Overview

• Ayami Sato made history on May 11, 2025, as the first woman to play in the Canadian men's Intercounty Baseball League (IBL).
• In her debut for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Sato pitched two perfect innings, striking out one batter without allowing a baserunner.
• The Maple Leafs ultimately lost 6-5 to the Kitchener Panthers, but Sato’s performance drew widespread praise and enthusiastic fan support.
• Fans at Christie Pits Park in Toronto gave Sato a warm welcome, with many young girls seeking autographs and expressing admiration.
• Her debut adds momentum to efforts led by Keith Stein and Justine Siegal to launch a Women’s Pro Baseball League in 2026, which aims to expand opportunities for women in the sport.