A rain‑soaked milestone
The inaugural game of the Women’s Professional Baseball League unfolded on Sunday in Springfield, Illinois, where the Los Angeles Queens faced off against the New York Heights before a crowd of more than 4,000 spectators. The event marked the first U.S. women’s professional baseball league in nearly three decades, drawing attention for its historic significance and the weather‑tested atmosphere.
Despite a steady drizzle and gusty winds, the seven‑inning contest delivered a roller‑coaster of offense. The Queens erased an 8‑4 deficit to secure a 10‑8 victory, showcasing resilience that resonated with fans who had braved the elements for a glimpse of history.
Maggie Foxx sparked the Queens’ rally with a two‑run single in the first inning, while Denae Benites answered for the Heights with a two‑run homer in the fourth, the league’s first round‑trip ball. The back‑and‑forth scoring set the stage for a dramatic finish.
The turning point arrived in the final two innings as the Queens scored six unanswered runs, a surge that was cheered by fans who had lined up hours early for merchandise and a limited‑edition Davis bobblehead. The bobblehead, featuring a player from the league, became an instant collector’s item.
Adding a touch of history, 99‑year‑old Maybelle Blair, a former All‑American Girls Professional Baseball League star, threw the ceremonial first pitch. Blair, who serves on the WPBL advisory board and inspired the film 'A League of Their Own', was honored during a pregame ceremony that linked the past to the present.
The tribute extended beyond Blair, as the league paid homage to the All‑American Girls Professional Baseball League and highlighted its own future. The ceremony, delayed by rain, underscored the cultural importance of women’s baseball and the continuity between the two leagues.
The action took place at Robin Roberts Stadium, a 101‑year‑old ballpark that has become the home field for the new league. Earlier that day, the Firebells and Boston Hunters opened their own debut games, expanding the league’s footprint across the Midwest.
For families like Antonietta Mabry’s, who traveled from Columbus, Ohio, the event offered a rare chance to see female athletes compete at the professional level. Her daughter, Rosalee, walked away with an autograph from second‑baseman Amanda Gianelloni, a moment that encapsulated the inspirational power of the league.