The Women’s Pro Baseball League launched its historic inaugural season on Saturday in Springfield, Illinois, marking the first professional women’s baseball league in the United States in almost three decades. However, before the Los Angeles Queens secured a 10-8 victory over the New York Heights, social media was captivated by a shaky performance of the US national anthem. Motown legend Martha Reeves took to the mound to perform "The Star-Spangled Banner", resulting in a viral moment that drew widespread reaction online.
Why This Is Trending
The search interest surrounding Motown singer Martha Reeves surged following video footage of her pre-game performance at Robin Roberts Stadium going viral. Performing alongside two backing singers, the 85-year-old former lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas struggled with the pitch and high notes of the anthem. Footage shared online gathered millions of views as spectators and players were captured on camera attempting to hold back laughter during the song.
What Happened
Before the first pitch of the new league, Reeves, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995, stepped onto the field to deliver the customary pre-game anthem. Her vocals appeared unsteady as she navigated the notoriously difficult composition, accompanied by backing singers who also struggled with key harmony.
The performance generated immediate online debate, drawing comparisons to previous high-profile national anthem renditions. While many social media users posted humorous reactions to the crowd's visible struggle to stay composed, others defended the Motown veteran, noting the natural vocal changes that occur with age and the extreme vocal range required for the anthem.
What We Know So Far
Despite the viral moment prior to first pitch, the opening game went ahead as scheduled, serving as a landmark event for the sport. Key details from the opening day include:
- Match Outcome: The Los Angeles Queens defeated the New York Heights 10-8 in a seven-inning contest.
- Historic Pitch: 99-year-old Maybelle Blair, a former player in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), threw out the ceremonial first pitch.
- Notable Performers: Heights catcher Denae Benites went 4-for-4 with two RBIs, while Queens outfielder Maggie Foxx went 2-for-2 with two RBIs.
- International Players: Japanese pitcher Ayami Sato started on the mound for the Queens, allowing seven runs across three innings, while compatriot Natsuki Yonetani went 2-for-4 for the Heights.
Why It Matters
The viral coverage of the anthem unexpectedly brought global online attention to the launch of the WPBL. Co-founded by Justine Siegal, the league is the first professional women's baseball competition in the US since the AAGPBL folded in 1954, following short-lived attempts in the 1990s. The 2026 season features four teams — the New York Heights, Los Angeles Queens, Boston Hunters, and San Francisco Firebells — with games scheduled to broadcast across national networks via deals with ESPN and the Scripps Sports Network.
What Happens Next
The WPBL inaugural season will continue through August and September, with all regular-season and playoff games hosted at the historic 5,200-capacity Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois. A total of 30 regular-season fixtures are scheduled before the campaign concludes with a best-of-five Championship Series in late September to determine the league's first champion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Martha Reeves?
Martha Reeves is an 85-year-old American singer best known as the lead vocalist of the Motown group Martha and the Vandellas. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.
What is the Women’s Pro Baseball League?
The Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) is a four-team professional women's baseball league in the United States, founded by baseball pioneer Justine Siegal.
Where are the WPBL games being played?
All regular-season and postseason games for the 2026 WPBL inaugural season are being held at Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois.
Which teams are in the WPBL?
The four teams competing in the league's inaugural season are the Los Angeles Queens, New York Heights, Boston Hunters, and San Francisco Firebells.