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.

To contribute information, insights, thoughts or content ideas, email us at carlos.arias@linedrivemedia.com, DM at @los_stuff on Twitter or text (949) 606-3602.

Here’s our TFP for Friday, June 13, 2025:

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THE FINAL PITCH: RAYELEE JOHNSON

Uncommitted 2030 RHP/2B Rayelee Johnson, #26 in the 2030 Line Drive Hot 100, recently talked to Line Drive Media about Atlanta Vipers 2012-Patterson, PGF Nationals, PGF Super Select 12U Championship, Georgia players, coming back from injury, Kentucky Chrome, cleft palate, Landon Johnson, future college, college camps, teaching, math, Ronald Acuna Jr., “Diary of a Wimpy Kid,” Moneybagg Yo, “Survivor,” “Home Alone” and nose/tongue skills.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Rayelee Johnson

Hometown: Hawkinsville, GA

High School: Fullington Academy

Club Team: Atlanta Vipers 2012-Patterson 14U

Graduation Year: 2030

Height: 5-6

Position/s: RHP/2B

Nickname: “Doot.” I have been called “Doodle Bug” my whole life by family and friends, but when I am on the field it is shortened to Doot.

Social Media: @RayeleeJ2030 on Twitter

Honors: Honor Roll

Travel Ball Summer 2024 Stats: Hitting — .364 AVG, OPS .985 OPS; Pitching — 2.507 ERA, 1.522 WHIP, .258 BAA, .929 fielding percentage.

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats: Hitting — .423 AVG, .983 OPS; Pitching — 2.418 ERA, 1.701 WHIP, .286 BAA, .870 fielding percentage.

Travel Ball Spring 2025 Stats: Hitting — .431 AVG, 1.004 OPS; Pitching — 3.012 ERA, 1.592 WHIP, .926 fielding percentage.

Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? Before joining the Vipers, I played for Middle Georgia Elite before the team switched to the Atlanta Premier organization. When the team dissolved, I knew I wanted to play for Coach Selena Patterson and the Atlanta Vipers. I joined (in the) spring of 2024. Their competitive nature and disciple on the field is what stood out to me.

Tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals? 10U PGF Super Select champions in May of 2023, PGF Tennessee Mojo Invitational runner-up in (the) spring of 2024, PGF Georgia Summer Classic 3rd place (in the) spring of 2024, PGF Super Select Southern Fall Championship runner-up (in the) fall of 2024 and PGF Super Select champions (in the) spring of 2025.

Tell us about helping your team win the recent 12U PGF Super Select Championship? I played a critical role in our team’s success through strong performance at the plate, on the mound and in the field. Offensively, I batted a .400 and reached base with a .929 on-base percentage, driving in 16 RBIs and consistently keeping pressure on opposing defenses.

As a pitcher, I delivered 30.2 innings of high-effort performance, throwing 564 pitches against 149 batters. I recorded 29 strikeouts and held opponents to a .333 batting average, helping limit their scoring opportunities. Defensively, I maintained a solid .933 fielding percentage, contributing to key outs and supporting my teammates across the field.

Together, these contributions helped power our team through the tournament and ultimately to victory.

What makes players from the state of Georgia special? Players from Georgia are known for their grit, discipline and team-first mentality. There’s a culture of working hard, playing tough and never backing down from a challenge.

What was your highlight of the fall? What have you been focusing on this offseason? My highlight of the fall season was coming back from a torn hamstring injury. I was able to get my velocity back on the mound and have more control over my body language. I have been focusing on hitting my spots and being consistent at the plate.

Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? Kentucky Chrome because they are a competitive team and always have lights-out defense and big bats.

What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? I was born with a cleft lip and palate. I have had 14 surgeries and still a few more to go. I have faced adversity through all stages of life, which has taught me to be brave and strong and face everything head on.

Do you have any family members/siblings that are athletes? Landon Johnson, brother, plays Varsity Baseball and Football for Hawkinsville High.

What are you looking for in a future college? I’m looking for a place that feels like home, where I can grow as a person, build lasting relationships and contribute to the campus and community. I am also looking for a strong softball program that has a competitive culture and works hard both on and off the field.

What college camps have you attended and are you planning to attend and why? Florida State University will be my first camp this summer. I plan to attend the camp and get a feel for the environment.

What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? When I grow up, I want to be a teacher like my mom. I want to lead by example and change the lives of my future students.

What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? Math is my favorite subject in school because I like to know that I can check my answers to make sure they are right.

Who is your sports hero and why? (Former MLB Rookie of the Year) Ronald Acuna Jr. He has overcome injuries and come out stronger than ever. He sees the ball well and always gives 100 percent effort.

What’s your favorite book to read and why? “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” (by Jeff Kinney and Thomas Clark). The books are interesting and understandable.

What’s the best hype song and why? “Big League” by (Yo Gatti), Moneybagg Yo, (Lil Popppa & Mozzy). The lyrics and the beat gets me in the zone for games.

What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? “Survivor.” I love to watch the challenges and see the players compete.

What’s your favorite movie and why? “Home Alone.” Kevin sets up traps and obstacles for bad guys.

Do you have a secret talent/skill? I can touch my nose with my tongue.

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NEWS & NOTES

***Top Gun Invitational is June 12-15 ay Kansas City, MO. To follow the tournament online, CLICK HERE.

***So Cal A’s Invitational is June 13-15 in Irvine, CA. To follow the tournament online, CLICK HERE.

***Team1 Elite Club Summer Invitational is June 12-15 at Kansas City, MO. To follow the tournament online, CLICK HERE.

***Triple Crown Brashear Summer Invitational is June 14-15 at La Habra/Whittier/Garden Grove/Mission Viejo/Lake Elsinore, CA. To follow the tournament online, CLICK HERE.

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SIGNING/COMMITMENT ALERTS

Jaiden Griffith (2025, OF/UT, Unity-Johnson/Williamston High, MI, Virginia)

✍️ 𝒮𝒾𝑔𝓃𝑒𝒹

Welcome to the UVA Family Jaiden Griffith! #GoHoos | #HoosNext pic.twitter.com/uGUwc8jNee

— Virginia Softball (@UVASoftball) November 14, 2024

Edith Kaplan (2025, IF, Birmingham Thunderbolts/Mountain Brook High, AL, Virginia)

Hard to believe this week is finally here! Can’t wait to celebrate you officially becoming a Hoo! ⚔️ 💙🧡@edith_kaplan_7 @MBHSSpartanSB @BHMBoltsOrg pic.twitter.com/Yc1P0vEM5Z

— Justin B. Kaplan (@justinbkaplan) November 11, 2024

Karly Meredith (2025, RHP, Beverly Bandits/Kaukauna High, WI, Virginia)

Congratulations Squirrel!!! RollGhosts!!! pic.twitter.com/TAFS4Nu2u5

— Tim Roehrig (@lilRsoftball) November 13, 2024

Addison Reasor (2025, IF, Starz Gold/Christiansburg High, VA, Virginia)

✍️ 𝒮𝒾𝑔𝓃𝑒𝒹

Welcome to the UVA Family Addison Reasor! #GoHoos | #HoosNext pic.twitter.com/3Xw5vgLKyW

— Virginia Softball (@UVASoftball) November 13, 2024

Taylor Smith (2025, RHP, MD Heartbreakers/Catoctin High, MD, Virginia)

✍️ 𝒮𝒾𝑔𝓃𝑒𝒹

Welcome to the UVA Family Taylor Smith! #GoHoos | #HoosNext pic.twitter.com/ME2u6oQITq

— Virginia Softball (@UVASoftball) November 13, 2024

Hannah Tober (2025, IF, Fury Platinum X-Higdon/New Kent High, VA, Virginia)

It’s official!! ✍️ Ready for the next 4! @UVASoftball 💙🧡 https://t.co/rYTTxqkNbQ

— Hannah Tober (@ToberHannah) November 13, 2024

Hannah Weismer (2025, C/UT, Team NC-Hinde/Kingsway Regional High, NJ, Virginia)

So excited to be part of the Hoo family!!🧡⚔️💙 https://t.co/oLU6lOt7hZ

— Hannah Weismer 2025 (@HWeismer) November 13, 2024

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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 …

This is how Supes and Krypto are gonna be moving out there pic.twitter.com/LEvtBI0mkM

— Prime Snake (@PrimeSnake428) June 11, 2025

— Carlos Arias, Line Drive Media (Follow Carlos on Twitter @los_stuff)