Female Pitcher to Play Pro Baseball!

by Demoira on Apr 9, 2010 7:40 AM PDT

So, this story is really cool.

A female knuckleball pitcher from Japan will be playing for a minor league team in the United States.

Eri Yoshida, an 18-year-old pitcher who played pro ball in Japan last year, signed with the Chico Outlaws of the Golden Baseball League. The team said she will report to spring training next month.

I'll be honest. I love, nay, adore, baseball. But I'm a feminist, and, let's be honest: pro sports, and especially baseball, are still a boys club. Maybe that's even part of why I love the game. (And, really, you don't have to be a dyed-in-the-wool feminist to think that there should be open doors, etc.) (And, don't worry, you don't have to explain to me that the exclusion of women from pro-ball is at least in part about physical ability than any deliberate sexism.)

But it's tough to explain to other feminists how I can be so nuts about a sport in which some dumbass will make incredibly stupid sexist comments if he *gasp* sees a woman in the dugout of a major league team. Although, it helps to be able to point out that most of the guys around him will know that he's a dumbass and tell him so.

Anyway ... as always, I'm thrilled to see an opportunity for progress. And you better believe that I will be pulling for Ms. Yoshida. I hope to see her in the big show in a few years. Whether I cheer for her if she finds herself pitching against my guys, though, is another question entirely.

This FanPost was written by a member of the Gaslamp Ball community and does not necessarily reflect the views of the Gaslamp Ball managers or SB Nation.

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I'm rooting for her.

But I have to take issue with your suggestion that the exclusion of female athletes from professional sports has something to do with anything other than ability. Sure, there are still idiots who make dumb remarks on occasion (Keith Hernandez), but I think for the most part players and coaches would welcome a female who could play at their level. Could you imagine the marketing possibilities for a girl (!) who could pitch well at the major league level? She’d probably command a higher market value than any guy with similar abilities simply because she’d sell more tickets and sponsorships.

The problem with most of the women who’ve attempted to cross into men’s sports is that they just weren’t very good. They’re usually the product of someone trying to make some quick money by promoting a “novelty.” When a woman is thrust into a position that she didn’t earn (Michelle Wie, Manon Rheaume), you end up with resentment and, yes, sexist comments from players who rightly feel that she doesn’t deserve to be there.

But, I hope that someday a woman who is legitimately good at her sport earns her way onto a professional men’s team. Maybe Eri Yoshida will be the one.

by theodore donald kerabatsos on Apr 9, 2010 8:32 AM PDT reply actions

Danica Patrick

1 career win but by far the most recognizable Indy car driver (at least in the US).

by Grey Suit on Apr 9, 2010 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Jackie Robinson all over again

I agree with the idea that it comes down to ability…if a woman is good enough to play, she should play. But, I don’t expect any team is willing to take her on as a lark, unlike auto racing where anyone with enough money can start a racing team. She can’t be merely good, she’ll need to be great to make it to the majors.

by I8EtoDunbar on Apr 9, 2010 4:41 PM PDT up reply actions

That's really amazing

that she finds time to play baseball when she’s not cooking or cleaning.

"When the going gets tough... TheGrandHatching pops in later." -- WG

by TheGrandHatching on Apr 9, 2010 9:42 AM PDT via mobile reply actions 2 recs

Golden Baseball League

is an independent baseball league, not the minors.. Huuuge difference..

Huuuge pro wrestler ‘The Big Show’

Major League Baseball is ‘’The Bigs’ or ‘The Show’…

Independent leagues are not affiliated with MILB (minors) or MLB, but the players are considered professional baseball players since they are being paid… So now Yoshida has professional baseball player – chico outlaws on her resume. Good for her! Probably a higher level than any of us have ever played.

I was so excited to click this fanpost, too… Female Pitcher in the Minors!!?? That would be BIGGGG NEWS, IM TALKING BIG SHOW BIG…. The author of your link had the proper headline – female pitcher to play pro baseball.

by hathead on Apr 9, 2010 9:45 AM PDT reply actions