Kelsie Whitmore: Making History as the Inaugural Pick of the Women’s Professional Baseball League

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd – baseball is an American pastime, but for too long, professional opportunities for women have been elusive. That changed dramatically with the inaugural Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) Draft. And when the very first name was called, it was no surprise: Kelsie Whitmore, a name synonymous with resilience and trailblazing in women’s baseball, officially etched her place in history.

Kelsie Whitmore’s Unstoppable Journey: A Career Forged in Fire

At just 27, Kelsie Whitmore’s career is already a testament to her unwavering dedication. She broke barriers at 17, playing for the Sonoma Stompers in 2016 – making her the first woman in professional baseball since the 1950s. Her journey continued as a two-way player for the Staten Island FerryHawks (Atlantic League), then with the Oakland Ballers and Savannah Bananas. For years, Whitmore proved herself on men’s teams, a lone star shining brightly. Now, her path leads her to a league built for women, by women, marking a pivotal moment for female athletes in the sport.

WPBL co-founder Justine Siegal, a pioneer herself as the first woman to coach in a men’s league, perfectly captured the moment:

“Kelsie worked her whole life for this moment. She is the first draft pick this century for a women’s pro baseball league, and the WPBL is honored to give her this opportunity. Kelsie represents all the girls and women out there who dream of playing professional baseball.”

The WPBL: A New Chapter in Baseball History

The WPBL isn’t just a new league; it’s a historic milestone. It’s the first American professional women’s league since the iconic All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) of the 1940s and ’50s. This resurgence fulfills a long-held dream for many, including legends like Maybelle Blair, who advocated for a league of their own for decades.

The league is set to launch with four teams representing Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, commencing play in August following the Women’s Baseball World Cup. Even MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred acknowledged the significance:

“We are thrilled that baseball is part of this extraordinarily exciting time for women’s sports. Both on the field and in our front offices, baseball is a game for everyone. I am delighted that girls will soon be able to watch the Women’s Pro Baseball League and aspire to play and participate in the future.”

Beyond Comparison: Finding Peace in Sisterhood

Whitmore openly shared the unique pressures she faced playing on men’s teams. The constant need to compare herself to male counterparts was draining.

“Before every pro ball season I’ve gotten into there is an amount of stress that comes into it, like, ‘I need to make sure I’m proving myself, that I earned this contract to be in this league.'” she revealed. “There’s so much peace now going into this Women’s League because I’m finally done trying to impress or prove or compare myself to others that I shouldn’t have been doing all along. Now coming into this league, I could just be myself. I feel like myself is finally like enough.”

This sentiment resonates with countless female athletes who have often found themselves as the “only one” in their sport, highlighting the profound importance of this dedicated women’s professional baseball league.

A Global Roster of Talent Shines Bright

The WPBL draft showcased a truly international talent pool, with players from across the globe joining the ranks:

• Mo’ne Davis, a former Little League superstar, was selected 10th overall by Los Angeles, ready to bring her versatile skills to the outfield or the mound.
• South Korean catcher Hyeonah Kim was picked fourth overall by Boston, expressing pride in having “a place to play and compete alongside women who shares the same passions.”
• Arguably the greatest women’s baseball pitcher in history, Japan’s Ayami Sato, went second overall to Los Angeles. Sato, who recently pitched for the Toronto Maple Leafs (IBL), called it “a dream.”

These athletes, many of whom have been rivals on the international stage, will now become teammates, united by a shared purpose and a common love for the game.

The Rising Tide of Women’s Sports

The launch of the WPBL is perfectly timed with the surging popularity of women’s sports worldwide:

• The WNBA Finals recently achieved its highest ratings in 25 years.
• The Women’s College World Series has set new ratings records.
• Leagues like the AUSL are rapidly expanding.

This growing interest is evident in dedicated women’s sports bars like Wilka’s in New York and Watch Me! Sports Bar in Long Beach, which hosted WPBL draft parties, buzzing with excitement.

A Message of Hope and Opportunity for the Next Generation

For all the young girls who watched the draft, the message was clear:

“It just gives little girls hope that they actually can play professional baseball one day and there’s actually an outlet that they can do that,” said drafted player Lansdell. “They don’t have to just hope that this might happen one day, like we all did.”

WPBL co-founder Justine Siegal encapsulated the league’s profound impact:

“Dream big, this could be you if you keep playing. Follow your passion. Baseball is a game for all of us.”

The WPBL is more than a league; it’s a beacon, illuminating a clear path for future generations of female baseball players to chase their dreams and rewrite baseball history.