A historic moment is set to unfold on the diamond today as the Los Angeles Queens take on the New York Heights in the inaugural contest of the Women's Pro Baseball League, scheduled for a 3 p.m. Pacific broadcast on ESPN Select.
A New Era for Women's Baseball
The Queens showcase a blend of international talent and home‑grown stars. Mo'ne Davis, the celebrated outfielder who made history as the first girl to pitch a shutout in the Little League World Series, returns to the spotlight after a stint at Hampton University, a master's degree from Columbia and an internship with the Dodgers' video department. Joining her is Japanese pitcher Ayami Sato, the second overall draft pick, who has guided Japan to six Women's Baseball World Cup championships.
Across the mound, the New York Heights are led by Rachelle Rocky Henley, the league's only female manager, whose appointment marks a milestone for women in baseball leadership. The team's roster draws from a global pool, featuring players from Japan, Australia, Canada, Curacao and Mexico, underscoring the league's ambition to reflect the sport's worldwide growth.
Games will be played in a seven‑inning format with aluminum bats, 90‑foot bases and a 60‑foot‑6‑inch pitcher's mound at Robin Roberts Stadium. The league's structure emphasizes efficiency while preserving the traditional feel of the sport, a balance that organizers say will appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers.
The Queens' name pays homage to Lizzie Murphy, the pioneering woman who faced major‑league players in a 1922 charity exhibition at Fenway Park, while the Heights honor civil‑rights icon Dorothy Height. These tributes echo the league's broader mission to celebrate overlooked chapters of baseball history while forging a new future.
Saturday's matchup will be streamed live on ESPN Select, with the broadcast also available through Sports Illustrated's coverage. With 15 regular‑season games slated before the playoffs, the league promises a full summer of competition that could redefine professional women's baseball.