2006 SEC PLAYER OF YEAR, BUTLER SIGNS TO PLAY FOR THE RACERS

May 26, 2006 – The Akron Racers, the National Pro Fastpitch’s (NPF) oldest existing franchise, has announced the signing of Kristen Butler who has just completed her outstanding collegiate career at the University of Florida.

Butler, who last week was named the Southeastern Conference (SEC) 2006 Player of the Year led the Gators in home runs (17), RBI (52), slugging percentage (.634), on base percentage (.413), fielding percentage (.986), runners caught stealing (21) and pickoffs (5). This season Butler set Florida single season records for home runs (17) and runners caught stealing (21). She also holds career records for lowest stolen bases against percentage, runners caught stealing and pickoffs. She ranks in the top ten of every Florida career-batting category. Butler is also the only player in school history to hit two home runs in a game three times in her career and is only the second player to record more than 50 RBI in a season. 

This marks the second time in her career Butler has been named to an All-Southeast Region team. She was a second team selection last season. NFCA member coaches from throughout the region, which includes Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and Virginia, select the All-Southeast Region teams. The members of the All-America teams will be announced on ESPN during the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, OK.