Sonoma Stompers make history again with all-female battery
The Sonoma Stompers history-making season continued on Friday as they featured the first all-female pitcher-catcher combination in a professional baseball since the All-American Girls Professional Baseball folded in 1954.
Kelsie Whitmore, who made history on her own earlier this week when she collected her first professional hit, served as the pitcher, while newly-signed Anna Kimbrell called the signals from behind home plate.
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Here’s a look at the historic lineup card.
Tonight's #StartingLineup with @ACK_47 batting 8th and @KelsieWhitmore on the hill! #IfYouCanPlayYouCanPlay pic.twitter.com/LLabvgK6TU
— Sonoma Stompers (@SonomaStompers) July 22, 2016
The outing was another milestone moment for the Stompers, who initially made history by signing Whitmore and pitcher Stacy Piagno to contracts in June. Whitmore has made three appearances in the field since, going 1-for-5 at the plate. Friday marked her pitching debut, but unfortunately things didn’t go as hoped despite a perfect first inning.
Kelsie Whitmore's first pitch was put into play for an out. Whitmore retired the side in order in the first. pic.twitter.com/Sm5yaLzDaB
— Sonoma Stompers (@SonomaStompers) July 23, 2016
3 up, 3 down for @KelsieWhitmore! Needed only 9 pitches to get through the 1st! Bottom 1, Sonoma coming to bat! #WinExpectancy: 59.1%
— Sonoma Stompers (@SonomaStompers) July 23, 2016
A tough second inning for Whitmore, as the Diamonds put up four runs. Bottom 2nd, Sonoma trails, 4-0.
— Sonoma Stompers (@SonomaStompers) July 23, 2016
Diamonds get two on, chasing Whitmore. Martin Cronin on now for Sonoma in a 4-0 game.
— Sonoma Stompers (@SonomaStompers) July 23, 2016
Whitmore would be charged with six earned runs in two-plus innings. She took the loss as Sonoma fell to the Pittsburg Diamonds, 13-0.
Result aside, the night should still be considered a success given that all three women on Sonoma’s roster saw the field. Kimbrell caught all nine innings and held her own, despite going 0-for-3 at the plate. Piagno even got in on the action too, making her season debut at second base while picking up her first hit.
Every step that’s made toward giving women an equal chance to get involved and get an opportunity to prove they can play is a very positive step. They won’t all go smoothly, but as long the door stays open there’s a chance that something very special will happen.
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Mark Townsend is a writer for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
