Two Female Players Signed By Minor League Baseball Team
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- A northern California minor league baseball team, the Sonoma Stompers, has made history by announcing that it would become the first team since the 1950's Negro Leagues to include female players in its lineup.
When the Stompers take the field next, Kelsie Whitmore, a 17-year-old outfielder/pitcher, and Stacy Piagno, a 25-year-old pitcher/infielder, will be in their starting lineup.
Congrats to @KelsieWhitmore & Stacy Piagno who have been recruited to play with the @SonomaStompers July 1st! pic.twitter.com/kZimx1jJTG
— AAGPBL Official (@AAGPBL) June 24, 2016
According to the Stompers' general manager, Theo Fightmaster, the two women will remain with the team indefinitely, and, immediate starts aside, will have to earn their playing time.
"This isn't a one-day event," Fightmaster told MLB.com.
Both Whitmore and Piagno are set to play for Team USA this fall in the Womens' Baseball World Cup, which will be held in South Korea.
"While many believe it's only a matter of time before we see a woman playing in the MLB, I've learned over the past several months that there are many steps in between where we are and where we should be in terms of women in this sport," Fightmaster said in a statement. "We hope this sends a message to the rest of the baseball world that there is room for women and girls in this game – from Little League to the Major Leagues."