Assistant Coach Lisa Norris was named an IMPACT Honoree by the Akron Racers of the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) organization on Tuesday. As part of the Racers' 15th Season of Play celebration, the Racers are unveiling the 30 players who have had a profound impact on the history of the NPF's oldest existing professional fastpitch franchise. The Terrapins pitching coach is the 21st honoree in the series.
"I am honored to have been part of this incredible organization that gave me an opportunity to continue my career," said Norris. "For those seven years I was blessed to give back to Akron and I am humbled to have been selcted as an honoree, and thankful to have been a part of the NPF and watch it evolve over the years."
Simply put, the next Akron Racers IMPACT honoree is unparalleled in the history of the franchise, a fixture at Firestone Stadium for half of the franchise's existence to this point. That player is pitcher, Lisa Norris, who has re-written the Racers pitching record book in her seven seasons in Akron.
“When I think of Lisa, the first word that comes to mind is loyalty,” remembers GM, Joey Arrietta. “She came here undrafted, pitched a perfect game in her first appearance in the circle and remains to this day the most decorated pitcher in Racers history. Her record-setting career speaks for itself.”
No player had ever played in seven seasons in the Racers black and red before Norris finally put down her glove in 2015. That mark will be matched by only one other player, third baseman Kelley Montalvo in 2016.
Norris, the only Racer to be named NPF Pitcher of the Year, has accumulated numerous other records as well. She's the winningest pitcher in Racers history with 53 victories. Norris sits on top of the Racers all-time leaderboard with 654.0 innings pitched and 97 starts. Norris also wasn't just the first Racer to 400 strikeouts, but 500 as well, setting the current record at 565. Her 61-complete games is also an all-time record.
It's not as if these records are purely marks of longevity, most of these records have belonged to Norris since 2012 or 2013, setting her record pace in her fourth or fifth seasons in Akron. Norris claimed all of these club records from Radara McHugh who pitched for the Racers for five seasons from 2004-08.
Norris has now distanced herself significantly in the record book. She's 178 innings ahead of any other Racers pitcher, 41 starts ahead of the next pitcher in line, 218 strikeouts in front of McHugh, 23 complete games and nine wins ahead of the previous performances. It would likely take most pitchers 2+ seasons just to match how far ahead Norris is in most of those categories.
On top of her statistical dominance was Norris' ability to rise to the occasion and lead Akron in its biggest moments. In 2014, when the Racers upset the second-seeded Chicago Bandits 2-1 to advance to the finals of the NPF Championship Series for the first time since 2005, it was Norris who came through as big as anyone. Norris started both victories, throwing complete games in a 2-1 win and 1-0 shutout of the heavily favored Bandits. In 14 innings pitched, Norris surrendered just 10 hits and four walks, while striking out four.
Playoff success was nothing new to Norris by 2014, in fact, her playoff debut as a rookie in 2009 was a 1-0 complete game victory over Cat Osterman and the Rockford Thunder. Norris appeared in 15 playoff games, starting 10 games and throwing six complete games. In 65 innings of work, Norris allowed 41 earned runs on 68 hits and 31 walks, while striking out 54.
Norris and the other 29 IMPACT honorees will be recognized this summer, culminating in a weekend-long celebration July 15-17when 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
7. Kellyn Tate 15. Kristen Butler
8. Kristin Johnson 16. Veronica Wootson
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About the Akron Racers: The Akron Racers, headquartered in Akron, OH, are the oldest existing team in the National Pro Fastpitch (NPF) league, celebrating their 15th Season of Play in 2016. The Racers competed in the Women's Pro Softball League (WPSL) for two seasons in 1999 and 2000 and in the NPF since 2004. Historic Firestone Stadium is home to the Racers and numerous amateur events at all levels of play.
About National Pro Fastpitch (NPF)
National Pro Fastpitch (NPF), an Official Development Partner of Major League Baseball since 2002, provides elite female athletes with an opportunity to pursue a professional career in diamond sports beyond their collegiate success. The 2016 NPF season will be televised on CBS Sports Network. Coverage includes the NPF College Draft presented by Bownet on Thur., April 14, followed by 23 regular-season games, a Championship Series Preview Special and the 2016 NPF Championship Series. The NPF recently announced that the Scrap Yard Dawgs, located in The Woodlands, Texas, will join the Akron Racers, Chicago Bandits, Dallas Charge, Pennsylvania Rebellion and USSSA Florida Pride for the 2016 season. National Pro Fastpitch players hail from the U.S., Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and New Zealand, representing the most accomplished and talented athletes in the sport of women's softball.
Courtesy of AkronRacers.org
