Women’s Professional Baseball League Inaugural Game in Springfield

Brittany Apgar, Maggie Foxx, and Mo’ne Davis of the Los Angeles Queens shared laughter in the dugout before the start of the Women’s Pro Baseball League’s inaugural game in Springfield, Illinois, on Saturday, August 1.

Three hours before the game, fans filled the rain-soaked parking lot at Springfield’s Robin Roberts Stadium. They traveled from various places, including South Korea and Australia. Carol and Mike Studer, grandparents of London’s first baseman London Studer, feared the rain would delay the game, causing a flight miss the next day.

An hour later, gates opened to eager fans. A teenage girl joyfully shouted about being the first inside as she rushed through a balloon-adorned entrance. Inside, she received a custom bobblehead of Queens outfielder Mo’ne Davis. Meanwhile, staff busily attended to signage, the jumbotron, and food preparation despite the rain seeping through walkway ceilings.

Fans headed to the merchandise booth, causing sales to be limited to two items per person. Overhead, translucent ponchos covered hats, sweatshirts, and T-shirts supporting the league’s teams: the Queens, the Heights, the Boston Hunters, and the San Francisco Firebells. Team loyalty varied; attendees largely supported the athletes and were thrilled to witness the league’s first game.

As the Hunters and Firebells awaited their game the next day, families met and embraced them in the stadium. Players signed autographs for children, who proudly showed their signed items to parents. The inaugural season of the Women’s Pro Baseball League began in Springfield, chosen for its sports loyalty and market size. The initial six-week season centralizes there.

Maybelle the Mascot entertained the crowd between innings, designed in honor of Maybelle Blair, a veteran of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Blair threw the first pitch at the inaugural game, welcomed by cheers.

Ashton Lansdell, third baseman for the Queens, expressed hope that this league lasts, making it a first in the U.S. Many players began at a young age, facing hurdles in competing alongside boys. This motivated pursuits in different avenues. The nonprofit Baseball For All supports organized play, helping women find competitive opportunities in schools and communities.

While some succeeded in viral leagues such as the Savannah Bananas, most balanced university studies or other professions with their dreams. Playing professionally together became a significant opportunity.

Boston’s first baseman Sabrina Robinson shared the unique experience of training with professionals, saying, “It’s so different finally playing with other [professionals] in the same place now.”

As rain eased, fans settled in damp seats, and 3-year-old Lenore Wooten observed the field. Her mother Jess remarked she would never know women’s baseball didn’t exist before.

Jaclyn Licht, a freelance photographer from Brooklyn, NY, captured memorable moments of the event.