Mo’ne Davis Aims for Comeback in Women’s Professional Baseball League
Former Little League star Mo’ne Davis is set to make a significant return to baseball as she prepares to try out for the newly established Women’s Professional Baseball League.
Upcoming Tryouts at Nationals Park
From August 22-25, 2023, Davis will showcase her skills at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. She plans to try out for multiple positions, including:
- Pitcher
- Second Base
- Shortstop
- Center Field
After last stepping onto the baseball field in 2020, Mo’ne is enthusiastic about re-engaging with the sport that introduced her to fame.
Davis’ Perspective on the Comeback
In a recent statement to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Davis expressed her excitement:
“I like to try things… Why not help the league grow? I’m just not done playing at all. I don’t have anything to lose.”
This reflects her commitment to not only her own development as a player but also to supporting women in baseball. Davis is well aware that she has ample time to continue her baseball career.
A New Era for Women in Baseball
This opportunity isn’t just for Davis; it represents a pivotal moment for women in sports.
- 600 women will participate in the tryouts.
- Only 150 spots will be filled in the inaugural six-team draft.
Scheduled to commence in the summer of 2026, this league will mark the first professional women’s baseball league in the United States since the dissolution of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in 1954.
A Legendary Start to Her Career
Mo’ne Davis first gained national attention at just 13 years old during the 2014 Little League World Series with Taney Little League in Pennsylvania. Highlights of her remarkable journey include:
- Being the first girl to earn a victory and a shutout in the history of the World Series.
- Her groundbreaking 4-0 win over Tennessee, which catapulted her into the global spotlight.
Recognitions and Achievements
Davis’s inspiring career has led her to numerous accolades, including:
- A feature on the cover of Sports Illustrated.
- Her jersey being enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
She reflected on the unexpected role model status that came with her achievements:
“I never thought that I would be a role model at this age… so I just have to be myself.”
Transition to Softball and Academic Accomplishments
Beyond baseball, Davis played softball at Hampton University, graduating in 2023. Her stats there stood at:
- 47 hits over two seasons
- A notable .327 on-base percentage
These accomplishments solidify her versatility and dedication as an athlete.
Conclusion
Mo’ne Davis’s journey back to baseball signifies not only her personal ambitions but also a broader support for women’s sports. This league offers a platform for female athletes, and Davis is seizing the opportunity to contribute positively.
For more information about the Women’s Professional Baseball League, visit Women’s Professional Baseball.