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 Monday, July 20, 2026:

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TEAM SPOTLIGHT: BIRMINGHAM THUNDERBOLTS PREMIER 2032-COTTON

Thunderbolts-Cotton has compiled a record of 274-86-4 since the fall of 2022 and they are expected to be one of the top contenders for the PGF 12U Platinum national championships next week. Bolts coach Brad Cotton said “the team’s sustained success has been built on maintaining a strong core group of players while strategically adding talent to address specific needs each season.” He credits the program’s achievements to recruiting athletes who demonstrate selfless character, a strong work ethic, and most importantly, a willingness to be coached.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Bolts-Cotton has captured PGF Super Select Championships, PGF Diamond Elite Championships, USSSA World Series Championships, USFA World Series Championships, USSSA Super Elite Championships and USA Championships titles. The team also earned a top-10 finish at the 2025 PGF Nationals in Huntington Beach, CA, competing against some of the nation’s top teams in the country.

Cotton said he has been fortunate to keep the core of the team together.

“We’ve been blessed with a tremendous group of athletes and families,” Cotton said. “Their commitment to the process, trust in our coaching staff and willingness to put the team first have made this success possible.”

ROSTER

• Mallory Cotton (2032, 1B)
• Harper Wood (2032, 2B)
• Blythe King (2032, SS)
• Ella Ryan Aman (2032, C/OF)
• Jemma Aman (2032, OF)
• Brynlee Beaty (2032, UT)
• Emma Powell (2032, P)
• Vivian Meacham (2031, C/1B)
• Emmaline Morris (2031, C/3B)
• Kadynce Jones (2032, P/OF)
• Cate Winningham (2032, P)
• Paris Townsend (2031, P/UT)