Phoenix Native Angela Valenzuela Chases Dreams in New Women’s Baseball League

One of my all-time favorite movies is A League of Their Own. I love baseball and movies about the sport, but for many reasons, this Penny Marshall classic is one I’ve watched so many times that I have nearly memorized all the dialogue.

Maybell Blair (R) and Jeneane Lesko (L) both played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Photo by Win McNamee, Getty Images

Since there’s no crying in baseball, I’ve been unable to talk about this on the air. Because every time I try, I get misty-eyed. Finally, 72 years after the original All-American Girls Professional Baseball League ended, we finally have a new professional women's baseball league, and the sheer weight of it creates a cascade of emotions. I’m so excited and so proud of these amazing young ladies!

Get our free mobile app

Four Teams and a New Era in Baseball

I'm catching as many games as I can, and it's been fun seeing talented players from around the world get their chance on a professional stage. The first pitch for the Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL) was thrown at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois, on August 1st, where all the games are being played this year.

Jessie Alcheh, Getty Images

The league includes four teams: the New York Heights, Boston Hunters, San Francisco Firebells, and Los Angeles Queens. Each name was “inspired by a trailblazing, female pioneer,” according to the WPBL website.

Caleb Bowlin, Getty Images

READ: Why Arizona's Governor Vetoed The Flying Car Legislation

Arizona's Angela Valenzuela Takes the Mound

I’m proud of all these young ladies, but I have a special place in my heart for Arizona’s very own home-grown player, Angela Valenzuela. The right-handed pitcher for the New York Heights is from the Phoenix area.

At just 19, Valenzuela is one of the youngest players competing at the highest level of women's professional baseball.

Angela Valenzuela | Courtesy Women's Professional Baseball League

READ: Waymo's Driverless Taxis In Phoenix And What The Safety Data Shows

A Proud Moment for Arizona Baseball Fans

I am an unapologetic baseball fan. Now with women’s professional baseball finally taking the stage once again, I’m even more thrilled.

I’m having a tough time choosing a favorite team because they’re all so talented, and I’m rooting for them all. Don’t ask me to explain it; it’s just a fact.

Jess Rapfogel, Getty Images

However, I will admit that I'll be cheering for Angela Valenzuela and the New York Heights just a little more loudly every time our Phoenix-born player takes the mound.

I’m sure that as this new league grows, it’ll inspire the next generation of players across the country, and it’s nice to know that Arizona has a little piece of the diamond as they make history.