The Women’s Pro Baseball League officially launched with its opening game between the Los Angeles Queens and the New York Heights. However, the attention of sports fans was largely captured by the pre-game celebrations.
Martha Reeves, famed as the lead singer of the legendary Motown group Martha and the Vandellas, delivered the national anthem at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois. Her group is noteworthy for its induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995 and having a classic hit, “Dancing in the Street,” preserved in the U.S. Library of Congress’ National Recording Registry.
Reeves sang the national anthem alongside two other singers, but the rendition received mixed reactions on social media. The performance left some fans and players at the stadium surprised.
This marked a unique start to what was otherwise an important night for women’s baseball, as it was the first professional women’s baseball game in the U.S. in nearly thirty years.
Among the players, Mo’ne Davis was a standout. She gained fame during the 2014 Little League World Series and played in center field for the Queens, contributing to their victory by scoring a run.
Maggie Foxx, playing as left fielder and pitcher for Los Angeles, demonstrated her skills by going 2-for-2 with two RBIs and striking out two batters.
For the New York Heights, pitcher Rakyung Kim took the mound during the fourth inning, challenging the Los Angeles lineup.
Heights catcher Denae Benites had an impressive performance, finishing 4-for-4 with two RBIs. She reflected on the significant moment of Maybelle Blair, aged 99, throwing out the first pitch. Blair had played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which operated from 1943 to 1954. This league inspired the film “A League of Their Own.”
Benites expressed admiration for Blair, noting her enduring support and the path she has paved for women in baseball. “Maybelle’s been with us since the beginning of this journey. She’s truly special, and I’m thrilled she could be part of this moment,” she said.
Los Angeles secured a close victory of 10-8 over New York.
Coverage for this event was enhanced by contributions from The Associated Press.
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