BREAKING: Mo’ne Davis has been drafted 10th overall by Los Angeles in the inaugural Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) draft, marking a historic moment for women’s sports. This landmark event took place on October 12, 2023, after an impressive pool of 600 women from 10 countries tried out for the league.
Davis, who first captured national attention as a Little League World Series star, expressed her excitement, stating, “I feel good. It was in shock. I didn’t think I was gonna go that early just because my arm is messed up, but it feels great.” The atmosphere was electric at the Marian Anderson Recreation Center in South Philadelphia, where family and friends gathered to celebrate this monumental achievement.
Her mother, Lakeisha McLean, beamed with pride, stating, “She really livin’ her dream. I’m excited for her. Anything is possible. Girls can do what guys can do.” This sentiment resonates deeply as Davis, now 24, continues to break barriers in sports.
Davis made history as the first girl to earn a win and throw a shutout in the Little League World Series while pitching for the Taney Dragons. She even graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, becoming the first Little Leaguer to achieve such a feat.
Reflecting on this new chapter, Davis shared, “It’s the next chapter of my life, especially over the years, just focusing on school and not knowing what’s next and then having this league come up at the perfect time, it feels great.”
The WPBL co-founder, Justine Siegel, attended the draft, emphasizing its significance for women in sports. “I wanted to be at this party because I’ve seen Monique grow up, and I’m really excited to have this dream for her,” Siegel remarked. “To know that she can get back on the field and play the game she loves.”
Davis is eager to embark on her professional career, stating, “With women coming into the league, I’m very excited about that, so I can’t wait to just get out there and just play my hardest and put on some good competition for the fans.”
The WPBL is set to debut in August 2026, featuring four teams: Los Angeles, New York, Boston, and San Francisco. This league not only opens doors for aspiring female athletes but also signifies a major milestone in the evolution of women’s sports.
As Davis prepares to take the field, the world will be watching, and the excitement surrounding the WPBL is palpable. This is a pivotal moment in sports history, and the impact of this league will certainly resonate for years to come.
