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 Thursday, July 25, 2024:

*****

THE FINAL PITCH: JLEE VAN DRIEL

Uncommitted 2027 OF/C/MIF JLee Van Driel recently talked to Line Drive Media about Hotshots National 09-Nelson, Twin River High, PGF/Alliance Nationals, Impact Gold 2K9 National and Athletics Mercado, dedication and motivation, future college, math, Jordy Bahl, “11 Paper Hearts,” Nipsey Hussle, “The Summer I Turned Pretty,” “10 Things I Hate About You” and hair-braiding skills.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: JLee Van Driel

Hometown: Monroe, NE

High School: Twin River High

Club Team: Hotshots National 09-Nelson 14U

Graduation Year: 2027

Height: 5-6

Position/s: OF/C/MIF

Nickname: My nickname is “J.” My parents called me “Baby J” and “J” has stuck since then.

Social Media: @jlee_vandriel2 on Twitter

Honors: All-State by the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World Herald, Twin River High MVP for softball, 1st Team All-East Husker Conference for softball, Honorable Mention All-State for basketball by the Omaha World Herald, Twin River Hustle Award for basketball and Honor Roll with Distinction.

Travel Ball Summer 2023 Stats: .423 AVG, .540 OBP, 41 hits, 40 runs and 33 SBs.

Travel Ball Fall 2023 Stats: .481 AVG, .588 OBP, 1.477 OPS, .889 SLG and 18 SBs in 20 attempts.

High School Stats: .642 AVG, .726 OBP, 1.936 OPS, 1.211 SLG, 61 hits, 10 triples, 10 HRs, 45 RBIs, 68 runs, 24 BBs and 60 SBs (Class C state record).

Travel Ball Summer 2024 Stats (So Far): .434 AVG, .551 OBP, 1.222 OPS, .671 SLG, 33 hits, 7 doubles, 4 triples, 42 runs and 41 SBs.