In a definitive nod from the fastball community, Colin Abbott has been named the Best Player of the 2000 International Softball Congress (ISC) season. The powerhouse hitter secured the top spot with a commanding 30.4% of the fan votes, outpacing a field of elite talent including Ryan Wolfe (25.5%), Thomas Makea (8.2%), and Jody Eidt (7.1%).
A Career Defined by Power and Precision
Hailing from Portugal Cove, Newfoundland, Abbott has established himself as one of the most prodigious hitters in the history of the ISC. Over a storied 18-season career spanning from 1992 to 2009, he became the “talk of the park” for his rare combination of an astute batting eye and massive power.
Abbott’s statistical legacy is nothing short of legendary:
- Career Leader: He holds the ISC records for at-bats (326), hits (120), and RBIs (86).
- Total Bases: He racked up a remarkable 320 total bases throughout his career.
- Extra-Base Specialist: He ranks second all-time in home runs (26) and doubles (24).
- Efficiency: In one of his most dominant stretches in 1996, he maintained a .486 average, with more than half of his hits going for extra bases.
The Heart of a Champion
Beyond the individual accolades, Abbott was the feared “go-to” guy who led his teams to the pinnacle of the sport. He spearheaded three ISC Championship runs with Wisconsin-based teams: the Green Bay All-Car Roadrunners in 1994 and the Madison Farm Tavern in 1999 and 2007.
His favorite personal memory remains his first title in 1994, where he delivered a dramatic “walk-off” single to secure a 5-4 comeback victory against the defending champion Toronto Gators. His teams were perennial contenders, finishing in the top four in 13 different ISC championship tournaments.
Life Beyond the Diamond
Off the field, the Prince of Wales Collegiate and Memorial University graduate has transitioned his competitive drive into a successful career as a financial advisor with Investors Group. Today, he shares his passion for sports with his wife, Michelle, and their two sons, Joel and Steven, whom he enjoys coaching in both hockey and baseball.
This latest recognition as the fans’ choice for Best Player of 2000 is a fitting tribute to a man whose name has become synonymous with ISC excellence.
Tomorrow we will be announcing who will join Abbott in the quest for the best pitcher of the 2000’s
