Women are reclaiming their place in baseball

On Opening Day, baseball fans are filled with hope, and a surprising number of them are women. A survey in 2024 revealed that 39% of those who watched or attended Major League Baseball games were women, prompting teams like the Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees to offer special programs for female fans. The presence of women in professional baseball has also increased, with Kim Ng making history in 2020 as the first female general manager in MLB history.

Despite the progress, there is still a lack of recognition for girls and women who play baseball in the U.S., where softball is traditionally seen as the sport for females. However, women have a long history in baseball, dating back to the 1860s when teams like the Dolly Vardens and the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League were formed. The transition to softball for girls was solidified over time, further reinforced by Title IX regulations.

While the U.S. national women’s baseball team competes in international competitions like the Women’s Baseball World Cup, their achievements often go unnoticed. Efforts are being made to encourage more girls to play baseball, with organizations like Baseball for All and DC Girls Baseball working to provide opportunities for young female players. The establishment of a Women’s Pro Baseball League in 2026 with six teams in the northeastern U.S. could mark a significant milestone in the revitalization of women’s professional baseball in the country.