Kelsie Whitmore Makes History as First Pick in New Women’s Pro Baseball League Draft

Kelsie Whitmore was selected first overall in the inaugural Women’s Pro Baseball League draft. The historic event took place on November 20, 2025, in the San Francisco area. This marks the launch of the first professional women’s baseball league in the United States in over seventy years.

The WPBL draft featured 120 athletes across six rounds. Four teams—San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston—built their rosters for the upcoming season.

A Trailblazer’s Journey to the Top Pick

Whitmore, a 27-year-old from San Diego, is no stranger to breaking barriers. She began her professional career in 2016 with the Sonoma Stompers, an independent men’s league team. Her experience there paved the way for this monumental moment.

She also boasts an impressive international record. Whitmore has won two silver medals at the Women’s Baseball World Cup. She also secured a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.

According to Reuters, Whitmore expressed profound emotion about the draft. She reflected on what it would mean to her younger self. “You ask a 6-year-old version of me about this opportunity happening right now, she would, one, probably not believe you, but, two, just be so, so, so, so excited for it,” Whitmore said.

Building the Foundation of a New League

The draft was a showcase of global talent for the new league. Following Whitmore, Japanese pitcher Ayami Sato was selected second by Los Angeles. Sato is a five-time World Cup winner, bringing a wealth of experience.

Other notable picks included Kylee Lahners going third to New York and Hyeonah Kim fourth to Boston. Mo’ne Davis, famous for her Little League World Series performance, was the tenth pick, heading to Los Angeles. The league’s formation was praised by Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred.

The WPBL season is scheduled to begin on August 1, 2025. All games will be held at a single venue, Robin Roberts Stadium in Springville, Illinois. This centralized model aims to build a strong fan base and ensure operational stability in its first year.

Bridging a Seventy-Year Gap in Professional Sports

The creation of the WPBL ends a long drought for women’s professional baseball. The last such league, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, dissolved in 1954. Since then, no comparable platform has existed in the United States.

The league was co-founded by Justine Siegal, a pioneering figure in baseball. In 2015, Siegal became the first woman to coach for a Major League Baseball team. Her vision is central to the WPBL’s mission of providing sustainable careers for female athletes.

The league aims to inspire a new generation of players. It offers a visible path to professional baseball for young girls. This addresses a significant gap in the sports landscape.

Kelsie Whitmore’s selection is a landmark moment for sports. It signals a new era of opportunity in professional baseball. The success of the WPBL could permanently change the game for women and girls everywhere.

Thought you’d like to know-

Who is Kelsie Whitmore?

Kelsie Whitmore is a professional baseball player from San Diego. She previously played for the Sonoma Stompers in a men’s independent league. She is also a decorated athlete with international medals.

When does the WPBL season start?

The inaugural WPBL season begins on August 1, 2025. All games will be played at Robin Roberts Stadium in Illinois. The season will feature the four teams that drafted players.

How many teams are in the WPBL?

There are four teams in the league’s first season. The teams are based in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston. Each team drafted 30 players to form its initial roster.

What is the significance of this league?

The WPBL is the first women’s professional baseball league in the U.S. since 1954. It provides a dedicated professional platform for female athletes. This creates new career opportunities in the sport.

Who founded the Women’s Pro Baseball League?

The league was co-founded by Justine Siegal. She is a renowned baseball pioneer and advocate for women in sports. Her expertise was crucial in launching the WPBL.