Historic Opening Game for Women’s Professional Baseball League

Sarah Hodel and Rachel Koehler reached Robin Roberts Stadium hours before the start of the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL). Hodel, a 43-year-old athletic trainer from Duluth, Minnesota, took photos along the concourse, eager to capture the occasion. As a high school student, she delivered speeches about women in baseball. Now, attending the league’s inaugural game fulfilled a long-held ambition.

The historic night witnessed Mo’ne Davis and the Los Angeles Queens secure a 10-8 victory over Denae Benites and the New York Heights. This marks the return of a women’s professional baseball league in the U.S. after nearly three decades. Rachel Koehler, 33, from St. Paul, Minnesota, shared that opportunities were scarce when she played softball, making the emergence of this league significant for aspiring young athletes.

Maggie Foxx achieved the league’s first hit with a two-run single for Los Angeles in the opening inning. Benites then hit the WPBL’s first home run, a two-run shot to center field during the fourth inning. Despite trailing 8-4, the Queens mounted a comeback with two runs in the sixth and four more in the final frame under challenging weather conditions.

Foxx expressed her emotions vividly: “When I walked on the field I started crying,” she said. “It means everything to us.” Rain persisted throughout the day, drenching the 101-year-old venue, but this didn’t deter the over 4,000 fans. They lined up early, eagerly anticipating the game and collecting Mo’ne Davis bobbleheads.

The merchandise booth attracted considerable attention, with lines extending to the outfield. Antonietta Mabry, 47, attended with her family. She valued this rare opportunity for her daughter, Rosalee, to see female professional athletes. The 9-year-old cherished having her glove signed by San Francisco’s Amanda Gianelloni.

The league showcases four teams: Los Angeles Queens, New York Heights, Firebells, and Boston Hunters. The latter two were set to play on Sunday. Despite the rain, players from each team assisted with field maintenance, demonstrating their commitment.

The pregame ceremony honored women’s baseball history. This tribute included a ceremonial first pitch by 99-year-old Maybelle Blair, a former player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). Blair’s involvement resonated deeply with fans and players alike. Benites acknowledged Blair’s pivotal role: “She’s a special person, and I’m so happy that she got to make it out here and do that today.”

Lindsey Keirsey, 42, and her family traveled from Fenton, Missouri. A fervent fan of the AAGPBL and “A League of Their Own,” Keirsey viewed the event as inspirational for women’s opportunities in sports. Her daughter, Hadley, echoed this sentiment, recognizing the broader impact of women participating in such events.