Kelly Kretschman Named First Triple Crown Winner in NPF History
August 17, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
USSSA Pride News Release
Kissimmee, FL- Kelly Kretschman has made NPF history becoming the first Pro Fastpitch player to earn the prestigious Triple Crown award in her 11th year in the league.
At nearly 37 years of age, Kretschman led the NPF in batting average (.466), home runs (13) and RBI (45) to earn the league's first ever Triple Crown title this summer.
"It's an honor and an accomplishment that I never expected to be the one to get," said Kretschman. "There is no question that hitting behind Wiggins and in front of Pendley has enabled me throughout the season."
Kretschman's accomplishments don't stop there. The Pride veteran also led the NPF in hits (62), tied with Sami Fagan, runs (42), on-base percentage (.563) and slugging percentage (.827), a steep feat in a league rich with prestigious players. With so much to be proud of, Kretschman never falls short of crediting her teammates for the success she's achieved professionally and her continual dominance at the plate undoubtedly led the Pride to their fifth regular season title.
The 2015 NPF Player of the Year currently holds two all-time NPF-best records in RBI (223) and hits (400), recently surpassing former teammate Natasha Watley's career hits record of 383, but the Pride outfielder has a lot more to accomplish with the 2016 NPF Championship Series right around the corner.
Currently the only player on the 2016 roster to have played in the Pride's inaugural season back in 2009, Kretschman has certainly been a key part of USSSA'S success over the years that cannot and should not be limited to her performance this summer.
"This franchise was built around Kelly 8 years ago" states USSSA Florida Pride's General Manager, Don DeDonatis, "her success both on and off the field, her leadership, well it couldn't have worked out any better for both USSSA and the Pride. I feel so strong about her dedication to the sport and the team that I just signed Kelly to a new 3 year contract making her the first player in NPF history to be committed to playing until 40 years of age. And then, once she retires, I told her she will have a full time position waiting for her in the USSSA organization", announced DeDonatis.
It all begins this Friday in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Watch Kelly and the USSSA Pride finish off the 2016 season at none other than the University of Alabama where the Triple Crown winner herself put Roll Tide softball on the map. Get your tickets at profastpitch.com today!
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