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.
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Here’s our TFP for Thursday, July 6, 2023:
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THE FINAL PITCH: MACKENZIE BACHA
Uncommitted 2026 OF/SS Mackenzie Bacha recently talked to Dugout Chatter about Beverly Bandits Premier-Chow/Hardin, Lincoln-Way East High, winning the 14U Broomfield title at the IDT, facing other Bandits’ teams, Michael Parteleno, future college, medical field, math and science, Chloe Geijer and Jenna Grimm-Charles, “Unbroken,” Yeat and Morgan Wallen, “Criminal Minds,” “Rocky 4” and the Human Trafficking Gala.
THE FINAL PITCH Q&A
Name: Mackenzie Bacha
Hometown: Frankfort, IL
High School: Lincoln-Way East High
Club Team: Beverly Bandits Premier 14U-Chow/Hardin
Graduation Year: 2026
Height: 5-foot-4
Position: CF/UT
Twitter/Instagram: @mackenzie_bacha
Honors: 4.7 GPA; PGF national champion with Beverly Bandits-Norwood (2022); PSAT 1220 score; and National Scholars.
Travel Ball Fall Stats: .317 AVG, .420 OBP, .876 OPS, .455 SLG, 25 SBs, 19 RBIs and .953 fielding percentage.
High School Stats: .375 AVG, .460 OBP, 1.013 OPS, .552 SLG, 37 hits, 20 RBIs, 19 BBs and .935 fielding percentage.
Travel Ball Summer Stats (so far): 20 games, .467 AVG, .538 OBP, 1.294 OPS, .756 SLG, 7 SBs, 2 HRs, 20 RBIs, 12 singles, 7 doubles and .944 fielding percentage.
Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? My first year as a Bandit was my 11U (team). It was such a surreal experience because I told myself the year before that I was going to be wearing black and orange someday in Crown Point, Indiana. Our old coach, Bob Rourke, invited me to the try out to be a catcher, believe it or not. My teammates are family to me and we always have each other’s backs. Anytime someone makes a mistake, we always pick them up. The Beverly Bandits organization has given (me) amazing opportunities and I am so proud to be a part of such an amazing organization/program.
Tell us about your high school team and how you did? My freshman year, I played for our varsity high school team. This team was full of talented players from so many different travel ball teams. Our team went pretty deep in the tournament, but our season ended in the 4A Sectional championship. Our offense was very strong and we played tight defense. The beginning of the season was a little nerve racking, but our shortstop Katie Stewart from Lady Dukes-Lamar 18U made me more comfortable playing with these older girls. I even got to play against fellow Bandit pitchers. The coaches and players made the season so enjoyable.
Can you tell us about your recent experience at the Independence Day Tournament in Colorado? Colorado was one of the best experiences for our team. We played a lot, but we also bonded even more. Our team got to see a different environment and new competition. We competed every single game. As Coach Chow (Tony Michalski) says, “Never take a pitch off.” That we did. We were there for each other throughout it all. Picking each other up, cheering each other on and even laughing at each other. We did it all as a team. Each person played an important role and it is just the start. We still got a lot more to finish. I loved being in this competitive environment. Each girl at the tournament wanted to be the team in the end. That’s what makes it so fun. Everyone wants it, but it’s about the team that works together to fight for it. I couldn’t ask for better teammates and coaches.
Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? Honestly, there have been so many teams/opponents that were tough. Personally, I love playing against the other Bandit teams (because) it’s always a good game. The championship in Colorado against Atlanta Vipers-Tamborra was also really good competition.
What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? My cousin Michael (Parteleno) is battling a fatal disease called Batten’s Disease. It is a cognitive disease where he will slowly lose all of his senses and abilities. At the moment, he has lost his eyesight fully. Even though he is going through all of this, he is the happiest little boy you will ever meet. This has made me realize how grateful I should be. Even for the little things in life. It’s changed my outlook on life and the way I see good and bad. Being grateful is the only way to truly live a happy life.
What are you looking for in a future college? In a future college, I look for a place where I will get good playing time and a good education. I want a place where I know I’m getting the best education for the job I want to pursue. Obviously, I want to feel at home and comfortable in that area.
What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I’m interested in doing something in the medical field whether that be radiology or physician’s assistant. I want to be able to help people and I think that this kind of development in medicine is so impressive.
What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? I love studying math and science. Those are the two subjects that come easier to me. I like that there is only one answer. Personally, I’d rather have that than an open-ended answer that is more opinionated.
Who is your sports hero and why? I have two sports heroes. The first one is a former Beverly Bandit Chloe Geijer. (She) plays at the University of Indiana as a Hoosier. She is like a big sister to me. During past summers, she has taken me to fields to work with my fielding and she has taught me so much. I love watching her play, not only because she is amazing at softball, but because she is also a really amazing person. Chloe is the best teammate you will ever see and she has instilled that in me. Another one of my softball heroes is my hitting instructor, Jenna Grimm-Charles. (She) is a former Chicago Bandit. I have been with Jenna almost as long as I’ve been with the Bandits. She has been one of my biggest supporters and has taught me more than just softball. Honestly, Jenna keeps my head screwed on. Not only does her advice apply to softball, but it also goes along with quality of life, school, friends, family and so much more. I appreciate her so much because she reminds me to have fun and be myself. Those are the two people that I look up to in softball.
What’s your favorite book to read and why? “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. I love this book because I’ve always been interested in American War History and I just find the story super inspiring. In the book, I like reading about Louis Zamperini’s mental and physical strength.
What’s the best hype song and why? Depending on the day, I like songs by Yeat or Morgan Wallen. Two totally different vibes, but they both get the job done.
What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? I really enjoy watching “Criminal Minds.” I love trying to figure out who did it while watching. I used to watch it almost every day. The funny part is that my dad is a part of the BAU.
What’s your favorite movie and why? My favorite movie is definitely “Rocky 4.” I love sports movies because they are always inspirational and have really good themes. The whole Rocky series is my favorite because I love competition and his attitude throughout each movie. Adding on to that, I love the “Creed” movies as well. Both really show grit and hard work.
Do you have a secret talent/skill? My small talent is that I can sing. Each year, I go to this Human Trafficking Gala and I sing in front of 600 people. My mom works to protect these victims and I use this as a way to help. I really enjoy singing and music in general. I sing for the people that have been trafficked because I love singing, but also because I want to provide support and encourage others to support a cause.
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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.
***The USA Softball Junior Olympic Cup (JO Cup) is Friday-Tuesday, July 7-11, at Lakeland/Winter Haven, FL. Turnin2-Pezz (18U) and Stars National-Coleman/Belfield (16U) are the defending champions.
Follow the tournament online HERE.
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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 …
Red Panda cooling down.. pic.twitter.com/9SApudfvOx
— Buitengebieden (@buitengebieden) July 5, 2023
— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)
