all three outfield spots, first base, shortstop and designated player in her rookie campaign.

Offensively, Barrett made significant contributions her rookie year. She finished second on the Racers with 46 hits and posted a .315 average. In 2014, she was one of only three players to have over 20 runs and 20 RBI registering 21 runs scored and 22 RBI.

After a great rookie season, Barrett settled in as the everyday shortstop and stepped up her game another notch in 2015. Barrett led the NPF with 56 hits, while leading Akron with a .339 average, good enough for third in the NPF. Her 26 runs scored were second best for the Racers and ranked third in the league. Barrett also led the Racers with two triples, finished tied for the team lead with five stolen bases and finished tied for second with four doubles. Her performance earned her the All-NPF selection at shortstop.

Barrett's .328 career batting average is tied for fifth all-time with former catcher, Jenny Topping. Her two-year career with the Racers included 92 games, 12 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 47 runs, 37 RBI and 10 SB.

Barrett 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 9. Radara McHugh 17. Angela Tincher

2. Crystl Bustos 10. Iyhia McMichael 18. Norelle Dickson

3. Amy Kyler 11. Nicole Trimboli 19. Jackie Pasquerella

4. Sarah Dawson 12. Brandee McArthur 20. Lisa Modglin

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




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Jill Barrett of the Akron Racers
Jill Barrett of the Akron Racers
   



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