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, July 16, 2026:

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THE FINAL PITCH: LYDIA HAMMOND

Loyola-bound RHP Lydia Hammond, #85 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, recently talked to Line Drive Media about Illinois Chill Gold, PGF Nationals, Boulder IDT, Illinois players, Impact Gold-Jackson, underestimated, athletic family, Loyola, nursing, science or math, Montana Fouts, “One Of Us Is Lying,” SexyRedd, “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Hunger Games” and Euchre and Poker.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Lydia Hammond

Hometown: Bourbonnais, IL

High School: Bradley-Bourbonnais Community High

Club Team: Illinois Chill Gold 18U

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 5-3

Position/s: RHP

Nickname: “Lyd” or “Lyds,” just short for Lydia.

Social Media: @lydiahammond07 on Twitter and @lydiahammond07 on Instagram

Honors: #85 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, two-time SWSC All-Conference, SWSC Conference Player of the Year (2026), two-time All Area/Daily Journal Player of the Year, BBCHS Female Athlete of the Year, 1st Team All-State (2026), Illinois State Scholar and two-year National Honor Society member.

Travel Ball Fall 2025 Stats: Pitching — 5.676 ERA, 1.581 WHIP, 24.2 IP and 23 Ks.

High School Spring 2026 Stats: Pitching — 0.848 WHIP, 17-6, 2.07 ERA, 200 Ks, 132 IP; Hitting — .391 AVG, 4 HRs and 25 RBIs.

Travel Ball Summer 2026 Stats: Pitching — 32.2 IP, 40 Ks, 3.213 ERA and 1.439 WHIP.