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First Pitch, Full House: Women’s Pro Baseball Makes History
A Brand New League: Women’s Professional Baseball Makes History in Springfield
The Big Moment Everyone Waited For
Imagine waiting years for something you love to finally happen. That’s exactly how Sarah Hodel and Rachel Koehler felt on a rainy Saturday night in Springfield, Illinois. These two friends drove all the way from Minnesota—arriving more than four hours early—just to watch the very first game of the Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL).
Important Point: This was the first women’s professional baseball league in the United States in almost 30 years!
Meet the Superfans
Sarah Hodel, 43
- From: Duluth, Minnesota
- Job: Athletic trainer
- Baseball connection: In high school, she gave a speech about women in baseball
- Why she came: "As soon as I saw this happening a couple years ago, it was my goal to come."
Rachel Koehler, 33
- From: St. Paul, Minnesota
- Background: Played softball growing up
- Dream: Always wanted to play baseball professionally, but there were no opportunities
- Why it matters: "Now that that’s actually an opportunity and something that girls can look up to, I think is amazing."
The Historic First Game: By the Numbers
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Teams | Los Angeles Queens vs. New York Heights |
| Final Score | Queens 10, Heights 8 |
| Innings | 7 (shortened from usual 9) |
| Weather | Steady rain, wet and windy |
| Stadium | Robin Roberts Stadium (101 years old!) |
| Attendance | More than 4,000 fans |
| Special Giveaway | Mo’ne Davis bobblehead |
How the Game Unfolded: 7 Innings of Drama
- First Inning: Maggie Foxx (Queens) hits the league’s first hit ever—a two-run single!
- Fourth Inning: Denae Benites (Heights) smashes the league’s first home run—a two-run drive to center field.
- Middle Innings: Heights build an 8-4 lead. Things look tough for the Queens.
- Sixth Inning: Queens score 2 runs. Game on!
- Seventh Inning (Final Frame): Queens explode for 4 more runs in the rain and wind to win 10-8!
The Star Power: Mo’ne Davis
You might recognize the name Mo’ne Davis! She became famous in 2014 when she pitched a shutout in the Little League World Series—the first girl ever to do so. Now she’s playing for the Los Angeles Queens in the pros.
Important Point: Fans lined up for hours just to get a Mo’ne Davis bobblehead! The merchandise line stretched all the way to the outfield.
What the Players Felt
Maggie Foxx (Queens, first hit in league history):
"When I walked on the field, I started crying because of how much this moment meant and how much it meant to everybody. It means everything to us."
Why This Matters: The Bigger Picture
- Girls can now dream bigger — There’s a real professional path in baseball
- History in the making — First women’s pro baseball league since the 1990s
- Representation matters — Young girls see women playing baseball (not just softball) at the highest level
- Community showing up — 4,000+ fans braved rain for hours to support the league
Summary
On a rainy night at a 101-year-old stadium in Springfield, Illinois, the Women’s Professional Baseball League played its very first game. The Los Angeles Queens beat the New York Heights 10-8 in a dramatic comeback. Maggie Foxx got the league’s first hit, Denae Benites hit the first home run, and superstar Mo’ne Davis took the field for the Queens. Over 4,000 fans—including dedicated travelers like Sarah and Rachel from Minnesota—showed up hours early, proving there’s huge excitement for women’s professional baseball. This historic moment gives young girls everywhere a new dream to chase.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
What is the WPBL?
A: The Women’s Professional Baseball League is a brand-new professional baseball league for women in the United States. It’s the first one in nearly 30 years!
Is this softball or baseball?
A: Baseball! This is important—these women are playing baseball (overhand pitching, 90-foot bases, smaller ball), not softball. That’s a huge difference.
Who is Mo’ne Davis?
A: Mo’ne Davis became famous in 2014 as the first girl to pitch a shutout in the Little League World Series. Now she’s a professional baseball player for the Los Angeles Queens!
How many teams are in the league?
A: The article mentions two teams playing opening night: the Los Angeles Queens and the New York Heights. More teams may join as the league grows!
Can I watch games?
A: The inaugural season is happening now! Check the WPBL’s official website or social media for schedules, streaming info, and ticket details.
Did you enjoy learning about this historic moment? Share this article with a young baseball fan in your life—you might just inspire the next WPBL star!
