Roberts swipes national record

By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Just the thought of Kristy Roberts getting on base makes chill bumps run up and down the spines of opposing coaches. The reason for that is her ability to steal a base anytime she wants to.
The senior shortstop/outfielder added a big exclamation point to her softball career on April 26 when she logged stolen bases No.235 and No.236 against Vinemont, the latter of which set a new national record for stolen bases in a career. She added No.237 and No.238 in her next game and likely will add several more before this season is complete.
Her record will be officially recorded in the next edition of a record book published by the National Federation of State High School Associations.
Roberts is also the state's most celebrated record holder in the stolen bases category, based on figures compiled by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. She holds the record for a game, seven; career, 243; consecutive season, 76; and consecutive career, 136. The reason her career number in the state is higher than the national record number is the fact that the state record includes the stolen based she recorded as an eighth grader.
"When I'm on base and we need a run, I try to steal," said Roberts.
"I feel comfortable running the bases; it's the part of the game I love the most."
She added, "I'll check out the catcher to see if she has a good arm. But my success boils down to quickness and confidence. I don't think anyone can throw me out."
"She's a tremendous athlete," said Holly Little, head coach. "She bats first in the lineup and has the green light to run anytime she's on base. She also has had good players behind her and I feel they have contributed to her success."
Roberts is the daughter of Carry and Karen Roberts and the sister of Katrina and Tonya Roberts, both of whom preceded her as star athletes at Danville.
"She has natural talent. She played every sport available to her when she was a youngster and she excelled in all of them," said her father.
"We're very proud of her and what she has been able to accomplish through her drive, desire and hard work.
"She is very deserving of the records."
Roberts is also an outstanding hitter. She holds the state career record with an average of .584 over three seasons.
Although she has been heavily recruited as a college softball prospect, Roberts is opting to concentrate on her education.
An honor graduate, she plans to attend Calhoun Community College and the University of Alabama in Huntsville to pursue a career in nursing.