Fri Nov 21 12:50:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

The inaugural Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) draft saw Kelsie Whitmore, a pitcher and outfielder with prior professional experience, selected first overall by San Francisco. Mo’ne Davis, known for her Little League World Series performance, was picked 10th by Los Angeles. The draft included 120 players across six rounds, with teams representing San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred celebrated the league’s launch, which is set to begin play on August 1st in Springville, Illinois. The WPBL aims to be the first professional women’s baseball league since 1954.

News Article:

Whitmore Heads to San Francisco as WPBL Draft Makes History

SPRINGVILLE, IL – The Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) took a historic step forward Thursday night with its inaugural draft, as pitcher and outfielder Kelsie Whitmore was selected first overall by San Francisco. The pick marks a significant return to the Bay Area for Whitmore, who began her professional career with the Sonoma Stompers.

The draft, featuring 120 players vying for spots on teams representing San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston, saw Little League sensation Mo’ne Davis selected 10th by Los Angeles. Davis captured the nation’s attention at the 2014 Little League World Series, becoming the first girl to win a game and pitch a shutout.

“You ask a 6-year-old version of me about this opportunity happening right now, she would…just be so, so, so, so excited for it,” said Whitmore, reflecting on the significance of the league.

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred opened the draft, congratulating the WPBL on its launch and underscoring the importance of this new chapter in women’s baseball. International talent was also prominently featured, with Japan’s Ayami Sato going second overall to Los Angeles and South Korean catcher Hyeonah Kim picked fourth by Boston.

The WPBL is scheduled to begin play on August 1st at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springville, Illinois, bringing professional women’s baseball back to the forefront for the first time since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League dissolved in 1954. Co-founded by Justine Siegal, the first woman to coach for an MLB team, the WPBL aims to provide a platform for talented female baseball players and inspire a new generation.

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