Historic Start for Women’s Pro Baseball League

The Women’s Pro Baseball League began with a game featuring the Los Angeles Queens and the New York Heights. The event captured attention even before the first pitch due to pre-game festivities.

Martha Reeves, known as the lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas, sang the national anthem. Despite her iconic status, the performance, which included two other singers, drew criticism on social media. Attendees at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, including players, were surprised by the rendition.

This game marked a special milestone as it was the first women’s professional baseball game in the U.S. in nearly thirty years. Mo’ne Davis, who gained fame during the Little League World Series in 2014, played in center field for the Queens and scored a run in Los Angeles’ victory.

Maggie Foxx, playing as both left fielder and pitcher for the Queens, delivered a strong performance, going 2-for-2 with two RBIs and striking out two batters. Rakyung Kim pitched for the New York Heights during the fourth inning.

Highlights included Denae Benites, the Heights catcher, who went 4-for-4 and had two RBIs. She expressed her admiration for 99-year-old Maybelle Blair, who threw the ceremonial first pitch. Blair was part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which operated from 1943 to 1954 and inspired the film ‘A League of Their Own.’

Benites commented on Blair’s ongoing support, “Maybelle’s been with us since the start. She’s paved the way and she’s an incredible person. I’m thrilled she participated today.”

The Los Angeles Queens secured the win with a final score of 10-8.