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 Instagram or text (949) 606-3602.

Here’s our TFP for Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026:

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THE FINAL PITCH: KELSEY ERBEN

Uncommitted 2028 3B/C Kelsey Erben recently talked to Line Drive Media about Universal Bay Area-Tatro/Cook, PGF Nationals, California players, I-5 Softball-Snyder/McDonald, balancing school and softball, Avery Erben, future college, college camps, kinesiologist, history, Jordan Woolery, “Pretend She’s Here,” team hype music playlist, “Gilmore Girls,” “Pirates of the Caribbean” and hunting.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Kelsey Erben

Hometown: San Ramon, CA

High School: California High

Club Team: Universal Bay Area-Tatro/Cook 16U

Graduation Year: 2028

Height: 5-5

Position/s: 3B/C

Nickname: “Kels,” “Erben Legend” and “AK-47” are nicknames I’ve been given. “Kels” is just a shortened version of my name while “Erben Legend” and “AK” or “AK-47” are more fun. I got these nicknames through softball, Erben, my last name and adding legend to it and AK-47 like the gun, but because my number is 47!

Social Media: @kelsey.erben.2028 on Instagram and @KelseyErben2028 on Twitter

Honors: HPP National selection event invitee (2026), OnDeck June Jamboree invitee (2026), Class of 2028 National Honor Roll Distinguished Prospects 3.5-3.74 GPA, Team MVP Award (2026), Team Defensive Award (2025), Team Athletic Award (2025) and 25th place finish at PGF Platinum Nationals (2025).

High School Spring 2026 Stats: .488 AVG, .562 OBP, 1.321 OPS, .758 SLG, 42 hits, 14 doubles, 5 triples, 18 RBIs, 26 SBs and .948 FPCT.

Travel Ball Summer 2026 Stats: .227 AVG, .443 OBP, .738 OPS, .295 SLG, 10 hits, 3 doubles, 6 RBIs, 3 SBs and .847 FPCT.