The Women’s Pro Baseball League launched on Saturday with a matchup between the Los Angeles Queens and the New York Heights. Before the game began, festivities drew in sports fans. Martha Reeves, lead vocalist of the Motown group Martha and the Vandellas, famous for “Dancing in the Street,” sang the national anthem. Her performance at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, received mixed reviews on social media.
This event marked the first women’s pro baseball game in the U.S. in almost thirty years, signifying a significant moment for women in the sport. Mo’ne Davis, known from the 2014 Little League World Series, played center field for the Queens, scoring once in their victory.
Maggie Foxx contributed notably to the Queens with two hits and two RBI. She also struck out two opposing batters. Rakyung Kim pitched for the New York Heights during the fourth inning.
A moving moment occurred when 99-year-old Maybelle Blair threw the first pitch, honoring her time in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Catcher Denae Benites expressed admiration for Blair, acknowledging her influence on women’s baseball.
Blair’s participation highlighted her continued support and inspiration for the next generation of female players.
The game concluded with Los Angeles defeating New York Heights, 10-8.