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 Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023:
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THE FINAL PITCH: MISSY ODOM
Uncommitted 2026 RHP/1B/OF Missy Odom recently talked to Dugout Chatter about Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson, Jasper High, winning a PGF 14U Premier national championship, Beverly Bandits, having five brothers and a single mom, future college, sports at the next level, PE, Brooke Odom, Chief Keef, “Friends,” “The Notebook” and singing.
THE FINAL PITCH Q&A
Name: Melissa “Missy” Odom
Hometown: Parrish, AL
High School: Jasper High
Club Team: Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson
Graduation Year: 2026
Height: 6-foot-2
Position: RHP/1B/OF
Honors: PGF 14U Premier national champion.
High School Stats: Basketball — 15 PPG, 2 APG, 9 RPG, 1 BPG; Softball — 17-8, 146 IP, 82 hits, 45 runs, 25 earned runs, 36 BBs, 234 Ks, 1.19ERA, 0.808 WHIP.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? They’re like my family. We’ve came so close with each other over the past couple (of) years and we play for each other.
Tell us about your high school team and how you did? We did good this year. We didn’t end like we wanted to, but we made a run at state and couldn’t be more proud of this team. They became family to me over these past months.
Can you talk about your team’s run to the PGF 14U Premier national championship? We all wanted to win because last year it didn’t (end) like we wanted to, so this year we knew what we could do and what we were capable of doing and we all just stuck together and did for each other. We became natty champs!!
Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? The competition is always hard when we play teams we are always gonna get their best game. But I would say the Beverly Bandits. It’s always a dogfight between us.
What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? Just being raised by a single mom and having five brothers has made me tough and competitive. My brothers have always pushed me and made me better and my mom has sacrificed everything for us to play all our sports.
What are you looking for in a future college? A college that treats me like family.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I really don’t know what profession I want to pursue in college, but I do know I want to play sports at the next level. My heart is basketball and softball and, maybe, I’ll pursue something to do with the sports’ side of a career.
What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? Probably PE (because it’s) easy.
Who is your sports hero and why? My mother (Brooke Odom, because) she pushes me and is always there for me no matter what and has always been there through thick and thin.
What’s your favorite book to read and why? I don’t really like reading.
What’s the best hype song and why? “Faneto” by Chief Keef. It gets me going and it’s hype.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “Friends” (because) it’s so funny.
What’s your favorite movie and why? Probably “The Notebook.” It’s sooo good.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I can sing.
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SIGNING/COMMITMENT ALERTS
Jasmine Mack, 2024, C/UT, NC Challengers-Renzi/Eastern Guilford High, NC, George Mason
I’m so excited to announce my verbal commitment to play softball at George Mason University! LET’S GO PATRIOTS@MasonSoftball @cammpbellsoup @CoachWThees @NCChallengers pic.twitter.com/5z6y7bgpNR
— Jasmine Mack (@JasmineMack777) August 15, 2023
Olivia Henry, 2024, RHP, SAA/Buckeye High, LA, Southeastern Louisiana
GOD IS SO GOOD! I am officially announcing my commitment to play softball at Southeastern Louisiana University. Words cannot describe how thankful I am for those who have believed in and supported me along the way. LION UP!🦁💚💛 Proverbs 19:21 pic.twitter.com/17dm8K8An8
— Olivia Henry (@oliviahenry2024) August 15, 2023
Zoe Roland, 2024, MIF/RHP, LA Titans-Baker/Tioga High, LA, Grambling State
So excited to announce my commitment to continue my academic and athletic career at Grambling State University. Thanks to my family, friends, coaches, teammates. 🖤💛🥎🥎 GRAMFAM @GSUSOFTBALL @Softball_La @_CoachMatthews @lamargafford @ElijahNixon18 @TitansBaker @JMUSOFTBALL36 pic.twitter.com/BGs9hU5hxj
— Zoe Roland (@ZoeRoland2024) August 10, 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 …
Living the best life.. 😊 pic.twitter.com/QpOLqkvevU
— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) August 15, 2023
— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff and Thread @los_stuff)
