​The Women’s Pro Baseball League has announced the team names and identities for its inaugural season, which is set to begin on August 1 at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield. The four initial teams are the New York Heights, the San Francisco Firebells, the Los Angeles Queens, and the Boston Hunters. Each team name nods to a pioneering woman, anchoring the league’s theme of trailblazers who paved the way in their respective fields.
The Heights honor Dorothy Irene Height, a prominent civil rights and women’s rights leader from New York. The club’s branding features graphic lines that form both the New York City skyline and the silhouette of an “H,” conveying ideas of movement, precision, and audacity. The New York Heights’ logo captures this blend of urban imagery and forward-driving symbolism, aligning with the league’s mission to celebrate bold female leadership.
The Firebells draw inspiration from Lillie Hitchcock Coit, popularly known as “Firebelle,” a champion of San Francisco’s volunteer firefighters. The team mark merges a bell and a phoenix, symbolizing the city’s resilience and its capacity to rebuild stronger after adversity. This emblem reflects the Firebells’ ethos of renewal, courage, and steadfast service.
The Queens derive their name from Lizzie Murphy, often hailed as the “Queen of the Diamond,” who became the first woman to play against major league opponents. The team’s crown motif incorporates four baseball diamonds to signify power, prestige, and the essence of the game itself. The Los Angeles Queens’ branding embodies regal presence and athletic excellence, honoring Murphy’s historic accomplishments.
The Hunters are named for Harriot K. Hunt, the first woman to apply to Harvard Medical School and to build a successful medical practice in the United States. Their branding takes cues from the osprey, a bird associated with precision, instinct, and decisive action, conveying a hunter’s focus and readiness.
As the season unfolds, the WPBL will feature additional nods to legendary female icons who broke barriers and inspired generations. Each game will spotlight these trailblazing stories, celebrating the milestones these women achieved and the lasting impact of their legacies.
Dick’s Sporting Goods serves as the official sporting goods retailer for the WPBL, with PROLOOK collaborating on the production of the league’s official player jerseys, uniforms, practice apparel, and travel gear. Fans will have opportunities to purchase team merchandise, including New Era caps and replica PROLOOK jerseys, as part of the league’s fan experience and retail offerings. The inaugural schedule opens with the New York Heights versus the Los Angeles Queens at 5 p.m. on August 1, followed by the second game, San Francisco Firebells versus Boston Hunters, at 6:30 p.m. on August 2. The Heights roster features Team USA members Denae Benites and Kylee Lahners, while the Queens lineup includes Mo’ne Davis, Team USA’s Ashton Lansdell, and Japanese star Ayami Sato. The Firebells will showcase Kelsie Whitmore, the WPBL’s top overall draft pick, and the Hunters will highlight Korean pitcher Hyeonah Kim alongside Alli Schroder of the Canadian national team.
Throughout the season, the WPBL will continue to honor legendary women who shattered barriers and inspired others. Each game will celebrate these pioneers and the enduring impact of their achievements, reinforcing the league’s commitment to elevating women in professional sports. The inaugural event and its surrounding activities promise to be a landmark moment for Springfield and for women’s professional baseball.