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 Monday, Aug. 14, 2023:
*****
THE FINAL PITCH: SOPHIA BORDI
Uncommitted 2025 RHP Sophia Bordi recently talked to Dugout Chatter about OC Batbusters-Stith, Haddon Heights High, winning an 18U Alliance national championship, throwing a no-hitter in the AFCS national championship series, Athletics Mercado, playing an competing against older players, future college and Sept. 1, sports occupation, chemistry, Kobe Bryant, “The Hate U Give,” Drake, “Criminal Minds,” “Purple Hearts” and baking.
THE FINAL PITCH Q&A
Name: Sophia Bordi
Hometown: Merchantville, NJ
High School: Haddon Heights High
Club Team: OC Batbusters 18U-Stith
Graduation Year: 2025
Height: 5-foot-8
Position: RHP
Nickname: Bordi (just my last name). It first started in first-year 10U. My coach would just call me Bordi and it caught on fast and soon everyone would say it.
Twitter/Instagram: @bordisophia/@Sophia.bordi
Honors: Alliance National Championship Most Oustanding Player; Gatorade State Player of the Year in New Jersey; 1st Team All-State; All-South Jersey Pitcher of the Year; and NJ.com Female Athlete of the Year finalist.
Travel Ball Fall Stats: Pitching — 59 IP, 92 Ks, 2.37 ERA; Batting — .385 AVG, 6 HRs, 24 RBIs.
Travel Ball Summer Stats: Pitching — 64 IP, 67 Ks, 1.52 ERA; Batting — .333 AVG, 12 HRs, 34 RBIs.
High School Stats: Pitching — 121 IP, 274 Ks, 0.40 ERA, 4 perfect games; Hitting — .333 AVG, 10 HRs.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I play for the Batbusters, a strong organization out of Orange County. I first found this team after I played against them in the Clearwater tournament and I was super impressed and knew that was the type of team I wanted to play for. I then was able to join the team the following fall season and knew it was the right place.
Tell us about your high school team and how you did? I’ve gotten very lucky these past years in high school ball getting to play for a great coach and having a great team to play with. We all have a strong bond and the same end goals. This past year as a team we accomplished a lot. We also won our second state title in a row and I was able to help out by throwing four perfect games in the playoffs!
Can you talk about OC Batbusters-Stith’s run to the Alliance national title? Our run to the title was definitely one to remember!! We had a lot of games leading up to the series where the energy was unmatched! There were also times where some girls came up in big moments like Izzy Mertes, Kai Minor and Ella Parker. The championship series games we got challenged with a tough Aces’ team with a strong pitcher. Although we faced some challenges, we made adjustments and came out on top!
Can you give us some insights about your no-hitter in the AFCS national championship series? Did you know you had a no-hitter? Are you superstitious? I’m proud of how I threw that game! I was able to use my pitches to throw the batters off and strike them out or just force a pop up or groundball. Up until around the 6th inning I had no clue I was throwing a no-hitter until someone had mentioned it and although I was excited, I couldn’t let that get in the way and I had to finish strong. My superstition is every time I play I wear an evoshield shirt under my jersey. I have been doing it every game since 12U.
Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? I think our toughest opponent is Athletics Mercado. They always challenge us and put on a great game. They always play well and they are strong in all aspects of the game.
What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? Since I was in 12U, I had started to play a little with the older girls in practice and in games. That has always pushed me to want to be better, so that I was able to perform at the same level as they did. That had also helped me push myself mentally, so that I can believe I was able to and so that I didn’t show whenever I was frustrated or upset.
What are you looking for in a future college? What are your thoughts on Sept. 1? In a future college, I’m looking for a place where I am going to have fun but also be pushed to be my best. I want to be somewhere where I know I will be constantly challenged to be the best version of myself. I’m really excited for September 1st!! I think it’s going to be interesting to finally be able to get to talk to the coaches after what seems like a century of waiting.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I would like to study something that has to do with sports or something I can do that will keep me near it. I think it would be exciting being able to find a job in a field I’m passionate about.
What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? I enjoyed chemistry because I like conducting the labs that were assigned. My teacher helped make a class that I thought was going to be challenging fun.
Who is your sports hero and why? Kobe Bryant. Kobe inspired me with his mental side of the game. He always showed an unmatched level of persistence and determination while chasing his dreams.
What’s your favorite book to read and why? “The Hate U Give” (by Angie Thomas). It teaches you about the struggles with racism and gives you another perspective of what people go through in life.
What’s the best hype song and why? “Headlines” by Drake. I’m a huge Drake fan and this song is always able to get me hyped up before the games and put me in the right mindset.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “Criminal Minds” because I like seeing how they solve each case.
What’s your favorite movie and why? “Purple Hearts” is my favorite movie ever. It’s heartwarming and has huge plot twist.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? Baking. I make cakes for my family birthdays. I also enjoy making all types of cookies!
*****
NEWS & NOTES
***2025 LHP Addisyn Linton will play with Virginia Unity 18U-Johnson/Hicks for the 2023-24 season. Linton, a former PGF High School All-American, previously played for Virginia Unity 16U-Johnson/Ross.
💥🚀💣⚡️- Yes, Announcement #11 is our #11 @addisynlinton – Addi is an absolute🦄. She brings the combo of 70mph➕👇 & up👆throwing velo & an exit velo of 80mph! Addisyn is the true definition of both hard work & explosive movement! Her desire to compete & win drive her! #UNITY pic.twitter.com/KXzT1TXvBI
— Unity 18u-Johnson (@Unity18uJohnson) August 12, 2023
***2029 CF Devaeh Crawford, who previously played for Power Surge 12U, is moving up to play with OC Batbusters 14U-Stith/Garcia.
This The Real Thang, This Is Not A Game @ocbatbusters @Los_Stuff @ExtraInningSB @LindaGarza02 @CoachMJKnighten @_TimWalton @CoachTarr @lauraberg44 @LLefty18 @Coach_Inouye @MelyssaLombardi @Trisha_Ford @caitlinlowe @djgasso @UGACoachTony @TexasCoachWhite @CoachStrinz @KarenWeekly pic.twitter.com/pup7XSmEYz
— Devaeh Crawford (@Se7enSzn) August 13, 2023
*****
HSOTD
Today’s Hype Song of the Day is …
*****
BTITW
Today’s Best Thing In The World is …
Introducing our NEW out-of-this-world #BlueBeetle collectables, featuring a 130oz popcorn tin & 44oz cup – with dual sides!
Available at select Regal theatres starting this Thursday, while supplies last!
🎟️ : https://t.co/YqruYBDeCe pic.twitter.com/gDsH3tnP36
— Regal (@RegalMovies) August 14, 2023
— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff and Thread @los_stuff)
