Mo'ne Davis Joins Women's Pro Baseball League, Scores First Run in Debut

The league represents a commercial push for women's diamond sports. Co-founded by Justine Siegal, the first woman to coach in Major League Baseball, the WPBL has four teams: the Los Angeles Queens, Boston Hunters, New York Heights, and San Francisco Firebells. All games are played in Illinois. Each team name celebrates a trailblazing woman.

The league appointed three-time World Series champion Dave Stewart as an advisor. The managerial roster includes former MLB players Eric Young (Los Angeles), Matt Williams (San Francisco), Keith Foulke (Boston), and women's baseball pioneer Rachelle "Rocky" Henley (New York).

"We are thrilled to assemble a world-class group of leaders who can elevate the game and inspire the next generation of ballplayers," Siegal said in a league press release.

Earlier this year, Davis signed with the Indianapolis Clowns of the Banana Ball League. The franchise honors the 1940s barnstorming Negro League team that featured Toni Stone, the first woman to play professional men's baseball. Former MLB center fielder Jackie Bradley Jr. mentored Davis during her time with the Clowns.

Her marketability offers immediate commercial value to the WPBL. As a teenager, she appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated and on Wheaties boxes.

"The exposure she's gotten exposes us as well," Queens outfielder Brittany Apagar said.

"I try to protect my peace," Davis said. "I don't want my teammates to look at me any differently."