When Mo'ne Davis first captured the nation's attention in 2014, she was a 13‑year‑old pitcher who stunned the world with a shutout in the Little League World Series. The headlines hailed a teenage phenom, and the world saw her on Wheaties boxes and in the pages of Sports Illustrated. Now, a decade later, the trailblazer is back in the spotlight, not as a pitcher but as a batter eager to rediscover her love for the game.
Davis, who hung up her glove after years away from competitive baseball, entered the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) draft at 24 and was selected tenth overall by the Los Angeles Queens. The Queens, a franchise owned by the league and broadcasting on queensbaseball.com, welcomed the historic figure as one of their first signings. Unlike the expectations that once followed her, Davis has declared that she will not return to the mound; instead, she wants to focus on hitting and simply having fun.
A New Chapter Defined by Choice
In a candid interview, Davis explained that the decision to join the WPBL was driven by a desire to avoid future regret. "I didn't want to look back and wonder what could have been," she said. "I’m here because I love the sport and because I want to try something new on my own terms." This mindset marks a stark contrast to her earlier years, when the pressure of being a trailblazer often overshadowed her personal enjoyment of baseball.
Her transition has not been without challenges. In college, Davis played center field for Hampton University’s softball team, posting a .225 average with 34 hits, 24 runs and 16 RBIs over two seasons. She has openly discussed her frustration with a poor hitting performance at the 2014 Little League World Series and sees the WPBL as an opportunity to rewrite that narrative. "I’m focused on becoming a better batter," she noted, emphasizing that the league offers a fresh platform to showcase her growth.
Mentorship and Community
Davis has also credited former MLB center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. for shaping her baseball IQ. Under his guidance, she has been able to translate her pitching instincts into a more nuanced understanding of hitting. Teammate Ashton Lansdell, a fellow Queen, described Davis as a "chill girl" who prefers normalcy despite her celebrity status. Their camaraderie reflects a supportive environment where Davis can be judged as a teammate rather than a novelty.
Beyond the Queens, Davis has linked up with the Indianapolis Clowns of the Banana Ball League, a revival of the historic Negro League team. The move, which began in April, allowed her to experiment as a relief pitcher in a different setting, further diversifying her experience. She holds degrees from both Hampton University and Columbia University, making her the third member of her original Little League team to be drafted professionally.
Looking Forward
As the WPBL season unfolds, Davis remains focused on protecting her peace and being evaluated solely on her contributions to winning games. "I want people to see me as a player who’s here to compete," she asserted. With the league’s growing popularity and the backing of brands like Wheaties and Sports Illustrated, Davis’s journey symbolizes both a personal rebirth and a broader push for women’s representation in professional baseball.