9 Latinas Making History in the Women’s Pro Baseball League

The infielder for the Boston Hunters has spent her life proving being Deaf is no obstacle to finding success on the baseball field. Born in Hermosillo, Mexico, Valenzuela, who goes by the nickname “Majo,” played for Mexico’s women’s national baseball team. She inspires everyone around her with her leadership and the strong bond she shares with her teammates.

Born in Aldama, Mexico, the Boston Hunters’ third baseman has broken barriers for women in baseball her entire career. De Leija made history as the first woman traded between two professional teams in Mexico’s men’s league. It was a groundbreaking moment that highlighted her talent and helped open doors for future generations of women ball players.

The San Francisco Firebells’ pitcher is one of the most influential figures in Mexican women’s baseball. She made history as the first woman to play professionally in a men’s baseball league in Mexico before helping lead the national team to its first-ever WBSC Women’s Baseball World Cup Finals appearance.

From Jacksonville, Florida, she’s the first Dominican to join the Women’s Pro Baseball League. She short stop is playing for the San Francisco Firebells and has played for the Dominican national team.

Born in Nayarit, Mexico, Benitez is one of Mexico’s premier baseball talents who has helped the national team rise on the international stage. Benitez was named the 2025 Women’s Baseball World Cup batting champion and Best Infielder. She also earned LMS All-Star Game MVP honors. She will continue making history in the inaugural WPBL season with the Los Angeles Queens.

Born in Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco, Mexico, the veteran corner infielder brings experience and defense to the Los Angeles Queens roster. After another season with Olmecas de Tabasco in the Liga Mexicana de Softbol, Hernández joins the WPBL ready to contribute on the field.

From Juncos, Puerto Rico, the pitcher for the New York Heights, is a trailblazer and the first Puerto Rican to join the Women’s Pro Baseball League. She was the 2021 Pitcher of the year with Las Artesanas de Las Piedras and has played with the national team.

A Corpus Christi, Texas, native, Pérez has taken an unconventional path to the WPBL – from a career as a firefighter and paramedic to representing Team USA on the world’s stage. A standout shortstop, the 2024 World Cup silver medalist now brings her athleticism and championship experience to the New York Heights.

Born in Tepatitlan, Mexico, the centerfielder for the New York Heights is a history-making Mexican player who became the first woman from her country to hit a home run in a Women’s Baseball World Cup qualifier. A longtime member of Mexico’s national team, Ibarra had already made history by playing for regional men’s teams in her home country.