Eric Young, a name that resonates through the halls of Coors Field and the annals of Rockies history, has taken a bold step into a new frontier. The former second‑baseman, drafted in the 43rd round in 1989 and later celebrated for a memorable home run at Mile High Stadium in 1993, now serves as manager of the Los Angeles Queens in the inaugural Women’s Pro Baseball League.
The Queens are one of four franchises that comprise the league’s first season, a seven‑week campaign that will run from early August through mid‑September. Joining them are the Boston Hunters, the San Francisco Firebells and the New York Heights, each vying for a spot in the September 9 championship series. The schedule, though brief, is designed to showcase top‑tier talent on a national stage.
Mentorship at the Core
Young’s approach is rooted in mentorship. Drawing on his own experience as an underdog who climbed the ranks, he emphasizes player development, encouraging the league’s rising stars — including Mo’ne Davis, Ashton Lansdell, Ayami Sato and Meggie Meidlinger — to push the boundaries of their game.
His coaching philosophy mirrors the journey that took him from a modest draft pick to a 15‑year MLB career. By fostering a supportive environment, Young hopes to prove that women’s baseball can thrive as a professional sport, not just a novelty.
Rachelle Henley, manager of the New York Heights and a veteran of the Colorado Silver Bullets, shares this vision. Having co‑founded the San Francisco Bay Sox Girls Baseball Program, she advocates for a measured expansion strategy, starting with a single‑city hub before dispersing teams across the country.
The league’s backers, including influential figures like Henley, see the WPBL as more than a seasonal showcase. They envision a sustainable infrastructure that will nurture talent, attract investment and eventually rival established men’s leagues in visibility and competitiveness.