3 hours ago
Maybelle Blair, 98, Throws Ceremonial First Pitch at Women’s Professional Baseball League Exhibition
READ TIME: 4 MIN.
On August 25, 2025, Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. became the stage for a moment that bridged generations and broke barriers: Maybelle Blair, a trailblazer of women’s baseball and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, delivered the ceremonial first pitch at the inaugural exhibition game for the new Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) . Blair’s pitch was received by Mo’ne Davis, renowned for her ground-breaking performance in the Little League World Series, symbolizing the passing of the torch from a pioneer of the sport to a new generation of women athletes.
The event was more than a celebration of athletic achievement—it was a powerful statement about visibility, inclusion, and the enduring legacy of LGBTQ+ individuals in sports. For Blair, who came out publicly as a lesbian in her nineties, the moment was deeply personal and historic, echoing the journey of progress from the days of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) to the launch of a new professional women’s league .
Maybelle Blair’s baseball career began in the early 1940s, when opportunities for women—especially those from marginalized communities—were scarce . As a pitcher for the AAGPBL, Blair became a symbol of resilience and determination, inspiring countless women and LGBTQ+ individuals to pursue their passion for sports despite systemic barriers.
At the WPBL tryouts, Blair reflected on the significance of this moment: “It’s actually one of the best times of my life. It reminds me of when I was playing ball and had the opportunity. … I’m reliving my life again through these girls. I think every girl should have an opportunity to play the sport that they love” . Her presence at the event underscored the importance of creating safe and inclusive spaces for women and LGBTQ+ athletes in professional sports.
The WPBL, set to launch its first season in 2026, is the fifth professional women’s baseball league in U.S. history and the first in more than 25 years . Founded by Justine Siegal and Keith Stein, the league aims to elevate women’s baseball to new heights, providing a path to professionalism for college and amateur players, and intentionally fostering a culture of inclusivity.
The inaugural tryouts attracted over 600 women from ten countries, with participants ranging from teenagers to 50-year-olds . These athletes competed for spots on six Northeastern teams, with the league committed to fair wages and national broadcasting to maximize visibility . The league’s leadership includes several trailblazers, such as Cito Gaston, Digit Murphy, and Ayami Sato, all of whom share a commitment to diversity and representation .
Mo’ne Davis, who received Blair’s first pitch, is herself a symbol of progress for women and LGBTQ+ communities in sports. Davis, the first girl to pitch a shutout in the Little League World Series, has spoken about the importance of representation and the need for young athletes to see themselves reflected in their heroes .
Blair’s public role as an out lesbian at such a high-profile event is historic for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports. Historically, LGBTQ+ athletes have faced discrimination, exclusion, and erasure—particularly in professional baseball, a sport often associated with traditional gender norms . Blair’s participation sends a clear message: LGBTQ+ athletes belong on the field, and their contributions are vital to the future of the sport.
The WPBL’s commitment to diversity is reflected not only in its leadership but also in its player recruitment and public messaging . By creating a platform that welcomes women and LGBTQ+ athletes from around the world, the league is helping to reshape the narrative of professional baseball, moving toward greater equity and visibility.
The exhibition game, attended by legends such as Blair and Jeneane ‘Lefty’ Lesko, was more than a showcase—it was an affirmation of the progress that has been made and the work that remains. As Blair handed the ball to Davis, she symbolically passed on the responsibility and privilege of blazing trails for those who come next.
As the WPBL looks ahead to its first official season in 2026, the league’s founders and athletes recognize the importance of sustaining this momentum. National broadcasting plans, community outreach, and partnerships with advocacy organizations are all part of a strategy designed to keep women’s baseball—and LGBTQ+ athletes—at the forefront of the sporting world .
Blair’s ceremonial pitch stands as a reminder of how far women’s sports have come, and how far they still have to go. For LGBTQ+ communities, it is a moment of pride and possibility—a signal that inclusion is not just an aspiration, but an achievable reality.
As the final inning closed on the exhibition game, the energy at Nationals Park was palpable. Hundreds of aspiring athletes, supporters, and fans cheered not just for the game, but for the ideals of equality, representation, and hope.
The Women’s Professional Baseball League is poised to make history. With leaders like Maybelle Blair and Mo’ne Davis at the helm, the future of women’s baseball—and LGBTQ+ visibility in sports—has never looked brighter.
