Get on board with Line Drive Media’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 Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025:

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THE FINAL PITCH: ABBY HAMMOND

Kentucky-bound RHP Abby Hammond, #8 in the 2025 Line Drive Hot 100, recently talked to Line Drive Media about Southern Force National-Palmer, Lexington Catholic High, winning Kentucky Gatorade State Player of the Year, PGF Nationals, Birmingham Thunderbolts, doubts, athletic family, Kentucky, medical field, science and math, Kelsey Nunley, “The Hunger Games,” Eminem, “Outer Banks,” “Top Gun: Maverick” and juggling.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Abby Hammond

Hometown: Lexington, KY

High School: Lexington Catholic High

Club Team: Southern Force National-Palmer 18U

Graduation Year: 2025

Height: 5-7

Position/s: RHP

Nickname: “Ab.” My parents and all (of) my coaches have called me this. I think they just wanted a shorter way to get my attention or cheer me on.

Social Media: @abbyy.hammond_ on Instagram and @abbyhammond23 on Twitter

Honors: Gatorade Kentucky Player of the Year (2022 & 2024), #8 in 2025 Line Drive Hot 100, #5 Pitcher in the Class of 2025 by Line Drive, four-time Kentucky Class 2A State Player of the Year, four-time 1st Team All-State, two-time Kentucky Class 2A state tournament MVP, two-time Lexington City Player of the Year, two-time Lexington 1st Team All-City, four-time All-District, four-time All-Tournament 43rd District, four-time All-Tournament 11th Region, three-time 11th Region Player of the Year, 1st Team Academic All-State, 2nd Team Underclass All-American by MaxPreps (2022) and Honorable Mention All-American by MaxPreps (2024).

High School Spring Stats: Pitching — 177.2 IP, 27-3, 282 Ks, 19 BBs, 12 ERs, 0.47 ERA, 0.568 WHIP, 3 perfect games; Hitting — 77 ABs, 44 hits, .571 AVG, 1.312 SLG, .705 OBP, 10 doubles, 4 triples, 13 HRs, 40 RBIs and 34 BBs.

Travel Ball Summer 2024 Stats: Pitching — 83.2 IP, 14-2, 87 Ks, 11 BBs, 13 ERs, 1.08 ERA, 0.693 WHIP; Hitting — 72 ABs, 29 hits, .402 AVG, .597 SLG, .555 OBP, 5 doubles, 3 HRs, 18 RBIs and 11 BBs.

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats: Pitching — 47.1 IP, 7-2, 46 Ks, 9 BBs, 12 ERs, 1.78 ERA, 1.035 WHIP; Hitting — 45 ABs, 18 hits, .400 AVG, .667 SLG, .449 OBP, 4 HRs, 17 RBIs and 3 BBs.