Red Sox Forge Bonds with New Women’s Pro Baseball League

The Boston Red Sox have taken a visible role supporting the new Women’s Pro Baseball League. Two local baseball advocates helped make the connection possible.

Origins and local ties

Donna Cohen, a Massachusetts native and fifth-generation Red Sox fan, helped create a women’s fantasy camp about a decade ago. The camp brought women players to Red Sox facilities for coaching and instruction.

Shawn Smith became general manager of the team’s Florida operations in 2023. He and Cohen developed a working relationship that led to expanded support for women’s baseball.

Draft celebration at JetBlue Park

In November, when the league prepared for its inaugural draft, many prospective players were already in Fort Myers. Smith and his Fenway South staff organized a draft party at JetBlue Park.

The event featured live draft video on the jumbotron, hats and a branded photo backdrop. About 150 people attended, and draftees signed baseballs and posed by the Green Monster.

Planned public events

The week included on-field practice sessions on the backfields. It also featured an exhibition game and a fan fest outside JetBlue Park.

Organizers scheduled a ceremonial first pitch before the Twins-Red Sox game at 6 p.m. The events aimed to showcase the league and its players.

Players to watch

Kelsie Whitmore, the No. 1 overall pick, is among the most prominent attendees. The 27-year-old has played in independent leagues alongside men.

Mo’ne Davis, who gained fame at the 2014 Little League World Series, also participated. Japan’s Ayami Sato and Canada’s Alli Schroder joined the camp roster.

League format and local signees

The league plans an eight-week season starting Aug. 1. Teams are assigned to Boston, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

All regular-season games will be played in Springfield, Illinois. The league roster counts 60 players in total.

Local signees include righthander Jacqui Reynolds of Woburn, who signed with New York. Righty Katie Reynolds of Watertown was drafted by San Francisco. Outfielder Katherine Murphy of Belmont went to New York.

The Women’s Pro Baseball League is independent and has no formal Major League Baseball affiliation. Still, the Red Sox have helped forge bonds and provided tangible support for the launch.

Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments and provide updates on this evolving initiative.