Get on board with Dugout Chatter’s regular feature, The Final Pitch!
We are scouring the Internet and Social Media and keeping our ears to the street for the latest going on in the softball community.
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Here’s our TFP for Wednesday, July 19, 2023:
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THE FINAL PITCH: HANNA YORK
Houston Christian-committed 2024 UT Hanna York recently talked to Dugout Chatter about Bombers Gold American, Deer Park High, Triple Criwn Colorado 4th of July, Impact Gold-Jackson, chronic Kidney disease, Houston Christian, psychology, science, Sis Bates, romance books, Taylor Swift, Disney, “Mama Mia” and friendship bracelets.
THE FINAL PITCH Q&A
Name: Hanna York
Hometown: Deer Park, TX
High School: Deer Park High
Club Team: Bombers Gold American 18U
Graduation Year: 2024
Height: 5-foot-4
Position: UT
Nickname: I primarily get called “York” or “Yorkie” because of my last name.
Instagram: @Hanna._York._
Honors: Certificate of Congratulations for winning state; Certificate of Achievement; Newcomer of the Year at DPHS; and Bombers Defensive Player of the Year.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I first became a Bomber because I had a really good experience with my head coach, Chuck Peters, last year. I played for him my last year of 14U with assistant coach Jasie Roberts. Even though I left the organization for a year, I learned a lot about the type of ball player I wanted to be and Coach Chuck never stopped coaching me. From there I returned back to the organization and met Coach Adrian Rodriguez, who has been an amazing coach this past year along with Coach JR and Mel.
Tell us about your high school team and how you did? I play for Deer Park high school and my freshman year we won state and returning sophomore year we went back. This past junior year we fell short, but it was a good run and I’m fortunate to play for a strong high school team and select team.
Can you tell us about your recent experience in the 18U National Power Pool at Triple Crown Colorado 4th of July? My week in Colorado had been nothing I’ve ever experienced. The week itself was fun and I had an unbelievable experience and opportunities to showcase what me and my team had worked so hard for! I did fairly well in the tournament, but I overall would not have made it as far as I did without my teammates with me.
Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? I definitely think Impact Gold-Jackson has been our toughest team we’ve ever played without a doubt. They have amazing chemistry on the field, great hard-working people and I feel honored playing them each and every time.
What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? Something I am still currently facing is chronic Kidney disease Stage 2. I was diagnosed when I was around 10 or 11 years old, and from there it’s been hard on my body to keep playing. I’ve also been through my fair share of injuries these past years, but nothing will compare to the pain of not being able to play. Thankfully, I have my friends, family and coaches, who are always looking out for me and supporting my every step.
Why did you choose to commit to Houston Christian? From the moment I stepped on to the field, I loved the coaches and players they chose to have around them. The coaches have been nothing but welcoming and are good people. Just like the coaches, the players are great people as well and are good well-rounded ball players. I felt like they put my well being and education ahead of softball. Not to mention it’s close to my family! I can’t wait to continue my softball career at HCU!!!
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I would like to go into psychology either pediatric or sport.
What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? My favorite subject is anything to do with science. I’ve always been good at it and Deer Park ISD has an amazing staff.
Who is your sports hero and why? Sis Bates has always been my favorite ball player. She’s a great player for one, but I’ve loved her energy when she stands out on the field.
What’s your favorite book to read and why? I do have a guilty pleasure. I like sweet, romance books, but I overall enjoy a good book.
What’s the best hype song and why? Taylor Swift will always be my best hype girl, especially when I have to wake up early for 8 a.m. games.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? I grew up a Disney kid so pretty much any Disney original.
What’s your favorite movie and why? “Mamma Mia” because I love ABBA and I remember watching it repeatedly in car rides with my family when I was younger. We could be bickering, but once that movie comes on we immediately break out into song.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I make friendship bracelets and on my last tournament I made everyone a bracelet to let them know how much they mean to me. I love that team with every fiber of my being and I made some amazing friends.
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NEWS & NOTES
***The USA Softball GOLD Nationals for 18U & 16U are July 17-23 in OKC. Wichita Mustangs (18U) and Oklahoma Pure Fastpitch 06 Premier-Melson (16U) are the defending champions. Follow the tournament online HERE.
***The PGF Nationals for 18U Premier, 18U Platinum, 16U Premier & 16U Platinum are July 22-29 in Orange County, CA. Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier (18U Premier), Rock Gold-Manetta (18U Platinum), Georgia Impact-Caymol (16U Premier) and Breakers Labs-Carter (16U Platinum) are the defending champions. Follow the tournament online HERE.
***Alliance Nationals for 14U & 12U from July 23-29 are at Grand Park, IN. Texas Bombers Gold-Malpass (14U) and Impact Gold 2K9 National (12U) are the defending champions. Follow the tournament online HERE.
***The Alliance Nationals for 18U & 16U from July 23-30 are at BLD Chino Hills/Rosetta Canyon/BLD Perris/BLD Riverside/La Puente Sports Complex, CA. OC Batbusters-Stith (18U) and Mojo 2023-Lunsford (16U) are the defending champions. Follow the tournament online HERE.
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HSOTD
Today’s Hype Song of the Day is …
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BTITW
Today’s Best Thing In The World is …
A 5-minute preview of Christopher Nolan’s ‘OPPENHEIMER’ has been released. pic.twitter.com/L1Hwx4Y3Bg
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) July 13, 2023
— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff and Threads @los_stuff)
