A Brief but Turbulent Chapter
Keith Foulke, a former Boston Red Sox pitcher who helped end the Curse of the Bambino in 2004, transitioned into management by taking the helm of the Boston Hunters in the league’s inaugural Women’s Pro Baseball season. His appointment was seen as a bridge between the sport’s storied past and its emerging future, bringing a championship pedigree to a new franchise.
The partnership lasted only three games before league ownership, led by Keith Stein and Justine Siegal, decided to part ways with Foulke. The decision was attributed to schedule adjustments and a miscommunication regarding contract terms that left both sides with differing expectations.
Foulke, though disappointed, expressed gratitude for the experience and framed the dismissal as a "baseball decision," emphasizing professionalism over personal grievance. He privately noted concerns about the talent level of some opponents, observations that were later misinterpreted by players as criticism of the league itself.
The Women’s Pro Baseball League has declined to comment further on the firing, while the Hunters have appointed Jemile Weeks as the new manager, signaling a shift in direction that may include a consulting role for Foulke. The episode underscores the challenges faced by pioneering ventures as they navigate growth, expectations, and the evolving dynamics of women’s professional baseball.