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The Final Pitch (June 16, 2023): Spotlighting Bayou Speedster Emma Bailey, Upcoming Tourneys, ‘Computer Love’ & The Flash

By
Carlos Arias
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0
Emma Bailey of Strykers National-Esparza. Photo by Courtney Low.

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 Friday, June 16, 2023:

*****

THE FINAL PITCH: EMMA BAILEY

Uncommitted 2025 OF/UT Emma Bailey recently talked to Dugout Chatter about Strykers National-Esparza, St. Thomas More High, Lexi Dibbley, future college, physical therapist, Biology, Haylie McCleney, Colleen Hoover, Lil Baby, “Gilmore Girls,” Marvel movies and unicycling.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Emma Bailey pf Strykers National-Esparza. Photo by Ana Huffman.

Name: Emma Bailey

Hometown: Lafayette, LA

High School: St. Thomas More High

Club Team: Strykers National-Esparza 16U

Graduation Year: 2025

Height: 5-foot-3

Position: OF/UT

Nickname: EB. My Grandma started calling me EB when I was little.

Twitter/Instagram: @EmmaBailey2025/@emma.bailey7

Honors: 1st Team All-District; 1st Team All-State (2022); Breakfast of Champions; and Top Cat.

Travel Ball Fall Stats: .379 AVG, 25 runs, 23 SBS and 31 games.

High School Stats: .500 AVG, 44 runs, 25 RBIs, 18 SBs, no strikeouts and 36 games.

Travel Ball Summer Stats (so far): .409 AVG, 6 runs, 9 SBs and 8 games.

Emma Bailey of Strykers National-Esparza. Photo by Courtney Low.

Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I played with most of the girls I am playing with now in the fall under a different organization. Coach Charlie (Esparza) makes our organization feel like a family. The girls on the team are all so selfless and truly care about the greater good of the team.

Tell us about your high school team and how you did? My high school team had an amazing senior class this year. They led us to winning a state championship!

Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? In high school ball, Sam Houston is always a very competitive game. Hitting … Lexi Dibbley was tough.

Emma Bailey of Strykers National-Esparza. Photo by Courtney Low.

What are you looking for in a future college? Somewhere that makes me feel at home and a place that prioritizes me as a student/person and not just a softball player.

What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? Kinesiology. I want to be a physical therapist, because I want to help athletes get back to playing the sport they love.

What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? Biology. I think it is cool how the body works.

Who is your sports hero and why? Haylie McCleney. The love she has for the game is inspiring, but she also reminds me that our life cannot revolve around softball and stats … it needs to revolve around God.

What’s your favorite book to read and why? Right now, I am reading “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover. It is definitely my favorite so far.

What’s the best hype song and why? “I Am” by Lil Baby.

What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “Gilmore Girls,” because my family and I sit in the living room and watch it together.

What’s your favorite movie and why? Any Marvel Movie.

Do you have a secret talent/skill? I can ride a unicycle.

*****

NEWS & NOTES

***The Top Gun Invitational holds events for the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U age groups, but the top-tier teams compete in the Maverick Division. This year’s tournament is Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18. Bracket play is Saturday and Sunday. Follow the tournament online HERE.

Texas Riptide (14U), Beverly Bandits-Dorsey (16U) and Tennessee Mojo-Danley (18U) are the defending champions in the Maverick Divisions.

***The Team1 Elite Club Summer Invitational is Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18, in Lenexa/Shawnee, KS. Follow the tournament online HERE.

The Tournament has teams competing in the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U age groups.

Athletics Mercado-Smith (18U), Athletics Mercado-Hovermale (16U), Louisville Lady Sluggers-Wathen (14U) and Iowa Premier Black (12U) are the reigning champions.

***The So Cal A’s Invitational is Friday-Sunday, June 16-18, at Harvard Park in Irvine, CA. Follow the tournament online HERE.

AASA-Merrida, Arizona Storm National-Mathis, Beverly Bandits Premier-Conroy, Breakers Labs-Bobby, BSC Bengals-Briggs, Cal Cruisers-Sievers, Cal Nuggets-Woods, Explosion Premier, Firecrackers-TJ, Irvine Sting, Jersey Intensity Premier-KOD, Lady Magic-Boykin, LTG Lions-Henderson, Ohana Tigers-Quarles, So Cal Athletics-Richardson, So Cal Choppers-Fausett, Sorcerer-Gabales/Rodriguez and Wildcats-Weil are the 18U teams competing in the event.

Arizona Storm National-Mathis is the defending champion.

*****

HSOTD

Today’s Hype Song of the Day is …

*****

BTITW

Today’s Best Thing In The World is (and I got IMAX tickets) …

— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)

Team Spotlight: Select Fastpitch-Jones (June 16, 2023)

By
Carlos Arias
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0
Select Fastptch=Jones finished as runner-up at PGF 18U Premier Nationals last summer. Photo courtesy of Select Fastpitch.

SELECT FASTPITCH-JONES

Head Coach: Eric Jones and Associate Head Coach Mike Byrn

Twitter: @ejonesrockchalk

Outlook: Select Fastpitch faced and beat many of the top teams in the country and reached the PGF 18U Premier national championship game last summer. That success continued in the fall with a runner-up finish at Scenic City Top 25 and a title at PGF Show Me The Money. They have a berth to PGF 18U Premier Nationals this summer. “It will come down to consistency of us at the plate,” Select Fastpitch coach Eric Jones said. “I feel that we have a great defense this year with athleticism and depth at each spot, including in the circle with returner Marissa McCann. We have a ton of power at the plate, but it will come down to timely hitting and execution on moving runners and getting them in.” McCann is a proven arm at the elite level. Ryann Sanders is a power pitcher that can keep the ball down and Anna Christ, Bre Severino and Kiana McDowell will play big roles in big situations. They have more power than speed on offense this season. They are the deepest they’ve been up the middle on defense with lockdown catching by Kylie Brockman and Abby Hay.

RETURNERS:

  • Marissa McCann (2023, RHP, Missouri, already has two state titles in Arizona. Last year, she led the 18U team to the PGF national championship game in the circle)
  • Kylie Brockman (2023, C, Arkansas, a standout behind the dish and the plate. Was one of the PGF All-American athletes. She’s a middle of the lineup powerhouse and a lockdown catcher)
  • Taylor Cruse (2023, OF, Ohio State, an explosive center fielder who can also hit for power at the plate as well. She played a big role last summer)
  • Amanda Knutson (2023, MIF, Southern Illinois, another fast athlete that can also hit for power anywhere in the lineup. She locked down second base last summer)

NEWCOMERS:

  • Madison Walker (2023, 1B/3B, Missouri, a very powerful bat and a great athlete. She runs like a middle infielder but can hit with the best of them. She’s already made a big impact on the roster this season)
  • Madison Uptegrove (2024, SS, Missouri, she was highly recruited by numerous Power 5 schools this past summer. She’s smooth up the middle, but can also hit for power in the middle of the lineup. She’s a very athletic shortstop with a great arm and range)
  • Ryann Sanders (2024, RHP, Louisville, also has a state title for one of the top high school programs in Arkansas. She throws in the mid 60s and can keep the ball down in the zone. She will be a great compliment to Marissa McCann, who likes to spin the ball up)
  • Abby Hay (2023, C/UT, Missouri, another very athletic strong athlete that adds a big bat and athleticism to an already great lineup. She’s a former baseball player that has been a difference maker since making the transition)
  • Bailey Weber (2024, OF, Kansas, a very fast leadoff/2-hole that sets the table at a very high rate. She hit over .400 this fall and only shows signs of getting better. She will be a big key to the top of the lineup this summer)
  • Mila Seaton (2023, SS/OF, Wichita State, an explosive athlete that can lock down shortstop or center field. She also has a ton of pop in her bat and coming back from an injury shes now looking to be 100 percent heading in to school ball and then this summer)
  • Breanna Severino (2024, RHP/UT, Ball State)
  • Anna Christ (2023, RHP/OF, Saint Louis)
  • Kiana McDowell (2023, RHP/IF, Southern Illinois commit)
  • Adisyn Hopkins (2023, MIF, Illinois State)
  • Cydney Fullerton (2024, MIF/3B/UT, Creighton)
  • Sophie Schupp (2023, MIF/3B/UT, Southeast Missouri State)
  • Emma Veach (2023, OF/2B, Central Arkansas)
  • Ally Miller (2023, 1B/C, Emporia State)
  • Kenedee Giddens (2023, OF, Maine)

— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)

The Final Pitch (June 15, 2023): Time for So Cal A’s Invitational, Big Tourneys, ‘Get At Me Dog’ & Secret Invasion

By
Carlos Arias
-
0
Arizona Storm National-Mathis won the So Cal A's Invitational last summer. Photo courtesy of Corey Mathis.

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 Thursday, June 15, 2023:

*****

SO CAL A’S INVITATIONAL BEGINS

The So Cal A’s Invitational is Friday-Sunday, June 16-18, at Harvard Park in Irvine, CA. Follow the tournament online HERE.

AASA-Merrida, Arizona Storm National-Mathis, Beverly Bandits Premier-Conroy, Breakers Labs-Bobby, BSC Bengals-Briggs, Cal Cruisers-Sievers, Cal Nuggets-Woods, Explosion Premier, Firecrackers-TJ, Irvine Sting, Jersey Intensity Premier-KOD, Lady Magic-Boykin, LTG Lions-Henderson, Ohana Tigers-Quarles, So Cal Athletics-Richardson, So Cal Choppers-Fausett, Sorcerer-Gabales/Rodriguez and Wildcats-Weil are the 18U teams competing in the event.

Arizona Storm National-Mathis is the defending champion.

SO CAL A’S INVITATIONAL

AT HARVARD PARK

FRIDAY, JUNE 16

18U

POOL PLAY

POOL A

  • Cal Nuggets-Woods vs. So Cal Choppers-Fausett, 8 a.m.
  • So Cal Athletics-Richardson vs. So Cal Choppers-Fausett, 9:45 a.m.
  • Cal Nuggets-Woods vs. Jersey Intensity-KOD, 11:45 a.m.
  • So Cal Athletics-Richardson vs. Irvine-Sting, 1:30 p.m.
  • Ohana Tigers-Quarles vs. Jersey Intensity-KOD, 3:30 p.m.
  • Ohana Tigers-Quarles vs. Irvine-Sting, 5:15 p.m.

POOL B

  • Cal Cruisers-Sievers vs. Arizona Storm National-Mathis, 8 a.m.
  • LTG Lions-Henderson vs. Arizona Storm National-Mathis, 9:45 a.m.
  • Cal Cruisers-Sievers vs. Explosion Premier, 11:45 a.m.
  • LTG Lions-Henderson vs. Breakers Labs-Bobby, 1:30 p.m.
  • Lady Magic-Boykin vs. Explosion Premier, 3:30 p.m.
  • Lady Magic-Boykin vs. Breakers Labs-Bobby, 5:15 p.m.

POOL C

  • Firecrackers-TJ vs. AASA-Merrida, 8 a.m.
  • Beverly Bandits Premier-Conroy vs. AASA-Merrida, 9:45 a.m.
  • Firecrackers-TJ vs. Sorcerer-Gabales/Rodriguez, 11:45 a.m.
  • Beverly Bandits Premier-Conroy vs. BSC Bengals-Briggs, 1:30 p.m.
  • Wildcats-Weil vs. Sorcerer-Gabales/Rodriguez, 3:30 p.m.
  • Wildcats-Weil vs. BSC Bengals-Briggs, 5:15 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

POOL PLAY

POOL A

  • So Cal Athletics-Richardson vs. Cal Nuggets-Woods, 8 a.m.
  • Ohana Tigers-Quarles vs. Cal Nuggets-Woods, 9:45 a.m.
  • So Cal Athletics-Richardson vs. Jersey Intensity-KOD, 11:45 a.m.
  • Ohana Tigers-Quarles vs. So Cal Choppers-Fausett, 1:30 p.m.
  • Irvine Sting vs. Jersey Intensity-KOD, 3:30 p.m.
  • Irvine Sting vs. So Cal Choppers-Fausett, 5:15 p.m.

POOL B

  • LTG Lions-Henderson vs. Cal Cruisers-Sievers, 8 a.m.
  • Lady Magic-Boykin vs. Cal Cruisers-Sievers, 9:45 a.m.
  • LTG Lions-Henderson vs. Explosion Premier, 11:45 a.m.
  • Lady Magic-Boykin vs. Arizona Storm National-Mathis, 1:30 p.m.
  • Breakers Labs-Bobby vs. Explosion Premier, 3:30 p.m.
  • Breakers Labs-Bobby vs. Arizona Storm National-Mathis, 5:15 p.m.

SATURDAY, JUNE 17

SINGLE-ELIMINATION BRACKET PLAY

FIRST ROUND

TBA, 7:15 p.m.

SUNDAY, JUNE 18

SINGLE-ELIMINATION BRACKET PLAY

SECOND ROUND

TBA, 6 a.m., 8:45 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.

QUARTERFINALS

TBA, 11:30 a.m. & 1:15 p.m.

SEMIFINALS

TBA, 3 p.m.

CHAMPIONSHIP

TBA, 4:45 p.m.

*****

NEWS & NOTES

***The Top Gun Invitational holds events for the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U age groups, but the top-tier teams compete in the Maverick Division. This year’s tournament is Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18. Bracket play is Saturday and Sunday. Follow the tournament online HERE.

Texas Riptide (14U), Beverly Bandits-Dorsey (16U) and Tennessee Mojo-Danley (18U) are the defending champions in the Maverick Divisions.

***The Team1 Elite Club Summer Invitational is Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18, in Lenexa/Shawnee, KS. Follow the tournament online HERE.

The Tournament has teams competing in the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U age groups.

Athletics Mercado-Smith (18U), Athletics Mercado-Hovermale (16U), Louisville Lady Sluggers-Wathen (14U) and Iowa Premier Black (12U) are the reigning champions.

*****

HSOTD

Today’s Hype Song of the Day is …

*****

BTITW

Today’s Best Thing In The World is …

— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Fillow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)

Team Spotlight: Mojo-Lunsford (June 15, 2023)

By
Carlos Arias
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0
Mojo-Lunsford captured the 16U Alliance national championship last summer. Photo courtesy of Mike Lunsford.

TEAM SPOTLIGHT: MOJO-LUNSFORD

Head Coach: Mike Lunsford

Twitter: @Mojo_Lunsford

Outlook: Mojo-Lunsford went 77-13, including wins over Georgia Impact-Caymol, Beverly Bandits Premier-Conroy, Georgia Impact-Sampson, Tennessee Mojo-Danley, Virginia Unity-Johnson, Texas Glory-Naudin, Firecrackers Brashear, Aces Fastpitch Club, EC Bullets and Iowa Premier National, won PGF Show Me The Money and claimed the 16U Alliance Nationals title last summer. They went 17-4 in showcases only in the fall and they’ve already qualified for AFCS 3. “We’ll need to avoid injuries, get timely hitting and keep our opponent at bay and off the bases,” Mojo coach Mike Lunsford said of the keys to his team’s success. The pitching staff complements each other with power pitchers with up-and-down spin, and they have spin pitchers with pinpoint accuracy. The offense is predicated on creating havoc with a lot of speed. The Mojo takes pride in its defense, which is built from the middle out.

RETURNERS:

  • Kennedy Harp (2023, OF, Florida State)
  • Maci Masters (2023, 3B, Virginia Tech)
  • Julia Cuozzo (2023, RHP, Virginia)
  • Alexis Morgan (2023, OF, Central Florida)
  • Ava Lunsford (2023, 1B/2B, Western Kentucky)
  • Hailey Harpis (2023, C, Georgia State)
  • Leah Jannakos (2023, RHP, Kennesaw State)
  • Samantha Minish (2024, OF, Clemson)
  • Caroline Patterson (2024, C, Georgia Tech)
  • Haley Ferguson (2024, RHP, Michigan)
  • Brooklin Lippert (2024, MIF, Louisiana-Monroe)
  • Aria Davis (2024, MIF, Jacksonville State)

NEWCOMERS:

  • Lauryn Swanson (2023, OF, Youngstown State)
  • Gracie West (2024, RHP, Georgia State)
  • Ryleigh Sapp (2024, RHP, uncommitted)

— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)

Team Spotlight: Arizona Storm National-Mathis (June 14, 2023)

By
Carlos Arias
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0
Arizona Storm National-Mathis won the 18U title at AZ Last Blast '23 in January. Photo courtesy of Corey Mathis.

TEAM SPOTLIGHT: ARIZONA STORM NATIONAL-MATHIS

Head Coach: Corey Mathis

Twitter: N/A

Outlook: Arizona Storm won the So Cal A’s Invitational, took 5th place at the Triple Crown Colorado Pool, 3rd place at the Easton Rawlings Invitational, 5th place at the Triple Crown USA Nationals and 7th place at the PGF 18U Premier Nationals last summer. They went 30-6-3 in the fall, winning the AZ Last Blast, the Queen of Diamonds Tournament and the Top Gun Grand Canyon Classic. The Storm has a PGF 18U Premier Nationals bid this summer. “It will take our staff of pitchers to keep us in games this summer,” Storm coach Corey Mathis said. “If we hit like we did right before high school break, we will go deep at PGF.” The pitching staff has speed, movement and differences from all four arms. The offense has home run power 1-9. “We have always been known for our defense and most colleges really look hard at how we teach them at a young age,” Mathis said. “We have speed and arm strength at all positions.”

RETURNERS:

  • Kaitlyn Terry (2023, LHP/OF, UCLA, arguably the best player in the country. She pitches 70 mph, hits for power and plays outfield)
  • Jocelyn Briski (2023, RHP/1B, Alabama, a power pitcher and also big hitter)
  • Sierra Daniel (2023, MIF, LSU, a triple-threat stud at the plate)
  • Alexis Dellamonica (2023, 3B/MIF, Michigan, an excellent fielder at 3B and a power hitter)
  • Madison Tarrant (2023, C, Montana, great behind the plate and good offensively)
  • Savannah Groshong (2023, SS/UT, Grand Canyon, a leadoff hitter, power slapper and a true utility player)
  • Lauren Putz (2024, OF, Michigan, one of the top players in the 2024 class)
  • Quinn Salazar (2024, C/OF, uncommitted, a stud catcher and power at the plate)

NEWCOMERS:

  • Alexis “Lulu” Guzman (2024, RHP, uncommitted, great spin and has beat great teams this fall)
  • Bella Clapp (2024, UT, uncommitted,a true UT player and great hitter from the left side)
  • Faith Kroening (2024, 1B/3B/OF, Utah State, one of the top 2024 players in the country)
  • Makenzie “Roo” Padilla (2024, C/IF/OF, uncommitted, led the team in hitting at most times this fall)
  • Natalie Fritz (2024, RHP, New Mexico)
  • Payton Smith (2023, 1B/3B/OF, Grand Canyon, a stud hitter, really settling into her role and killed it in the second half of the fall)
  • Raegan Holtorf (2025, MIF/OF, uncommitted, a lefty hitter, who has been a huge contributor in the second half of the fall)
  • Reese Lee (2023, MIF, Utah, a great MIF and hitter, who has helped round out the team’s missing seniors from last seaason)
  • Sadie Groshong (2024, 3B/C, Weber State, a corner power hitter, who impacted the team on Day 1, leading the team in the first half of the fall)
  • Salen Hawkins (2023, SS, uncommitted, a Power 5 player both offensively and defensively, looking to select her school soon)
  • Sara Phillip (2024, RHP/SS, uncommitted, had an injury, but on the mend. A Power 5 pitcher throwing upper 60s prior to injury)
  • Harmony Andrade (2024, UT, Oregon State, a power hitter and true utility player)

— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)

Team Spotlight: NW Bullets Gold-Campos (June 14, 2023)

By
Carlos Arias
-
0
NW Vullets Gold-Campos. Photo courtesy of NW Bullets.

TEAM SPOTLIGHT: NW BULLETS GOLD-CAMPOS

Head Coach: Tony Campos

Twitter: @NWBullets18gold

Outlook: The NW Bullets tied for 5th at Boulder IDT and tied for 3rd at PGF 18U Premier Nationals last summer. They tied for 3rd at Arizona Last Blast in January and they have a bid to PGF 18U Premier Nationals this summer. “We are very excited about our newcomers to this team,” Bullets coach Tony Campos said. “Most are moving up from our 16U-Muir team, who had a solid year last summer and they all competed very well for us this fall.”

RETURNERS:

  • Addisen Fisher (2024, RHP/OF, UCLA)
  • Paige Doerr (2023, OF, Oregon State)

NEWCOMERS:

  • Tia Milloy (2024, MIF/OF, Oklahoma)
  • Sarah Wright (2024, RHP, Arizona)
  • Lucy Hooper (2023, MIF, Minnesota)
  • Jing Gardner (2023, OF/2B)
  • Karen Spadafora (2023, C/OF)
  • Mallory Vancleave (2024, MIF)
  • Talia Jenkins (2023, C/3B, Cal State Northridge)
  • Annabelle Navarrette (2023, MIF/UT, Idaho State)
  • Riley Pescheck (2023, MIF, Montana)
  • Hailey Brooks (2023, OF, Cal State Bakersfield)
  • Lauryn Bergevin (2023, 3B/1B, Northwest Nazarene)
  • Ava Clark (2023, OF, Northwest Nazarene)
  • Joy Wilde (2025, C/IF, uncommitted)
  • Natalie Farago (2023, OF, uncommitted)

— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)

Team Spotlight: Hotshots National-Nelson (June 14, 2023)

By
Carlos Arias
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0
Hotshots National-Nelson won the 18U title at the 2022 PGF Shootout in the fall. Photo courtesy of Nathan Nelson.

HOTSHOTS NATIONAL-NELSON

Head Coach: Nathan Nelson

Twitter: @hotshotsnation

Outlook: The Hotshots went 30-8-2 last summer, won the Boulder IDT title, took 3rd place at the Top Club Nationals and finished in 17th place at PGF 18U Premier Nationals. They went 34-2 in the fall and won the PGF Shootout title. The Hotshots are headed to the PGF 18U Premier Nationals this summer. “Focus, determination and grit to battle through their last season of travel ball,” Hotshots coach Nathan Nelson said of the keys to his team’s success. They have a very deep pitching staff that compliments each other. All pitchers have different directions and different tunnels that give them different looks for the hitters. The offense is athletic, powerful and speedy 1-9. “Athletic and fundamentally sound at every position,” Nelson said of his defense. “They will get to 21 outs extremely quick for their pitchers.”

RETUNRNERS:

  • Kassidi Pickering (2023, OF, Oklahoma)
  • Cassidy McLellan (2023, OF, Florida)
  • Zoe Yaeger (2023, C, Virginia Tech)
  • Ariel Kowalewski (2023, C/UT, Florida)
  • Madison Azua (2023, LHP, Texas State)
  • Scout Lovell (2023, UT, Texas A&M)
  • Kamryn Kamzik (2023, RHP, Notre Dame)
  • Isabella Torres (2023, MIF, Florida State)
  • Mia Liscano (2023, UT, Northwestern State)
  • Ava Brown (2023, RHP/1B, Florida)
  • Mia Williams (2023, MIF, Florida)
  • Maddox McKee (2023, UT, LSU)
  • Raegan Jennings (2023, UT, Texas Tech)

NEWCOMERS:

  • Emily Smith (2024, 1B/3B, Louisiana-Lafayette)
  • Karynton Dawson (2024, OF, Baylor)
  • Kennedy Marceaux (2024, C/UT, Alabama)
  • Della Jasinki (2024, RHP, Texas A&M)
  • Kaitlyn “Katie” Wilson (2024, C, Sam Houston)

— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)

The Final Pitch (June 14, 2023): It’s Team1 Elite Club Summer Invite Week, Upcoming Tourneys, ‘New Level’ & Blue Beetle

By
Carlos Arias
-
0
Athletics Mercado-Smith won the 18U title at the 2022 Team1 Elite Club Summer Invitational. Photo courtesy of Mark Smith.

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 Wednesday, June 14, 2023:

*****

IT’S TEAM1 ELITE CLUB SUMMER INVITATIONAL WEEK

The Team1 Elite Club Summer Invitational is Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18, in Lenexa/Shawnee, KS. Follow the tournament online HERE.

The Tournament has teams competing in the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U age groups.

Athletics Mercado-Smith (18U), Athletics Mercado-Hovermale (16U), Louisville Lady Sluggers-Wathen (14U) and Iowa Premier Black (12U) are the reigning champions.

The tournament started as a PGF Qualifier in 2013 and Aces Fastpitch Club coach Ryan Taylor and Iowa Premier coach Greg Dickel transitioned it into the Team1 Elite Club Summer Invitational in 2018.

“Traditionally, my 18U team traveled to the So Cal A’s Invite,” Taylor said. “With help, Greg stayed back and ran the tournament. During that time, my 18U team continued to travel out West. In 2020, that all changed for three reasons: continued growth, quality of teams and Covid.

“The continued growth of the event blew us away. We went from 40-50 teams to 150. Over 200 college coaches began to check in regularly. The quality of competition had grown so much it made sense to be here and play.  The area was starved for great competition, high level umpires and national exposure.

“This year, we made the decision to reduce the amount of teams to make it even more exclusive. We are excited to see the level of play continue to increase with teams and college coaches from across the country. This week. in Kansas City (it) has been a less-spread-out Colorado. With the camp starting Wednesday and games on Thursday, it truly is one of the best opportunities to play high-level teams offering great exposure.”

The Team1 Elite Club Invitational has turned in to the place to be for top club teams looking for tough competition in the Midwest during the summer season.

“Greg and I are very appreciative of all the people that make this week great for so many teams,” Taylor said. “We get countless thank yous from players and coaches who got recruited right here in Kansas City at Team 1.”

Here are the Team1 Elite Club Summer Invitational all-time champions:

— 2022 —-

18U: Athletics Mercado-Smith

16U: Athletics Mercado-Hovermale

14U: Louisville Lady Sluggers 07-Wathen

12U: Iowa Premier Black

— 2021 —

18U: Aces Fastpitch Club

16U: East Cobb Bullets 04-Mayfield

14U: Oklahoma Athletics 2004

12U: Aces Fastpitch Club

— 2020 —-

18U: Oklahoma Athletics-Yeatts

16U: Aces Fastpitch Black

14U: Iowa Premier

— 2019 —

18U: Iowa Premier

16U: Nebraska Premier

14U: Aces Fastpitch Club

— 2018 —

18U: Iowa Premier

16U: Illinois Force

14U: Aces Fastpitch Club

*****

NEWS & NOTES

***The So Cal A’s Invitational is Friday-Sunday, June 16-18, at Harvard Park in Irvine, CA. Follow the tournament online HERE.

AASA-Merrida, Arizona Storm National-Mathis, Beverly Bandits Premier-Conroy, Breakers Labs-Bobby, BSC Bengals-Briggs, Cal Cruisers-Sievers, Cal Nuggets-Woods, Explosion Premier, Firecrackers-TJ, Irvine Sting, Jersey Intensity Premier-KOD, Lady Magic-Boykin, LTG Lions-Henderson, Ohana Tigers-Quarles, So Cal Athletics-Richardson, So Cal Choppers-Fausett, Sorcerer-Gabales/Rodriguez and Wildcats-Weil are the 18U teams competing in the event.

Arizona Storm National-Mathis is the defending champion.

***The Top Gun Invitational is Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18, in Shawnee, KS. Follow the tournament online HERE.

The Top Gun Invite holds events for the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U age groups with the top-tier teams competing in the Maverick Division.

Texas Riptide (14U), Beverly Bandits-Dorsey (16U) and Tennessee Mojo-Danley (18U) are the defending Maverick Division champions.

*****

HSOTD

The Hype Song of The Day is …

*****

BTITW

Today’s Best Thing In The World is …

— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)

The Final Pitch (June 13, 2023): It’s Top Gun Invitational Week, Upcoming Tourneys, ‘The Man’ & Happy Dog

By
Carlos Arias
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0

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, June 13, 2023:

*****

TOP GUN INVITATIONAL THIS WEEK

This summer season for club softball is underway and features three major tournaments this weekend, including the Top Gun Invitational in Shawnee, KS.

The Top Gun Invite holds events for the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U age groups, but the top-tier teams compete in the Maverick Division. This year’s tournament is Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18. Bracket play is Saturday and Sunday. Follow the tournament online HERE.

Texas Riptide (14U), Beverly Bandits-Dorsey (16U) and Tennessee Mojo-Danley (18U) are the defending champions in the Maverick Divisions.

The Top Gun Invitational has been held since 2013. Tournament director Robb Behymer said they only have records going back to 2016.

“We started with 83 teams from 11 states,” Behmyer said. “I literally spent nine months on the phone every day asking teams to play. We watched the competitiveness of this tournament grow each year. Now with the 288 teams from 32 states. It has become a staple on the recruiting circuit.

“Some of the top teams and athletes in the nation will compete in the TGI this year. My ultimate goal going forward is for Top Gun Events to be viewed as a company that enhances the journey of the athletes. ”

Here is the list of Top Gun Invitational Maverick Division champions:

TOP GUN INVITATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP LINEAGE

— 2022 —

14U Maverick: Texas Riptide

16U Maverick: Beverly Bandits-Dorsey

18U Maverick: Tennessee Mojo-Danley

— 2021 —

14U Maverick: Virginia Unity-Johnson/Ross

16U: Beverly Bandits-Cray

18U: Nebraska Gold National

— 2020 —

14U: Colorado Angels-Gaffin

16U: Minnesota Bombers-Acktez

18U: Indiana Shockwaves-Perry

— 2019 —

14U Maverick: Texas Glory-Naudin

16U Maverick: Texas Glory-Naudin

18U Maverick: Select Fastpitch-Jones

— 2018 —

14U: Texas Glory-Naudin

16U Maverick: Nebraska Gold-Gerdes

18U Maverick: Nebraska Gold-Swift

— 2017 —

14U Maverick: Impact Gold-Midlebrook

16U Maverick: Select Fastpitch-Jones

18U Maverick: Nebraska Quakes Prime

— 2016 —

14U: Topeka Angels

16U: Maverick: Teas Glory-Woodall

18U: Maverick: St. Louis Chaos

*****

NEWS & NOTES

***The Team1 Elite Club Summer Invitational is Thursday-Sunday, June 15-18, in Lenexa/Shawnee, KS. Follow the tournament online HERE.

The Tournament has teams competing in the 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U age groups.

Athletics Mercado-Smith (18U), Athletics Mercado-Hovermale (16U), Louisville Lady Sluggers-Wathen (14U) and Iowa Premier Black (12U) are the reigning champions.

***The So Cal A’s Invitational is Friday-Sunday, June 16-18, at Harvard Park in Irvine, CA. Follow the tournament online HERE.

AASA-Merrida, Arizona Storm National-Mathis, Beverly Bandits Premier-Conroy, Breakers Labs-Bobby, BSC Bengals-Briggs, Cal Cruisers-Sievers, Cal Nuggets-Woods, Explosion Premier, Firecrackers-TJ, Irvine Sting, Jersey Intensity Premier-KOD, Lady Magic-Boykin, LTG Lions-Henderson, Ohana Tigers-Quarles, So Cal Athletics-Richardson, So Cal Choppers-Fausett, Sorcerer-Gabales/Rodriguez and Wildcats-Weil are the 18U teams competing in the event.

Arizona Storm National-Mathis is the defending champion.

*****

HSOTD

Today’s Hype Song of the Day is …

*****

BTITW

Today’s Best Thing In The World is …

— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)

News: PGF Show Me The Money — Order of Finish (June 11, 2023)

By
Carlos Arias
-
0

*****

PGF SHOW ME THE MONEY

AT GAINESVILLE/NEWBERRY, FL

(Thursday-Sunday, June 8-11)

ORDER OF FINISH

18U

  • 1. Georgia Impact-Caymol
  • 2. Select Fastpitch-Jones
  • 3. Tampa Mustangs-Torres
  • 4. Georgia Impact-Sampson
  • T-5. Georgia Bombers Gold-Lewis
  • T-5. TampaMustangs-Rene
  • T-7. Lady Lightning Gold
  • T-7. Rock Gold-Manetta
  • T-9. Top Gun National
  • T-9. Mojo-Lunsford
  • T-9. EC Bullets-Bilz
  • T-9. Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier-Rocky
  • T-13. Atlanta Vipers-Hudson
  • T-13. Tennessee Mojo-Danley/Fisher
  • T-13. NC Challengers Premier-Renzi
  • T-13. Strykers National-Esparza
  • T-17. Clearwater Lady Bombers Gold-Mason
  • T-17. Select Fastpitch-Alvarado
  • T-17. Tampa Mustangs-Affrunti
  • T-17. Florida Impact Gold-Ladd
  • T-17. Virginia Unity-Curry
  • T-17. Santa Fe Inferno-Nowling
  • T-17. D1Vision Softball Premier
  • T-17. EC Bullets Gold-Schnute
  • T-25. Atlanta Vipers-Hargrave
  • T-25. Team NC-Hinde

*****

16U

  • 1. Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2024-Kaplan
  • 2. Select Fastpitch-Salazar/McCoy
  • 3. Georgia Impact 08-Taylor
  • 4. Strykers National-Esparza
  • T-5. Ohio Hawks National 2024-Joseforsky
  • T-5. Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2025-Kemp
  • T-7. Atlanta Vipers Gold-Tamborra
  • T-7. Georgia Impact-Holcombe
  • T-9. EC Bullets-Cornett
  • T-9. Tampa Mustangs-Viruet
  • T-9. Tampa Mustangs-Seymour
  • T-9. Fury Platinum X-Hutchins
  • T-13. Lady Lightning Gold
  • T-13. Virginia Unity-Johnson/Ross
  • T-13. Georgia Impact-Caymol
  • T-13. Tennessee Mojo 2025-Gregory
  • T-17. Atlanta Vipers 07-Olofson
  • T-17. Unity 2024-Bridger
  • T-17. Hotshots National ATL
  • T-17. Tampa Mustangs-Ray
  • T-17. Select Fastpitch-Woebel
  • T-17. Mojo 2025-Nelson
  • T-17. Team NC-Huss
  • T-17. Fury Platinum X-Helton
  • T-25. Virginia Unity-Meadows/Spinogatti
  • T-25. Windermere Wildfire-Paulson
  • T-25. Top Gun Bational-MC
  • T-25. D1Vision Softball National
  • T-25. Team NC-Newell/Huffman
  • T-25. Georgia Impact Premier-Maher
  • T-25. Impact Gold Premier 2025-Warrick
  • T-25. Fury 2025 Premier-Moyer/Perry
  • T-33. Carolina Elite SC National-Fusetti
  • T-33. Mojo 2025/2026-Wade
  • T-33. Team NC-Baylog/Tracy
  • T-33. Mojo-Lewis
  • T-33. Carolina Cardinals Nationals-Garner
  • T-33. Bullets 07-Patton
  • T-33. Rock Gold Premier-de leon/Manetta
  • T-33. D1Vision Softball Premier
  • T-33. NC Challengers Premier-Renzi
  • T-33. Florida Gold-Lopez
  • T-33. Carolina Cardinals Nationals-Sars
  • T-33. FL Firecrackers 06/07-Yeary
  • T-33. Carolina Elite-Maddaluna
  • T-33. Louisville Lady Sluggers-Hildreth/Burdick
  • T-33. TN Fury National 2024-Groenewoud
  • T-33. Beverly Bandits Premier-Moran
  • T-49. EC Bullets-Mayfield
  • T-49. Mojo-Sherrill
  • T-49. Georgia Impact-Sullivan

*****

14U

  • 1. Tampa Mustangs 26/27-Fowler
  • 2. Fury Premier 2026-Ventura
  • 3. So Cal Athletics 26 Premier-Marinakis/Kennedy
  • 4. Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2026-Thompson
  • T-5. Beverly Bandits Premier-Norwood
  • T-5. Atlanta Vipers 08-Tamborra
  • T-7. Tampa Mustangs 09-Pynes
  • T-7. Birmingham Thunderbolts Premier 2027-Alford
  • T-9. So Cal Athletics 2026 National-Marinakis/Jacquish
  • T-9. Virginia Unity 2026-Johnson
  • T-9. Georgia Impact Premier 09-O’Neal
  • T-9. Fury Platinum X-Butler
  • T-13. Santa Fe Inferno 09
  • T-13. Miami Stingrays 09
  • T-13. Carolina Elite-Drotar/Genovese
  • T-13. Florida Thunderbolts 26/27-Luke
  • T-17. Mojo 08-Lunsford
  • T-17. Rick Gold-Manetta/Sansone
  • T-17. Intensity-KOD/CAZ

— Carlos Arias, Dugout Chatter (Follow Carlos on Twitter @Los_Stuff)

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