Spotlight on Rising Stars: Payton Bauer and Jacie Patterson in the 2027 Line Drive Media Hot 100 Rankings
- Firecrackers DFW

- Sep 9
- 3 min read
The world of youth softball is evolving rapidly, showcasing some of the most promising talents. In this year’s 2027 Line Drive Media Hot 100 Player Rankings, we are excited to highlight two exceptional players from the Firecrackers DFW 18U team: Payton Bauer (Ranked T-90) and Jacie Patterson (Ranked T-81). These athletes are not just skilled on the field; they also excel academically, making them standout figures in a competitive sport. Let’s explore what sets these young stars apart.
Payton Bauer: A Force in the Outfield
Payton Bauer, an outfielder from Mansfield, Texas, has established herself as a dynamic talent with impressive speed, power, and a strong arm. Head Coach Joe Martinez praises her, saying she is “a dawg on the field,” a testament to her relentless drive and competitive spirit. Payton had a remarkable batting average of .393 and an OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) of 1.090 this past Summer of 2025 season at the 16U level. This means she consistently gets on base and makes a solid impact when she swings the bat.

2027 Outfielder Payton Bauer (Uncommitted) https://x.com/Payton_Bauer03
Beyond her achievements in sports, Payton is an excellent student, boasting a 4.0 GPA. She is focused on her future, aspiring to become a dental hygienist after college. This balance between athletics and education is what many coaches and recruiters look for. It shows her dedication not only to her sport but also to her personal growth.
Jacie Patterson: The 5-Tool Player
Jacie Patterson, a key player from the Firecrackers DFW Martinez team, is recognized as a “true 5-tool player.” This means she excels in hitting for average, hitting for power, base running, fielding, and throwing. Coach Martinez acknowledges her versatility, as she plays well as a middle infielder and can also shine in outfield positions. Jacie’s speed and knack for getting on base make her a significant scoring threat, showcasing both her softball intelligence and agility.

Currently attending Duncanville High School Collegiate Academy, Jacie is on pace to earn an associate’s degree in just two years. This achievement speaks volumes about her commitment and diligence, highlighting her ability to balance rigorous academics with a demanding sport.

Bright Paths Ahead
The 2027 Line Drive Media Hot 100 Player Rankings celebrate the standout achievements of Payton Bauer and Jacie Patterson. Their stories demonstrate the importance of striving for success in both sports and education. As they develop their skills and chase their dreams, we can expect remarkable achievements from these two rising stars.
With the backing of dedicated coaches and a strong drive, Payton and Jacie are destined to make a lasting mark on the world of softball. Watch closely as they continue to shine in the competitive arena of youth sports!
Thank you to Line Drive Media for recognizing our athletes! To read their article please follow the link at https://linedrivemedia.com/news/the-2027-line-drive-hot-100-player-rankings-moving-up-with-s-90-81-august-26-2025/
Players On The Bubble #'s 101-Plus
We also would like to congratulate two more players who were "just on the verge of breaking into this elite 100 range: the prospects who are “on the bubble,” meaning they have been recommended to be followed and evaluated for the next 2027 update.
These are the athletes we feel have the potential to be Line Drive HOT 100 talent in the future – and we will track them moving forward." Corner Infielder Avery Rodriguez and Outfielder/Middle Infielder Naomi Peña.





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