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, July 3, 2023:
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THE FINAL PITCH: MIA VALBUENA
Uncommitted 2026 RHP Mia Valbuena recently talked to Dugout Chatter about Athletics Mercado-Hovermale, Marina High, the Texas Bombers, size, future college, business and marketing, history, Jordy Bahl, “The Book Thief,” No Doubt, Marvel, “10 Things I Hate About You” and cooking and baking.
THE FINAL PITCH Q&A
Name: Mia Valbuena
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
High School: Marina High
Club Team: Athletics Mercado-Hovermale 16U
Graduation Year: 2026
Height: 5-foot-7
Position: RHP
Nickname: My twin sister, (Aviana Valbuena), gave me the nickname “Mehaw” to differentiate from me and another Mia on one of my teams.
Twitter/Instagram: @mia_valbuena34/@miavalbuena34
Honors: 1st Team All-Michelle Carew Classic (2023); All-Tournament MVP Triple Crown Nationals (2022); and 1st Team All-Alliance (2022).
Travel Ball Fall Stats: 8 wins, 60 IP, 62 Ks and 3.38 ERA.
High School Stats: 19 wins, 145 IP, 163 Ks and 1.97 ERA.
Travel Ball Summer Stats (so far): 11 wins, 47 IP, 52 Ks and 1.61 ERA.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I play for Athletics Mercado. I first joined the organization for my second year of 14U through my pitching coach, who recommended that I go there.
Tell us about your high school team and how you did? I did pretty good for my first year of high school ball. I started every game of the season and ended the year with MVP, All-Sunset league 1st Team and Sunset League Rookie of the Year. I also ended up being All-Orange County 3rd Team.
Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? My toughest opponent was probably the Texas Bombers. My team lost to (them) last year in the Alliance championship. We played them a total of four times last year and they just got better and better each time we saw them.
What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? I think something that I’ve overcome/am still trying to overcome is my size. I’m not super tall or big, but I’ve still figured out how to throw a decent speed despite it.
What are you looking for in a future college? I really want to go somewhere with both a competitive softball program and good academics.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I’m interested in business and marketing for women’s sports.
What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? I really like history because it doesn’t feel like you’re learning, it just feels like being told a really long story.
Who is your sports hero and why? I really look up to Jordy Bahl because we are about the same height, which isn’t very tall, but she’s still one of the best pitchers in the country.
What’s your favorite book to read and why? My favorite book I’ve read was “The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak. It was super sad. It was the most well-written book I’ve ever read.
What’s the best hype song and why? My favorite hype song is “Just a Girl” by No Doubt. I listen to it every gameday and it always gets me excited to play.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? I really enjoy watching Marvel, so anything new that (they) have coming out I like to watch.
What’s your favorite movie and why? My favorite movie is “10 Things I Hate About You” because it’s super funny and heartwarming.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? I like to cook and bake in my free time for my family and I’ve been told I’m pretty good at it.
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NEWS & NOTES
***The 13th Easton Rawlings Invitational, featuring teams in 14U, 16u & 18U, is Wednesday-Sunday, July 5-9, at Ackerman Park in Glen Ellyn, IL. Beverly Bandits Premier-Conroy is the defending tournament champion.
Follow the tournament online HERE.
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SIGNING/COMMITMENT ALERTS
Emma George, 2024, MIF/C/UT, Firecrackers FL-Stockton/South Lake High, FL, Eastern Florida
So excited for this opportunity!! @EFSCSoftball @CoachPetikS @Coach_Chuck32 @FLFC_Stockton @PFXAthletics @bowey23 pic.twitter.com/3qDgN8EsGw
— Emma George (@emmageorge2024) June 29, 2023
Ashley Espino, 2024, C/3B/UT, Central Cal Dirtdogs-Close/El Diamante High, CA, Cal State Bakersfield
Beyond grateful to announce my verbal commitment to @CSUB_Softball. Thank to everyone who was by my side to help along this journey I wouldn’t be here without you all. Let’s go Roadrunners baby 💛💙@CoachLettyO pic.twitter.com/3CjJJCn7j2
— ashley espino 🇲🇽 (@ashley_espino17) June 29, 2023
Anne Long, 2024, P/1B, Windermere Wildfire-Paulson/Seminole High, FL, South Florida
So excited to announce that I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at the University of South Florida!! Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to where I am today. Thank you to my teammates and coaches! @WildfirePaulson Go bulls!! 🐂🐂 pic.twitter.com/XQaewnlSJM
— Anne Long (@annelong2024) June 29, 2023
Madison Adams, 2024, RHP/1B/3B, Top Gun National/Lincoln East High, NE, Lindenwood
SO SO excited to announce my commitment furthering my academic and softball career @LindenwoodSB Incredibly blessed and grateful for this opportunity. Go Lions! pic.twitter.com/qseYaBZ116
— Madison Adams (@Madison_ads19) June 27, 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 …
Andor is a peak TV Series. This edit in particular did its justice
cr : takie0 (tiktok) https://t.co/9f58s8x9Am pic.twitter.com/81upIVnVXj
— ruzt (@generalveerss) June 21, 2023
— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)
