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, Dec. 27, 2024:

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𝑪𝑶𝑵𝑮𝑹𝑨𝑻𝑺 to our very own, @KatelynBatroff, on her amazing 2024 @OfficialGHSA Region 6 AAAAA Softball Season with her @LassiterFastpi1 softball team taking home top honors as 𝑭𝑰𝑹𝑺𝑻 𝑻𝑬𝑨𝑴 𝑨𝑳𝑳-𝑹𝑬𝑮𝑰𝑶𝑵 & the coveted 𝑫𝑬𝑭𝑬𝑵𝑺𝑰𝑽𝑬 𝑷𝑳𝑨𝒀𝑬𝑹 𝑶𝑭 𝑻𝑯𝑬… pic.twitter.com/YLZPhM77Xe

— Athletics Gold Tamborra ‘09 (@AthleticsGold09) December 13, 2024

THE FINAL PITCH: AIMEE & KATELYN BATROFF

Athletics Gold Tamborra 09-Hamilton has developed into one of the top club teams in the Southeast and in the country. A major reason for the team’s success has been the the rise of twin sisters, 2028 3B/UT Aimee and 2028 C/UT Katelyn Batroff.

“When people think of our team, they are two of the top players,” AGT coach Peter Hamilton said of the twins. “They are difference makers. Playing at he top level, that loyalty, a lot of players jump from team to team and these kids are a core piece of our team. They are loyal to our team.”

Katelyn, #33 in the 2028 Line Drive Hot 100, and Aimee, #35 in the 2028 Line Drive Hot 100, aren’t just loyal. They are elite players in the Class of 2028. They helped their high school team, Lassiter High, reach the GHSA 5A state championship game in Georgia this past fall. The former USA Softball All-Americans also helped AGT-Hamilton to an 18-4 record in the fall and qualify for the Alliance Nationals this summer.

“Katelyn is one of the top catchers in the 20208 class,” Hamilton said. “She’s very quick and has a big arm. People very ralely try to steal on her. She’s been our leadoff pretty much since she joined the team.

“Aimee is a little different, really gritty, tough kid. She plays most of her innings at 3B. She had cat-quick reflexes. She makes some really standout plays at 3B. She can also play 2B and she catches a little bit. She’s a gap-to-gap hitter.”

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Aimee Batroff

Hometown: Marietta, GA

High School: Lassiter High

Club Team: Athletics Gold Tamborra 09-Hamilton 16U

Graduation Year: 2028

Height: 5-2

Position/s: IF/C

Nickname: I’m lucky to have a short name, so I don’t really have a nickname, but some of my close friends and family call me “Aimster.” It’s just a fun little twist on my name that my parents called me as a baby that’s stuck over the years!

Social Media: @AimeeBatroff on Twitter

Honors: #35 in the 2028 Line Drive Hot 100 and 2nd Team All-Region GHSA Region 6 AAAAA.

Travel Ball Summer 2024 Stats: .328 AVG and .397 OBP.

High School Fall Stats: .352 AVG and .420 OBP.

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats: .318 AVG and .388 OBP.

Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? I absolutely love playing with my travel team. We have so much fun together, but we also know when it’s time to get serious and focus on the game. I’ve been playing with and against some of my teammates since I was in 8U, so we’ve really grown up together on the field. Athletics Gold is such an amazing organization — it’s small, but full of elite teams with a great culture. Everyone is super supportive, helping each other improve and work towards our college goals.

Tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this past summer? My experience at PGF Nationals this past summer was amazing! Even though we didn’t finish exactly how we wanted, we still did really well, going 6-2 and tying for 13th place out of 76 teams. What made it extra special for me was getting to play in California where I’m originally from. It was awesome having my family from there come out and watch me play — it was such a memorable experience!

How do you approach playing with your twin sister on the same team? Playing on the same team as my twin sister is so much fun! Getting to travel the country and play the game we both love together is an amazing experience. We’ve been teammates since we were 5 years old, so we have a really strong bond on and off the field. It can get competitive between us sometimes, but that just pushes us to work harder and become better players.

How was your fall season and what do you expect from your team this spring/summer? Our fall season with our travel team was short, but really strong — we played so well together! We also had an amazing high school season at Lassiter, winning the Region 6 AAAAA championship. Even though we fell short in the GA AAAAA (state) championship game against Creekview High, it was such a competitive game, especially going up against our new teammate, Jaidyn Griffeth, who’s an incredible pitcher. I expect us to pick up this spring right where we left off in the fall. Our last tournament we played great in Clearwater, Florida, and earned a berth to the Alliance National championship this summer, so I’m really excited for what’s ahead!

Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? My toughest opponent would have to be myself sometimes. I push myself really hard to get better at softball and I can be my own biggest critic. It’s easy to forget that softball is a game of failure, but I’m learning to focus on the progress and enjoy the game more.

What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? I think one of the biggest things I’ve overcome is learning how to handle pressure and challenges, especially through softball. Whether it’s facing a tough pitcher, bouncing back after a mistake or balancing school and sports, I’ve learned how to stay focused, work hard and not be too hard on myself. These experiences have taught me resilience and made me stronger, both on and off the field.

Do you have any family members/siblings that are athletes? My younger sister, (2029 P/3B) Aly Batroff, is a pitcher on the GA Mojo 2011-Ogletree softball team. It’s so much fun to watch her and her team play and I’m especially proud to see her making her mark in the softball world

What college camps are you planning to attend and why? We just got back from visiting Auburn University and we’re planning a trip to Tennessee soon! We’re also checking out some D2 schools to explore all kinds of options and get a better feel for what different colleges have to offer.

What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I’m really interested in becoming an airplane pilot one day. It’s such a unique career and I think it would be so much fun to travel and experience the world from the sky. Right now, I’m exploring whether I want to become a pilot directly through college or get my degree and then go the military route to fly planes. I’m excited to see where this path could take me!

What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? My favorite subject in school is literature because I really enjoy writing and reading. I love getting lost in a good story.

What’s your favorite book to read? My favorite book is “Divergent” by Veronica Roth — it’s such an exciting and inspiring story!

What’s the best hype song and why? My favorite song is “One of Wun” by Gunna because he hypes me up.

What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? My favorite TV show is “Gilmore Girls” because it’s fun to watch.

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THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Katelyn Batroff

Hometown: Marietta, GA

High School: Lassiter High

Club Team: Athletics Gold Tamborra 09-Hamilton 16U

Graduation Year: 2028

Height: 5-3

Position/s: C/UT

Nickname: “KK.” My twin sister gave me the name when she couldn’t pronounce it when we were little. My nickname has been “KK” since I was 2 years old.

Social Media: @KatelynBatroff on Twitter

Honors: #33 in the 2028 Line Drive Hot 100, Defensive Player of the Year and 1st Team All-Region GHSA Region 6 AAAAA.

Travel Ball Summer 2024 Stats: .341 AVG and .473 OBP.

High School Fall Stats: .324 AVG and .384 OBP.

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats: .421 AVG and .527 OBP.

Tell us about your travel team/organization and how you became involved with them? When I was younger, I always loved watching the older travel girls play at our local park and I knew I wanted to be just like them one day. So, when I got the chance to join the Athletics organization, I was super excited! It felt amazing to be surrounded by athletes who are just as passionate and driven as I am. On top of that, Coach Stacy Tamborra has made sure to create a really supportive environment where sisterhood is a big priority. We train hard, but we also have a lot of fun together. I’ve made some amazing friendships with my Athletic Gold sisters from all age groups and it’s been such a great experience!

Tell us about your experience at PGF Nationals this past summer? I had such an amazing time at PGF Nationals this past summer in California, which is actually my home state! It was awesome both on and off the field. Coach Beth (Henderson) and Coach Pete (Hamilton) made sure we had some fun activities to do when we weren’t on the field, which was really nice. The tournament was super well-organized, especially with so many teams competing. Even though we didn’t get the outcome we were hoping for, tying for 13th place with a 6-2 record, we still had a blast playing against top teams from all over the country. The best part for me and my sister was getting to spend time with our family in California. Having them come out to support us in the sport we love made it even more special!

How do you approach playing with your twin sister on the same team? I feel so lucky to have my sister by my side on this journey. She’s one of the best softball players I know and her drive to be the best pushes me to do the same. It can get really competitive between us at times, but we always have each other’s backs. The best part is I always have someone to practice with, whether it’s playing catch or having her catch my throwdowns!

How was your fall season and what do you expect from your team this spring/summer? My fall season was short, but it was really productive. As a team, we came together so well. Even though we had a few new players join, our chemistry was on point and it really showed in how we played. After high school ball, travel ball felt both competitive and fun. I was able to use the new skills I learned as a third baseman in HS ball and also transitioned back into my catching position pretty easily.

Which player/team has been your toughest opponent and why? I really enjoy playing against the Tampa Mustangs Rene-Pynes because they’re such a strong team. We always have close, competitive games and they play with a lot of class. I know whenever we face them, it’s going to be a tough, but fun, challenge.

What have you faced/overcome in life that has made you the person you are today? My size is something that often gets overlooked. I’m usually one of the smallest players on the field and people tend to assume that means I don’t have much power behind my hits or throws. But I actually use this to my advantage. Being smaller makes me quicker and more agile. Plus, outfielders often underestimate me, thinking I can’t hit for power and I love the challenge of proving them wrong by burning them with a hit!

Do you have any family members/siblings that are athletes? My younger sister, (2029 P/3B) Aly Batroff, is a pitcher on the Ga Mojo 2011-Ogletree softball team. It’s so much fun to watch her and her team play and I’m especially proud to see her making her mark in the softball world

What are you looking for in a future college? Do you plan on going to the same college as your sister or do you want to go somewhere on your own?
I’m looking for a college team that’s not just strong on the field, but also has an amazing team culture. My twin sister and I do everything together, so we’d love the chance to join the same college and keep supporting each other like we always have!

What college camps are you planning to attend and why? We just got back from visiting Auburn University and we’re planning a trip to Tennessee soon! We’re also checking out some D2 schools to explore all kinds of options and get a better feel for what different colleges have to offer.

What areas are you interested in future occupations and why? I’m really interested in the medical field and dream of becoming an anesthesiologist. Watching “Grey’s Anatomy” inspired me to want to be a doctor — it showed me how incredible it would be to help people and make a difference in their lives.

What’s your favorite subject to study in school and why? Biology really interests me because it’s amazing to learn about all the cool living things and how they work. It’s fascinating to understand what makes life happen!

Who is your sports hero and why? My sports hero is (Florida State All-American) Michaela Edenfield. She’s such an amazing catcher and I really admire the style she brings to the field. I absolutely love how she mixes her personality with her makeup — it’s so unique! I’m a big fan of makeup too, and she’s inspired me to add a little glam to my own softball look.

What’s your favorite book to read and why? My favorite book is “The Hunger Games” (by Suzanne Collins). I love how Katniss proves that even when people doubt you or you’re at a disadvantage, you can still rise above and win. She’s such a strong and inspiring character!

What’s the best hype song and why? My ultimate hype song is “Starships” by Nicki Minaj. It has such a great beat and I know every single lyric by heart! It always puts me in a good mood and gets me pumped up and ready to play softball.

What’s your favorite TV show to binge and why? My favorite TV show to binge is “Grey’s Anatomy.” It’s where my passion for medicine first started! The show has a little bit of everything — action, romance and, of course, all the fascinating medical cases. I just love it!

What’s your favorite movie and why? My favorite movie is “The Notebook.” I’m a big fan of romance movies and this one is just so emotional and beautiful — it always gets me!

Do you have a secret talent/skill? My secret talent is baking! I take every chance I get to bake something and my pumpkin bread is definitely a crowd favorite.

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NEWS & NOTES

***The Space Coast Select 30 National Training Camp is Jan. 17-20 at USSSA Space Coast Complex, FL. Follow the tournament online HERE.

***The Surf City MLK AZ Winter Invitational is Jan. 18-20 in Mesa, AZ. Follow the tournament online HERE.

***The AZ Last Blast V is Jan. 24-26 in Mesa, AZ. Follow the tournament online HERE.

***The AZ Power 48 is Feb. 15-17 in Mesa, AZ. Follow the tournament online HERE.

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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 …

The Batman Part II getting delayed AGAIN pic.twitter.com/bkIoEBHebC

— sabrina 🦇 (@nightwaynes) December 27, 2024

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