Artwork by: Pauline Grunfeld

As we celebrate the new year and the exciting opportunities that 2026 holds, I feel compelled to mention the Women’s Professional Baseball League, which is set to make its revival in August.

In the past decade, sports fans have seen increased attention on women’s sports, such as college softball and professional women’s basketball. Women’s baseball, however, has been completely out of the limelight. All of that’s about to change—for the first time in 72 years, fans can get excited to finally celebrate a women’s baseball team.

For anyone with a love for ’90s movies or a baseball-movie-obsessed dad, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) might be familiar from the movie A League of Their Own. With stars like Geena Davis and Tom Hanks, the 1992 masterpiece shares the story of the AAGPBL, which was formed during World War II in the absence of male players. Through a comedic telling of two talented sisters, a powerful message of equal opportunities in sports is projected. The unique circumstances from which this league was born gave a few incredibly talented women the chance to pursue their dreams. These women fought through sexism and unimaginable obstacles, a true illustration of women’s resilience and strength.

​Since the league dissolved in 1952, there have been limited opportunities for women pursuing a career in professional baseball. Some of the all-star Little League players found themselves in alternative leagues like Banana Ball before trying out for the Women’s Professional Baseball League.

In August 2025, the league’s tryouts were held, and in August 2026, we will see the debut of four teams: San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Boston. 600 players attended the tryouts, and in November, 130 of the players became eligible for the draft, creating rosters of about 15 players for each team. The draft alone got 4.25 million views on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, creating a promising future for the league.

The eight-week season will take place in Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, with each team playing two to three games a week. Similar to softball, games will be seven innings, and players will use aluminum bats. So far, streaming has been announced through YouTube.

Women are breaking boundaries and proving the impossible, inspiring girls to follow their dreams. This new league raises spirits and inspiration. While us high school girls may not be baseball players, we can recognize the value of a historic change like this. For all of the little girls playing on a boys’ team, waiting for a professional chance will be offered, this is your year.