Eric Young, a 43rd‑round draft pick who spent 15 seasons in Major League Baseball, has taken the helm of the Los Angeles Queens as the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) begins its inaugural campaign.
A League Steeped in History
The WPBL draws inspiration from the All‑American Girls Professional Baseball League, which thrilled fans from 1943 to 1954. After more than seven decades, the new circuit aims to give women the professional platform they have long deserved, staging games at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, before moving to other venues.
The Queens’ roster reads like a who’s‑who of emerging talent. Young’s squad includes Little League sensation Mo’ne Davis, three‑time Women’s Baseball World Cup MVP Ayami Sato, and pitcher Jaida Lee, who made history as the first female to compete in men’s baseball at the Canada Summer Games.
Veteran Kelsie Whitmore, who has hurled in men’s independent leagues and the Savannah Bananas, adds depth to the pitching staff, while Ashton Lansdell brings her experience as a Team USA third baseman.
Equality on the Diamond
From the outset, the players asked to be treated as professional athletes, not as novelties. Young’s coaching philosophy centers on that request, emphasizing preparation, competition and the same standards applied to any top‑level team.
The regular season runs from August 1 through mid‑September, culminating in playoffs on September 9. The Queens’ immediate goal is to capture the league’s first championship, a milestone that would validate the WPBL’s mission and set the tone for future growth.