Allison Ford: More than just a pitcher

The Hudsonian Student Newspaper Tuesday, May, 5Tuesday, May, 5 0 Comments

Bobby Colla

Sports Editor

The Vikings’ top pitcher, Allison Ford, is not only in the top ten in ERA for the NJCAA but also excels as a hitter.

Ford has a .509 batting average, which is top 30 in the nation.

Ford’s swing is reminiscent of Major League Baseball player Ichiro Suzuki. She pulls her back foot as a lefty batter and has a slap hitter approach to hit the ball. Ford said she uses this style at the plate because she switched sides of the plate to become a slap hitter as a sophomore in high school.

“I was in a slump in my sophomore year of high school, so I learned how to slap hit lefty,” Ford said. “I relied on my speed to get me on base, but I have strengthened my swing lefty, and it works for me.”

In addition to her work in the batter’s box, Ford has pitched well for the Vikings this year with an ERA under 2.00 and a 12-2 record.

“I have a good defense behind me,” she said, saying that a good defense takes the pressure off her at the plate and on the rubber.