Mo’ne Davis, a former standout in youth baseball, is set to continue her athletic journey as she prepares to try out for the newly established Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) slated to debut next year. Rising to prominence at just 13, Davis made history as the first girl to pitch a victory in the Little League World Series, a feat that includes a shutout. Her impressive performance captured the hearts of many and positioned her as a trailblazer in the sport.
The WPBL aims to launch in the summer of 2026, featuring six teams and marking the first professional women’s baseball league in the U.S. since the historic All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, which ended in 1954. The tryouts for the WPBL will take place in Washington, D.C., from August 22-25, and Davis will be among over 600 athletes vying for a spot. The league plans to select 150 players for its inaugural draft, which is scheduled for October.
Davis is not alone in this endeavor; she will be joined by several prominent figures in women’s baseball, including Kelsie Whitmore, who made history as the first woman to sign a professional contract in an MLB-partnered league.
Davis’ journey began in 2014 when she delivered impressive 70 mph fastballs for Philadelphia’s Taney Youth Baseball Association, turning her into a national sensation overnight. Her accolades include a cover feature on Sports Illustrated, a display of her jersey in baseball’s Hall of Fame, and being named Sports Kid of the Year by Sports Illustrated Kids.
Having graduated from Hampton University in 2023, Davis has remained connected to the sport by providing commentary for Little League games on ESPN. Her continued involvement in baseball serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes, particularly young girls passionate about the game.
This new league potentially opens doors for many female athletes, creating a brighter future for women’s baseball and encouraging a new generation of players to pursue their dreams.