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 Monday, Oct. 14, 2024:

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THE FINAL PITCH: AVA PAPALEO

Virginia-committed 2026 OF/1B Ava Papaleo recently talked to Line Drive Media about Rhode Island Thunder National-Lotti, PGF Nationals, Beverly Bandits, recovering from injury, Sept. 1st experience and Virginia, business, math, Aaron Judge, “Relentless,” Kanye West, “The Vampire Diaries,” “The Hunger Games” and interior design.

THE FINAL PITCH Q&A

Name: Ava Papaleo

Hometown: Yonkers, NY

High School: The Ursuline School

Club Team: Rhode Island Thunder National-Lotti 16U

Graduation Year: 2026

Height: 5-5

Position/s: OF/1B

Nickname: My nickname is “Pap.” My high school coach started calling me this in the 8th grade.

Social Media: @avapapaleo2026 on Instagram and @AvaPapaleo on Twitter

Honors: PGF Futures All-American (2024), #4 in the 2026 Line Drive Hot 100, #2 Utility Player in the Class of 2026 by Line Drive Media, #1 Player in the Class of 2026 in the Northeast by Line Drive Media, 1st Team All-State (2024), Section 1 Player of the Year (2024), All-Section (2024), All-League (2024) and Ursuline High Team MVP (2024).

High School Spring Stats: .626 AVG, 10 HRs, 7 triples, 21 doubles, 56 RBIs, 2.073 OPS and 18 SBs

Travel Ball Summer 2024 Stats: .381 AVG, 10 doubles, 3 triples, 8 HRs, 44 RBIs, 15 walks/HBPs and 15 SBs.