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.
To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at losstuff34@gmail.com, DM at @Los_Stuff on Twitter or text (949) 606-3602.
Here’s our TFP for Friday, Aug. 11, 2023:
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THE FINAL PITCH: KYLIE SHAW
Uncommitted 2025 CF Kylie Shaw recently talked to Dugout Chatter about Rock Gold-Manetta, Evangelical Christian School, winning a PGF 18U Premier national championship, OC Batbusters-Stith, battling an ankle injury, future college, sports management, English, Kobe Bryant, “The Twin Thieves,” “Outer Banks,” “The Miracle Season” and gymnastics.
THE FINAL PITCH Q&A
Name: Kylie Shaw
Hometown: Estero, FL
High School: Evangelical Christian School of Fort Myers, FL
Club Team: Rock Gold 18U-Manetta
Graduation Year: 2025
Height: 5-foot-5
Position: CF
Twitter: @kylie17shaw
Instagram: @kylie17shaw
Honors: 1st Team All-State Class 2A.
Travel Ball Summer Stats: 98 at-bays, .430 AVG, .518 OBP, 43 hits, 36 runs and 20 SBs.
High School Stats: 87 at-bats, .586 AVG, .667 OBP, .908 SLG, 52 hits, 50 runs, 21 RBIs, 5 HRs and 48 SBs.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? Coach (Johnny) Manetta is known as the top coach in the area. When I was 12 (years old), he invited me to practice with his team of 14- and 15-year-old girls. I was able to improve under his training and was fortunate enough to start playing with his team.
Tell us about your high school team and how you did? My high school team is a very young but talented group of girls. We are fortunate to have Coach Manetta as the coach. My freshman year, we lost in the state semifinals and my sophomore year we lost by one run in the state championship game. We had no seniors on our team, so we are looking forward to another run next season.
Can you talk about your Rock Gold Manetta’s run to the PGF 18U Premier national title? It was a pretty magical run. We were fortunate to win last year’s (PGF) 18U Platinum championship. Once we returned this year for the (PGF 18U) Premier championship, we knew it was going to be difficult playing against some very tough teams, but this team started to click after our first game really playing as a team. Everyone stepped up and we were blessed to win again.
Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? OC Batbusters-Stith was our toughest opponent this summer. We lost to them in a very close game at IDT. Their entire team was full of talent and was a very fun team to play.
What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? I had a serious ankle injury two years ago, which kept me off my feet and the game for four months. It was a very challenging time, but I kept faith in God and came back strong both mentally and physically. I was able to heel up as it never even happened. The injury made me love the game even more!
What are you looking for in a future college? How are you approaching Sept. 1? I’m looking to find a place to call home for four years. I’m looking to find a coaching staff that will invest in me as much as I plan to invest in them. I want to be at a school who’s culture fits my beliefs. My ultimate goal is to help the team win championships.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I love sports and softball. I have interest in sports management, which could lead to coaching, broadcasting or being an executive or AD in professional or college athletics.
What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? English as I really like to write papers.
Who is your sports hero and why? Kobe Bryant as he worked harder than anyone so he could be the very best. His hard work led to his team winning many championships.
What’s your favorite book to read and why? “The Twin Thieves” (by Lucas Jadin and Steve Jones) as it’s a great story based around sports and something that has helped me become a better athlete.
What’s the best hype song and why? Don’t have one.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “Outer Banks.”
What’s your favorite movie and why? “The Miracle Season.”
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I was a competitive gymnast prior to starting softball in the 5th grade.
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SIGNING/COMMITMENT ALERTS
Kaitlyn Molitoris, 2023, RHP, Montour High, PA, Robert Morris
I’m so excited to announce that I have committed to play Division 1 softball at Robert Morris University and further my academic career! Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way!! I’m so grateful for this opportunity. Can’t wait for the next 4 at Bobby Mo!❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/vmybvaqGWf
— kaitlyn molitoris (@kmolitoris13) August 10, 2023
Brynn Escobar, 2024, MIF, Mojo-Pikas/Ponderosa High, CA, Colorado Mesa
I am so excited to announce that I have verbally committed to Colorado Mesa University. I want to thank God for all the opportunities and people in my life to help me get here! I want to thank all my coaches and family!So excited to be a Mav!🤘 @Coach_G_CMU @colomesasb pic.twitter.com/WyuMajZrgf
— Brynn Escobar 2024 (@escobar2024) February 28, 2023
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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 …
This dog hated being left at home alone and would cry… until her parents decided to surprise her with a new sibling 💕 pic.twitter.com/bFlZx9pHaL
— The Dodo (@dodo) August 4, 2023
— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff and Thread @los_stuff)
