Former baseball pitcher Maybelle Blair is set to take on an honorary chair role on the advisory board of the Women's Professional Baseball League. This significant move comes as the league announced its plans to launch in 2026 as a six-team circuit dedicated to female players. Blair, a remarkable 97-year-old, played a crucial part in inspiring the baseball film "A League of Their Own" through her own achievements in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. She will now lead a board composed of women with diverse backgrounds in sports and business.

Honoring the Legacy and Forging a New Future

Blair expressed her excitement, stating, "We have been waiting 70 years for a women's professional baseball league, and it means so much for the girls. It is going to be our great opportunity, and we must take advantage of it now." The league's co-founders, Justine Siegal and Keith Stein, have set their sights on establishing a solid women's baseball culture in the US. In preparation for its first season, the league will hold a scouting camp in spring 2025, followed by a player draft later in the year. The regular season, playoffs, and championship are scheduled to take place in the summer of 2026.

The Board of Influential Women

The board of the Women's Professional Baseball League is a diverse group. It includes Nona Lee, the former Arizona Diamondbacks chief legal officer, who brings her legal expertise. Laura Gentile, a former ESPN CMO and founder of espnW, contributes her extensive experience in the sports and media industry. Kate Childs Graham, a speechwriter and communications strategist, enhances the league's communication efforts. Dr. Kat Williams, the Founder/CEO of the International Women's Baseball Center, plays a vital role in promoting the sport. Dr. Leslie Heaphy, chair of the Society of American Baseball Research's (SABR) Women in Baseball Committee, ensures the league benefits from extensive research and knowledge. Digit Murphy, the President of the Toronto Six hockey team, brings a unique perspective and leadership.

Blair's Special Role

Blair plans to throw the first pitch in the WPBL opener, symbolizing the league's launch. Siegal emphasized the importance of honoring the legacy of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League while building a new future for today's players. "I have so much respect for Maybelle and all of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League players. Their league set a precedent on what's possible in women's professional baseball," Siegal said. This shows the league's commitment to both honoring the past and shaping the future of women's baseball.

Preparing for Success

The league's meticulous planning includes the scouting camp in 2025, which will help identify talented players. The subsequent player draft will ensure a fair and competitive selection process. With the regular season, playoffs, and championship lined up for 2026, the Women's Professional Baseball League is on track to make a significant impact. It will provide a platform for female players to showcase their skills and build a sustainable professional baseball ecosystem. This league represents a milestone in the history of women's sports and is sure to inspire future generations of female athletes.