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, June 19, 2025:

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THE FINAL PITCH: PEYTON VALENTINE

Auburn-committed 2026 SS Peyton Valentine, #22 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, recently talked to Line Drive Media about Arizona Rising-Appel, PGF Nationals, Arizona players, helping her team win the recent 18U PGF June Premier Invitational, hitting a grand slam, Athletics Mercado-Smith, mental game, Chase and Riley Valentine, Auburn, sports-related occupations, history, Skylar Wallace, “The Housemaid,” Myke Towers, “Outer Banks,” and “Fast and Furious”

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Peyton Valentine

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

High School: A&M Consolidated

Club Team: AZ Rising-Appel 18U

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 5-4

Position/s: SS

Nickname: “PV.” My club coach (Steve Appel) gave it to me because there were multiple Peyton’s and it just stuck with me.

Social Media: @pvalentine27 on Instagram and @pvalentine_27 on Twitter

Honors: #22 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, Defensive Player of the Year (2025), 1st Team All-District, Academic All-District and USA Softball Top Performer.

Travel Ball Summer 2024 Stats: .270 AVG, .865 OPS and 3 HRs.

Travel Ball Fall 2024 Stats: .216 AVG, .841 OPS and 6 HRs.

High School Spring 2025 Stats: .435 AVG, 1.784 OPS and 12 HRs

Travel Ball Summer 2025 Stats (So Far): .444 AVG, 1.389 OPS and 2 HRs.