The Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) will begin its first season on August 1, opening at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois. The inaugural slate promises a fresh chapter for professional baseball, spotlighting women who have reshaped the sport.
Teams Inspired by Pioneers
The four franchises — New York Heights, San Francisco Firebells, Los Angeles Queens, and Boston Hunters — draw their identities from historic women: Dorothy Irene Height, Lillie Hitchcock Coit, Lizzie Murphy, and Harriot K. Hunt. Each name reflects a legacy of leadership, resilience, and first‑of‑their‑kind achievements.
The New York Heights’ branding weaves graphic lines that form both the New York skyline and the shape of an "H," while the San Francisco Firebells fuse a bell and phoenix to symbolize the city’s resilience. The Los Angeles Queens crown mark uses four baseball diamonds to represent power, prestige, and the game itself, and the Boston Hunters’ design draws on the osprey to convey precision, instinct, and decisive action.
The inaugural game on August 1 will pit the New York Heights against the Los Angeles Queens, setting the stage for a season that will feature a rotating schedule of matchups.
The Heights’ roster includes Team USA athletes Denae Benites and Kylee Lahners, while the Queens will showcase Mo'ne Davis, Ashton Lansdell, and Japanese star Ayami Sato. The Firebells will field Kelsie Whitmore, the league’s No. 1 overall pick, and the Hunters will welcome Korean pitcher Hyeonah Kim alongside Canadian standout Alli Schroder.
A second contest on August 2 will see the San Francisco Firebells face the Boston Hunters, giving fans an early glimpse of the league’s competitive balance.
Throughout the season, the WPBL will honor legendary female icons who have broken barriers and inspired generations, weaving their stories into the fabric of each game.