Earlier this month, the independent Sonoma Stompers signed two US Women’s National Team members to play organized, professional baseball. The women were set to become the first to take the field since Toni Stone, Mamie “Peanut” Johnsonm and Constance Morgan played in the Negro Leagues back in the 1950s.
25-year-old Stacy Piagno was signed on as a pitcher who features a knuckle-curve, slider and fastball, while 17-year-old Kelsie Whitmore was signed as a left fielder. Here she is signing her contract at the end of June:
It's official! @KelsieWhitmore is a member of the Stompers! A historic day for baseball. pic.twitter.com/HdZAO9KfQg
— Sonoma Stompers (@SonomaStompers) June 29, 2016
But the fun doesn’t stop there. After three games (though just 5 at-bats), Kelsie Whitmore has finally gotten her first hit and it’s a hard-hit, low line-drive the other way. Check it out:
Here's a look at Kelsie Whitmore's first hit as a professional. #history #trailblazer pic.twitter.com/tMg9FhJ0ai
— Sonoma Stompers (@SonomaStompers) July 20, 2016
That is the first of many, I’m sure.