SPRINGFIELD – Alli Schroder experienced a surge of motivation when she first watched ‘A League of Their Own’, the 1992 film about the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. She connected with the narrative as a youth player in Little League. Her aspirations were fueled by the portrayed possibility of a professional platform, a vision now materializing with the Women’s Pro Baseball League.
The league’s inaugural season commences this Saturday, weather conditions permitting, as forecasts predict rain. The New York Heights, led by Denae Benites, will compete against the Los Angeles Queens, featuring Mo’ne Davis. Meanwhile, the Boston Hunters and San Francisco Firebells face off on Sunday. This new league represents a significant milestone in the history of women’s professional baseball.
Each team comprises 15 active players, engaging in seven-inning games. A complete season includes 15 games per team, plus playoffs, hosted at Springfield’s Robin Roberts Stadium, a venue with a rich history dating back to 1925 and a seating capacity for 5,200 spectators.
“What excites me most is having the chance to compete against players who have been my teammate, as well as Team USA players, and other athletes I’ve always considered rivals,” stated Ayami Sato, a prominent pitcher for New York, through an interpreter. “Playing in this league is something I’ve eagerly awaited.”
The WPBL opening weekend holds significance in the fragmented story of women’s baseball in the U.S. The first major league, the AAGPBL, operated from 1943 to 1954. The 1990s saw two league attempts, but both were short-lived. Co-founded by Justine Siegal, WPBL aims to establish a lasting legacy, buoyed by Siegal’s landmark achievement as the first female MLB coach with the Athletics in 2015. The league’s announcement of a media rights deal with ESPN and Scripps Sports Network boosts the inaugural season, promising regular and postseason game broadcasts.
“We want to make this thing last forever and ever,” stated Ashton Lansdell, an infielder for Los Angeles. She envisions the league becoming the women’s equivalent of MLB. Lansdell, alongside Benites, Schroder, and Kelsie Whitmore, was named captain, with Schroder representing Boston and Whitmore selected first by San Francisco.
Whitmore emphasized teamwork when discussing her role with the Firebells. Managed by Matt Williams, who boasts five All-Star titles over 17 major league seasons, the Firebells aim for excellence. The Hunters have former Boston Red Sox closer Keith Foulke as their manager, while the Queens are coached by ex-infielder Eric Young. Rachelle “Rocky” Henley completes the managerial roster for the Heights, bringing extensive experience in women’s baseball development.
Foulke and other managers will be active in strategizing each game, working closely with their coaching teams. Foulke was impressed by spring games in Florida, stating, “These aren’t women playing baseball, these are athletes playing baseball.”
His goal is to foster passion within his club, contributing to the league’s growth and ensuring enjoyable, high-quality games.
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