Kelsie Whitmore Makes History as First Pick in WPBL Draft

Kelsie Whitmore was chosen first overall in the WPBL draft on November 20, 2025. The event was held in the San Francisco area. This selection marks a pivotal moment for women’s professional baseball. Whitmore is a pitcher and outfielder from San Diego.

Her pick launches the first women’s pro baseball league in over seventy years. The league’s inaugural season is set for August 2025. According to Associated Press reports, the draft attracted significant attention from the sports world.

WPBL Draft Ushers in New Era for Women’s Baseball

The draft featured 120 talented athletes. It was organized into six rounds for four founding teams. Those teams are based in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston. Each team made five selections per round.

Whitmore brings a decorated resume to the league. She won a gold medal at the 2015 Pan-Am Games. She also earned two silver medals at the Women’s Baseball World Cup. Her professional career began in 2016 with the Sonoma Stompers.

Other notable picks joined Whitmore at the top. Ayami Sato was selected second by Los Angeles. Kylee Lahners went third to New York. Hyeonah Kim was picked fourth by Boston. Mo’ne Davis, a Little League World Series legend, was the tenth pick.

The league will narrow rosters from 30 players to 15. All games will be played at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springville, Illinois. The season opener is scheduled for August 1, 2025. This centralized venue aims to build fan engagement.

What This Means for the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL fills a void left since 1954. That was the year the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League ended. Justine Siegal, a pioneer herself, co-founded the new league. Siegal was the first woman to coach for an MLB team.

This league provides a sustainable career path for female athletes. It challenges the traditional gender barriers in professional baseball. Young girls now have visible role models to inspire their own dreams. The league’s success could reshape the sports landscape.

The impact extends beyond the diamond. It offers economic opportunities for players and sponsors. Fans gain a new, exciting product to support. The WPBL’s growth will depend on sustained public and media interest.

Kelsie Whitmore’s first pick in the WPBL draft is a landmark achievement for gender equality in sports. This historic moment promises to inspire a new generation of athletes. The WPBL draft has officially opened a new chapter for women in baseball.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the WPBL?

The Women’s Pro Baseball League is a new professional sports organization. It is the first women’s professional baseball league in the United States since 1954. The league aims to showcase elite female talent.

Who is Kelsie Whitmore?

Kelsie Whitmore is a professional baseball player from San Diego. She is a pitcher and outfielder with international medal wins. Whitmore previously played for the Sonoma Stompers in an independent league.

When does the WPBL season start?

The inaugural WPBL season begins on August 1, 2025. All games will be held at Robin Roberts Stadium in Illinois. The season format involves a condensed schedule for its first year.

How many teams are in the WPBL?

The league starts with four teams. They are based in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston. Each team will have a final roster of 15 players.

Why is this draft significant?

The draft represents the first professional opportunity for women baseball players in decades. It provides a platform for athletes to pursue baseball careers. This helps legitimize women’s baseball at the highest level.