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NPF Akron Racers

Racers Proud to Recognize Impact Honoree Ayumi Karino

May 25, 2016 - National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
Akron Racers News Release


Ayumi Karino of the Akron Racers
Ayumi Karino of the Akron Racers
(Akron Racers)

AKRON, OH - The Akron Racers searched far and wide to bring today's IMPACT honoree to Akron, finding her on the other side of the Pacific Ocean in Amagasaki, Hyogo, Japan. Former Racers right fielder Ayumi Karino was not only the first Japanese player to dress in an Akron uniform, but the first foreign-born player to wear the black and red. Ayumi's impact on the Racers the past three seasons was out of this world!

"I was thrilled to have Ayumi, our first Japanese player, join the Racers," noted GM Joey Arrietta. "She was incredibly talented but, more importantly, her charm and cultural influence on our community for the past three years was extraordinary."

Karino arrived in Akron for the 2013 season and quickly made Firestone Stadium's right field her new summer home, appearing in all but two games that first season - the vast majority of them in right field.

Her exceptional credentials on defense alone would warrant Karino serious consideration as an IMPACT honoree. Karino made only two errors, while making 152 successful plays, in three seasons for the Racers, and retired from the NPF with an active streak of 57 straight games without an error, dating back to July 25, 2014.

Karino's impact on Akron was not just defense. In each of the three seasons, Karino was among the top three in batting average, including leading the team with a .376 batting average in 2014. Karino finished her time with the Racers tied for second in franchise history with four triples, behind only Crystl Bustos with six. She is also ninth in team history with a .320 batting average among qualified hitters and seventh with 61 runs scored.

As a second leadoff hitter, Karino helped Akron's develop into the highest scoring offense in the NPF in 2015, scoring or driving in 22 of the team's league best 188 runs.

Over three seasons, Karino played in 128 games, recording 97 hits, nine doubles and 12 stolen bases - including a career-high nine in 2014. Defensively, Karino finished with 145 putouts and seven assists while amassing a .987 fielding percentage.

After winning a gold medal with Japan in the 2008 Olympics, Karino knew what it took to play winning softball at the highest level and she brought that knowledge with her to Akron. Whether it was running down a fly ball, hustling out a single, stealing second base, throwing a perfect dart from the outfield to retire a runner at home plate or stretching a single into a double, Karino took every opportunity that presented itself as a chance to make a positive impact on the Racers and she did.

The season-long celebration of the Racers 15th Season of Play will reach its apex the weekend of July 15-17 when the Dallas Charge come to Akron. Among other festivities, the IMPACT honorees will all be in town to be recognized in an on-field ceremony which includes the presentation of a special commemorative jersey bearing their name and the 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 24. Ayumi Karino




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Ayumi Karino of the Akron Racers
Ayumi Karino of the Akron Racers
   

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