For seven decades, professional women's baseball in America existed only in memory — celebrated in films and history books, but absent from the diamond. That changed on August 1, 2026, when the Women's Professional Baseball League threw out its first pitch in Springfield, Illinois, launching the first professional women's baseball season since 1954.
The occasion was made unforgettable by one woman: Maybelle Blair, 99 years old and recently recovering from four broken ribs, who refused to miss a moment of it. As a former pitcher for the Peoria Redwings in the 1948 season of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League — the real-life league depicted in the 1992 film A League of Their Own — Blair is a living link to this sport's hidden history.
"I tell you, I broke four ribs recently," she told reporters. "But nothing was going to stop me from being here — even if I had to crawl."
An honorary member of the WPBL's advisory board, Blair threw the ceremonial first pitch before the inaugural game between the LA Queens and the NY Heights. She also got to meet the league's mascot — also named Maybelle — making for a one-of-a-kind introduction to her own legacy in the game.
The game itself delivered history and drama. New York's Denae Benites went a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, hit the league's historic first home run, and added three stolen bases. But the Queens rallied with four runs in the final inning to secure a dramatic comeback victory. Japanese pitcher Ayami Sato threw three strong innings for the Queens in a performance that captured the league's international spirit.
"I feel incredibly grateful and happy that I can finally stand on the stage I once only dreamed about," said Sato. "I believe there are many players in this league who have carried the same dreams in their hearts, and I feel so fortunate and happy to be able to play alongside them."
The WPBL's inaugural season features 30 games running through September, with all games played in Springfield — a city that once hosted a franchise in the original All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Plans call for expanding to additional cities in future seasons as the league builds its audience and supporter base.
One notable player in the inaugural lineup is Mo'ne Davis, who became famous in 2014 as the first girl to throw a shutout at the Little League World Series. For players like Davis, the WPBL represents something far larger than any individual stat line.
"What they're doing is bigger than baseball," said Jean Fruth, creator of the documentary See Her, Be Her, about women baseball players worldwide. "Their impact reaches far beyond the game. It's about showing the next generation that there is a place for them in this sport and helping them believe that anything is possible."
For Jamie Toole of Springfield's Robin Roberts Stadium, watching it all unfold in real time was overwhelming. "It was a magical couple of days," he said. "The most emotional that I've ever been at a ballpark or a sporting event."
Maybelle Blair, who inspired the character Mae Mordabito played by Madonna in A League of Their Own, summed it up with characteristic directness: "This is the happiest day of my life."
The WPBL's launch comes 72 years after the AAGPBL disbanded in 1954. Today, the league is back — and a whole new generation of players and fans is ready to carry it forward.
