Women’s professional baseball has made a historic comeback in the United States after a 72‑year hiatus, bringing the sport back to live play in 2026. The return marks the end of a long exclusion that once barred women from professional leagues.
At the center of the celebration was Maybelle Blair, a 99‑year‑old former player who attended the event as the league’s mascot. Despite breaking four ribs during the festivities, Blair refused to step away, underscoring a lifelong devotion to the game.
The ceremony also featured Kelsie Whitmore, a former Cal State Fullerton pitcher, who threw the ceremonial first pitch. Whitmore’s journey from college stardom to the professional stage illustrates the growing pipeline of female talent.
The roots of women’s baseball in the region stretch back to 1929, when a Fortuna Union High School yearbook recorded four girls’ teams and a freshman championship in 1928. Today, youngsters in Humboldt County still play Little League, but the new league structure aims to provide a clearer path to higher levels of competition.
A New Generation Takes the Field
Organizers have announced that the Humboldt‑Del Norte League will eventually accommodate women’s teams, and the event’s slogan I’m doing this for my 6‑year‑old self captures the generational drive behind the movement.
Fans can follow the action through the Women’s Professional Baseball League’s streaming partner ESPN and its dedicated YouTube channel, which will showcase highlights and behind‑the‑scenes content.