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 Tuesday, June 30, 2026:

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THE FINAL PITCH: ADDISON “DING” BALAVENDER

Uncommitted 2029 LHP Addison “Ding” Balavender, #19 in the 2029 Line Drive Hot 100, recently talked to Line Drive Media about Tampa Mustangs-Rene, Alliance Nationals, Florida players, Birmingham Thunderbolts, countless training hours, future college, college camps, engineering, math, Montana Fouts, “A Land Remembered,” “Black Beatles,” “Young Sheldon,” “10 Things I Hate About You” and volleyball and hacky sack.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Addison “Ding” Balavender

Hometown: Melbourne, FL

High School: Melbourne High

Club Team: Tampa Mustangs-Rene 18U

Graduation Year: 2029

Height: 6-0

Position/s: LHP

Nickname: My nickname is “Ding.” I got it in Little League by my dad, who was my coach at the time, because I used to hit dingers in Little League.

Social Media: @dingbalavender.lhp2029 on Instagram and @dinglhp2029 on Twitter

Honors: #19 in the 2029 Line Drive Hot 100, Florida Today Pitcher of the Year, Pitcher of the Tournament at PGF Show me the Money and BSN Pitcher of the Year.

Travel Ball Fall 2025 Stats: 48 IP, 60 Ks, 1.50 ERA, 0.993 WHIP and .158 BAA.

High School Spring 2026 Stats: 136 IP, 204 Ks, 1.08 ERA and .133 BAA.

Travel Ball Summer 2026 Stats (So Far): 19 Ks, 3 ERA, 1 WHIP and .247 BAA.