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 Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024:

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THE FINAL PITCH: TORI PAYNE

Central Florida-bound RHP/UT Tori Payne recently talked to Line Drive Media about Louisville Lady Sluggers-Wathen, Alliance Nationals, winning the recent SEFL Fall Championship, Nicole Mergen, being overlooked, athletic family, Central Florida, college camps, physical therapist, science, Rachel Garcia, “Chop Wood Carry Water,” 50 Cent, “Supernatural,” “The Princess and the Frog” and playing guitar.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Tori Payne

Hometown: Wellington, FL

High School: Wellington High

Club Team: Louisville Lady Sluggers-Wathen 18U

Graduation Year: 2025

Height: 5-5

Position/s: RHP/UT

Nickname: My nickname is “T-Payne” and my dad gave it to me.

Social Media: @tori_payne018 on Instagram and @ToriPayne07 on Twitter

Honors: Two-time 1st Team All-County (2022 & 2024), 2nd Team All-County (2023), three-time Team MVP and Player of the Year finalist by Palm Beach Post (2024).

High School Career Stats: Pitching — 70 games, 31-6, 233.1 IP, 277 Ks, 1.56 ERA, 1.119 WHIP, .201 BAA; Hitting — 70 games, .363 AVG, .433 OBP, .620 SLG, 8 HRs, 61 RBIs.

Travel Ball Summer 2024 Stats: Pitching — 15-2, 96 IP, 87 Ks, 2.26 ERA, 1.281 WHIP, .240 BAA; Hitting — .398 AVG, .438 OBP, .625 SLG, 5 HRs, 38 RBIs.

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats: Pitching — 6-0, 31.1 IP, 33 Ks, 1.34 ERA, 1.181 WHIP, .190 BAA; Hitting — .317 AVG, .391 OBP, .634 SLG, 4 HRs, 17 RBIs.