Published: June 08, 2009 10:34 pm      

Record basher new Miss Softball

MOREHEAD — Amber Riddle’s thundering bat and staggering statistics could not be denied.

Rowan County’s slugging senior is Kentucky’s 2009 Miss Softball in voting by the state softball coaches association.

“It’s very exciting,’’ said Riddle, the first player from eastern Kentucky to receive the award. “When I found out, I ran and told my mom, dad and little sister.’’

Riddle’s power-packed numbers made it difficult for Kentucky coaches to pick anybody else. Her 55 career home runs shattered the state record and elevated Riddle to No. 2 nationally. She also set Kentucky all-time marks with 92 doubles and 259 runs batted in during a remarkable five-year career.

“She’s the best I’ve ever seen,’’ said veteran Rowan County coach Larry Slone. “Twenty years from now, some of those records will still be standing. Amber is just an outstanding player, and with that, an outstanding person. It’s been wonderful for me to coach her, and she’s been a wonderful teammate to all that played with her.’’

Riddle’s offensive totals would have been even greater, but she missed her eighth-grade season due to knee surgery. Riddle returned to the softball scene as a freshman, hitting nine homers. She launched 47 more over the next three seasons.

“Amber has definitely earned it,’’ Slone said of the prestigious award. “She made the All-Star team last year and was Junior Player of the Year. One of her goals was to be Miss Softball, and she has put up some fantastic statistics to go with it.’’

After leading Rowan County to back-to-back 16th Region championships, Riddle batted .610 with 17 homers and 64 RBI as a senior and carried the Lady Vikings back to the regional finals.

“I’m proudest of our winning seasons and taking my team to the State Tournament twice,’’ said the Morehead State University signee.

This season, Riddle went 69-for-113 and also received 42 walks.

“I had to swing at a lot of pitches that were not strikes, but it turned out pretty well,’’ Riddle said. “The walks were frustrating at the time, but I understand why they did it.’’

Slone moved Riddle into the leadoff spot for the last third of the season to get her as many at bats as possible.

“Some teams were going to walk her regardless,’’ he said. “A majority of coaches in eastern Kentucky did pitch to her. I appreciate those that gave her the opportunity.’’

Slone said the selection of Riddle as Miss Softball is an indication that the state is beginning to realize the quality of softball in eastern Kentucky.

A new All-State format has three classes, determined by enrollment. Riddle is part of the Class 2A All-State first team. Ashland sophomore Katelyn Miller was an Honorable Mention selection.

Slone is looking forward to coaching Riddle one more time. He’s part of the coaching staff for the East-West All-Star Series this weekend at the University of Kentucky softball complex.

“It’s a nice honor,’’ said Slone, one of three coaches who will director the East senior squad. “As a high school coach, you might not have this kind of opportunity until a player like Amber Riddle comes along. I’m thankful for that.’’

Russell’s Kelsey Simpson is also on the roster for the East senior squad that will play twice Saturday — against the East juniors and West Juniors. On Sunday, the East and West senior teams will meet at 10 a.m.

Lawrence County’s Shantelle Horn and Rowan County’s Kaitlin Muncy were chosen for the East junior All-Stars.

ROCKY STANLEY can be reached at rstanley@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2671.