The Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) opened its inaugural season on Saturday with a thrilling contest between the Los Angeles Queens and the New York Heights, a 10‑8 victory that marked the league’s first official game in the United States after a 72‑year hiatus.
The Queens erased a four‑run deficit in the final two innings, turning a looming loss into a celebrated win that left the crowd at Robin Roberts Stadium buzzing with excitement.
A New Era for Women’s Baseball
Historic moments punctuated the game: Mo’ne Davis, the former Little League World Series standout, crossed the plate for the league’s first run, while Denae Benites of the New York Heights launched the inaugural home run in the bottom of the fourth, finishing 4‑for‑4 with the decisive blast.
The offensive onslaught continued as Michelle Roche and Amira Hondras combined for a 4‑for‑8 performance, driving in six runs for the Queens, and Maggie Foxx, who pitched two innings before moving to left field, surrendered just one run for New York.
All WPBL games will be staged at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, providing a single venue that unites the four franchises — Boston Hunters, Los Angeles Queens, New York Heights, and San Francisco Firebells — each slated for a 15‑game, seven‑inning schedule.
The managerial landscape adds another layer of novelty; Eric Young Sr., a former MLB player and coach, guides the Queens, while Rachelle Henley, a pioneer in women’s baseball, becomes the first female manager in the WPBL after a stint in the Bay Area.
The next matchup will pit the San Francisco Firebells against the Boston Hunters at 7:30 p.m. EDT, also at Robin Roberts Stadium, and fans can follow the action live on ESPN+, the Scripps Sports Network, and YouTube.