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. 28, 2023:
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THE FINAL PITCH: STELLA CHRISTIE
Uncommitted 2027 C/OF Stella Christie recently talked to Dugout Chatter about Tampa Mustangs-Fowler, Hagerty High, PGF 14U Premier Nationals, Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson, dealing with her mom’s cancer, future college, medical field, science, Simone Biles, “Harry Potter,” NF, “The Good Doctor,” horror and Marvel movies and Wii tennis.
THE FINAL PITCH Q&A
Name: Stella Christie
Hometown: Oviedo, FL
Future High School: Hagerty High
Club Team: Tampa Mustangs 16U-Fowler
Graduation Year: 2027
Height: 5-foot-6
Position: C/OF
Twitter: @SChristie_17
Travel Ball Summer Stats (Five Tournaments): Hitting — .414 AVG, .492 OBP, 1.321 OPS, 41 hits, 11 HRs, 39 RBIs and 20 BBS; Catching — 176.0 innings and 16 caught stealing.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I started playing softball when I was 6 (years old). I played rec ball for a while and then switched to a very localized travel ball team. When I was 12 (years old), I realized that I had a passion for the game and that I wanted to go to the next level. That is when I found Kyle Fowler’s team. The first time I tried out for the team, I didn’t make it. Kyle referred me to another coach that needed a player. I worked really hard to improve, more workouts, extra practices and much more. When I tried out again the next season, I made the team.
Can you tell us about your team’s run to 3rd place at the PGF (14U Premier) Nationals? Our team faced lots of good teams throughout the entire tournament. We pushed each other hard and had each other’s backs. Their support helped me perform as well as I did.
Can you tell us about your future high school team? As I enter my freshman year, I am very excited to be working with my high school coach and all my new teammates as well.
Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? The Birmingham Thunderbolts-Thompson has always been a very good team. We have gone back and forth a lot and I think that our teams make a very good game every time.
What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? Last year, my mom was diagnosed with cancer. It was a very difficult time for my family and me to go through. During this time, there were tons of factors that couldn’t be controlled. I felt like the only thing that I could control was softball. To be quite honest, it saved me. I put all my emotions into it when I could. I pushed myself to breaking points and it helped me get through.
What are you looking for in a future college? I am looking for a supportive team, a great atmosphere and an encouraging coach.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? As I enter high school, I don’t know 100 percent what I want to do, but I like the medical field or something in science.
What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? Science would have to be my favorite because I like doing labs and dissecting things.
Who is your sports hero and why? Simone Biles is my favorite because she puts every little thing she has into gymnastics. I also don’t understand how she is able to do most of the things she does, so it fascinates me.
What’s your favorite book to read and why? It has to be the “Harry Potter” series. J. K. Rowling, in my opinion, did a phenomenal job putting together the storyline.
What’s the best hype song and why? I listen to “Layers” by NF before every game. It helps me get my mindset in check.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “The Good Doctor” is my favorite. It’s a show about an autistic surgeon.
What’s your favorite movie and why? I like horror movies and Marvel movies. Any movie from these genres, I like to watch.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I can juggle and I am an unbeatable Wii tennis champion.
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NEWS & NOTES
***Epic 18U National-Smith recently released its roster for the 2023-24 season.
“We are returning so many star power players from last year’s team that I just can’t speak about one individual,” Epic coach Scotty Smith said. “And you complete that with all the new extremely talented additions … this team is gonna be EPIC! I feel like this is an absolute championship roster! Look forward to getting them all together soon!”
***Louisville-committed 2024 OF Jordan Williams, who previously played for Virginia Unity 16U-Johnson/Ross, joined Beverly Bandits Premier 18U-Conroy. …
Excited to play my final year of travel softball with 18U Premier Conroy @Bandits05 @ConroyBandit looking forward to playing some games in the Midwest! @DanesClub @DHSCoachHuff @LouisvilleSB @UofL_CoachHolly @GriffJ_13 @sabbyBsabs @ExtraInningSB @LegacyLegendsS1 @Los_Stuff pic.twitter.com/CpwTeMJxjk
— Jordan Williams 2024 (@JordanW2024) August 25, 2023
***PGF and Surf City Tourneys has a loaded list of events this fall. …
The 2023 Fall Lineup at Surf City Tourneys is LOADED with great events and opportunities to get recruited! 🤩🍂
Don’t miss out! Register now at https://t.co/IhW269mvCf
OR head to https://t.co/bNjAKjItZU to register for the So Cal qualifier! #playPGF #SurfCityTourneys pic.twitter.com/BfLuOZZw9q— PGF (@PGFnetwork) August 25, 2023
***Virginia Unity 14U-Amsler/Johnson released its fall roster and schedule. …
Fall 2023 Schedule and Roster!!! Excited to see these ladies in action! 💜🧡 @VAUnitySB @DaveAmsler @UnityCoachJosh pic.twitter.com/MVoUBC6HGV
— Unity 14u Amsler/Johnson (@09Unity) August 25, 2023
***2027 MIF/OF Jillian Wimmer, who previously played for PA Chaos National, joined Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027-Alford/Rocky.
Excited to meet my new teammates and start a new chapter! Ready to get to work. #boltsboom ⚡️@BhamBolts2027 @BoltsOrg @ExtraInningSB @Los_Stuff @LegacyLegendsS1 @SBRRetweets @SoftballPros @IHartFastpitch @Softball_Home @CoastRecruits @TopPreps @SunilSunderRaj3 @SoftbalAmerica https://t.co/opLBpz6PxR
— Jillian Wimmer 2027 (@jillianwimmer04) August 25, 2023
***2027 RHP Addison Holcomb, who previously played for TN Mojo 2027-Palmer, joined Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027-Alford/Rocky. …
Welcome @AHolcomb45 to our Bolts ⚡️ family!!! We are excited to have you and your family and can’t wait to see you on the field! ⚡️ pic.twitter.com/C6Yot7uTCP
— Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027-Alford/Rocky (@BhamBolts2027) August 25, 2023
***EC Bullets 2027-Cornett released its fall schedule. …
Fall schedule! Cannot wait to hit the field with this loaded team! @ECBCornett27 @ExtraInningSB @Los_Stuff @LegacyLegendsS1 @SunilSunderRaj3 @TopPreps @mvhs_sball pic.twitter.com/dJFkXOovbR
— Abby Lathers 2027 (@2027_Abby) August 26, 2023
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SIGNING/COMMITMENT ALERTS
Alexia Carrasquillo, 2024 C, Sparks Elite-Ross/homeschooled, Liberty
Said Carrasquillo: “I will be playing (club softball) for Sparks Elite with Coach Jay Ross. I decided to commit to Liberty because of the top-notch coaching staff and how they put God first in all they do. I am homeschooled this year, so not sure on the high school ball for now.”
Giving All the glory to God! With that being said, I am humbled and excited to announce that I have committed to Liberty University. Go Flames! 🔥. @LibertyU @CoachDot_LU pic.twitter.com/LBcLJAlN6k
— Alexia Carrasquillo (@AlexiaCarrasq3) August 26, 2023
Tymber Harris, 2024, RHP, EC Bullets-Mayfield/Vidalia High, GA, Georgia Tech
I’m so happy & excited about my future!! Thank you @GaTechSoftball for the opportunity & all who have been apart of this journey with me. 🐝🤙🏽@Coach_A_Mo @hunter_bunch10 @_kelseybennett_ @Bolandev3 @ToddMayfield85 @CoachJLegere @VidaliaSoftball @Los_Stuff @Tammysmith3030 pic.twitter.com/iHIYmCJWeT
— Tymber Harris (@HarrisTymber) August 25, 2023
Jordan Williams, 2024, OF, Beverly Bandits Premier-Conroy/Denmark High, GA, Louisville
JWILL to the VILLE!! ❤️🖤@UofL_CoachHolly @CoachNealPT @GriffJ_13 @LouisvilleSB @ExtraInningSB @LegacyLegendsS1 @DanesClub @DHSCoachHuff @UnityCoachJosh @unity_json_ross @tommybain6 @ForsythSports @DerrickRich11 pic.twitter.com/qIytAOmfWo
— Jordan Williams 2024 (@JordanW2024) September 18, 2022
Jaclyn Mora, 2024, SS/3B/OF, Lady Dukes Gold-Torres/Saint Anthony’s High of West Babylon, NY, Villanova
Excited for what the future holds!! Thank you again for this amazing opportunity!! @bridgetorchard @GLuety @PlimptonChelsea pic.twitter.com/OEViBYZa2A
— Jaclyn Morra (@JaclynMorra) October 19, 2022
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HSOTD
Today’s Hype Song of the Day is (Saturday was #NationalDogDay)…
Happy national dog day pic.twitter.com/kVpYZLlrAw
— The Smashing Pumpkins (@SmashingPumpkin) August 27, 2023
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BTITW
Today’s Best Thing In The World is (Saturday was #NationalDogDay)…
Lala getting comfy in her plushie pic.twitter.com/XSejW6irOs
— Wild Laughs (@wild_laughs) August 25, 2023
— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff and Thread @los_stuff)