Temecula Native Named 'Sportswoman Of The Year' : USA Baseball

TEMECULA, CA — Kelsie Whitmore was named Sportswoman of the Year, according to USA Baseball, Valley News sports writer JP Raineri reported this week.

"If you have been following her story, along with her accomplishments with Team USA and in college at Cal State Fullerton, Whitmore made history this past spring by becoming the first female to play baseball in a league affiliated with Major League Baseball," Raineri wrote in his article. "She made her professional debut with the Staten Island FerryHawks on April 21, making 39 appearances in her rookie season in the Atlantic League."

According to USA Baseball, Kelsie Whitmore made her seventh career appearance for the Women's National Team this past summer.

"She played a vital role in helping the stars and stripes clinch their friendship series against Canada in Thunder Bay, Ontario. Whitmore started all five games – two on the mound, one as the designated hitter, and two in the outfield – and tallied at least one hit in four games.

Before @KelsieWhitmore was making history with the @FerryHawks, she repped SIX TIMES on the international stage

Whitmore has posted a 5-1 record with a 1.69 ERA and a .273 average so far with the @USABaseballWNT #ForGloryFacts pic.twitter.com/tZKCNbSsnM
— USA Baseball (@USABaseball) May 6, 2022

"In the series opener, Whitmore was lights out as she was a double short of the cycle, going 3-for-3 with four RBIs, while pitching 4.2 innings of shutout ball," a USA Baseball spokesperson wrote in the news release announcing her award. "She led all players in the series with seven runs, eight hits, 10 RBIs, and a 1.000 slugging percentage. Along with her accomplishments with Team USA, Whitmore made history this spring by becoming the first female to play baseball in a league affiliated with Major League Baseball, making her professional debut with the Staten Island FerryHawks on April 21. She made 39 appearances in her rookie season in the Atlantic League."

Whitmore says that she wants to keep playing professional baseball, aiming for the highest level possible, she says.

"I have been using this time during the off-season to focus a lot on myself as both a player and person," she said. She is preparing for next season and continues to strive for excellence. "My same goal hasn't stopped."