For years, the long ball might as well have been an ancient artifact in softball, a rare find in a game dominated by power pitchers. After all, there were plenty of aces in the bay area who wielded the most important weapon in the sport — speed. When they were on, they collected strikeouts at a dizzying pace.
But hitters, many now powered by weightlifting regimens, take precisely honed swings that generate lift, using state-of-the-art bats to take their cuts.
The evolution of hitting and the emphasis on power have created some eye-popping numbers.
Last year, Berkeley Prep's Kristin Hoover, now at the University of California, hit a state-leading 16 home runs. Seven other local players had at least seven homers. And it's not just power. There are speedy baserunners and batters who can hit for average, as well as bring others home. The area had at least one area player rank among the top five in the state in homers, batting average, stolen bases and RBIs in 2014.
It's no surprise, given the increase in offensive production, that games have become more high scoring. Canterbury (Class 2A) and Bloomingdale (8A), both of which won state titles last season, each averaged six runs per game.
And here's a scary thought, at least for pitchers. Canterbury and Bloomingdale return the bulk of their sluggers.
Here is a look at some of the top offensive players in the area — and a few pitchers capable of stopping them.
The sluggers
Top home run hitters:
Taylor Bump, So., Canterbury: The Michigan recruit, who is a solid infielder, hit. 557 with seven home runs and 36 RBIs last season.
Hailey Hopkins, Sr., Canterbury: The Kent State recruit is capable of hitting majestic blasts and had a team-leading eight homers last season.
Logyn Lilley, Sr., Palm Harbor U.: The Tennessee signee was the Times' Pinellas County player of the year after hitting .630 with seven home runs and 44 RBIs.
Kenzi Maguire, Sr., River Ridge: The South Carolina signee was the Times' North Suncoast player of the year after hitting .598 with seven home runs.
Danielle Romanello, So., Canterbury: The catcher, who has already committed to Florida, hit .575 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs for the two-time state champion last season.
The hitters
Five who can hit for average:
Emma Frost, So., Carrollwood Day: She led the Patriots to the 3A state semis with a .635 average and 30 extra-base hits.
Megan Lane, Sr., Hernando: Lane hit. 557 and was second in the state with 63 stolen bases last season.
Elizabeth Jackson, Sr., Bloomingdale: The Arkansas signee led the Class 8A defending state champs with a .486 average.
Corynn Miner, Jr., Admiral Farragut: The pitcher, who led the Blue Jackets to their first playoff appearance, was fourth in the state with a .692 average last season.
Alea White, Jr., Cambridge chr.: The Lancers' ace put up strong numbers at the plate with a whopping .629 average.
The aces
Pitchers who can give hitters fits:
Makenzie Goluba, Sr., River Ridge: The Binghamton signee went 23-4 with a North Suncoast-best 0.34 ERA, 14 shutouts and 171 strikeouts.
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Explore all your optionsSammi Grat, Jr., Gaither: Her 0.72 ERA and 9-1 record included a shutout win over Steinbrenner for the Class 7A, District 8 championship.
Riley Randolph, Sr., Northeast: The Florida Gulf Coast signee was 15-6 with a 0.89 ERA and 164 strikeouts.
Lace Smith, Sr., Bloomingdale: The right-hander, who has signed with Buffalo, finished the season with 279 strikeouts while walking only 26 batters in 174 innings.
Kama Woodall, So., Canterbury: The N.C. State recruit was 14-4 with a 0.86 ERA and 196 strikeouts.