Yahoo Sports Japanese pitcher Ayami Sato to become first woman to play Canadian pro baseball
Japanese pitcher Ayami Sato has made history, becoming the first female player to sign with a men’s professional baseball team.
Sato, 34, has joined the Canadian side Toronto Maple Leafs. In a press release on Tuesday, the Maple Leafs said the groundbreaking signing showcased ‘the team’s commitment to excellence and breaking down barriers.’
She arrives in Canada with a host of team and individual awards to her name. Considered by many to be the best female baseball player in the world, she has helped Japan to six consecutive Women’s Baseball World Cup triumphs between 2010 and 2024.
Accompanying those six titles were MVP honours in 2014, 2106 and 2018. Additionally, Sato was named the World Cup All-Star starting pitcher in 2010 and 2016.
Domestically, Sato’s reputation speaks for itself. Making her Japan Women’s Baseball League debut in 2013, Sato led the league with 62 strikeouts in her rookie season. With a pitch reaching 80mph, she led the league in strikeouts in three of its last four seasons. It ceased operations in 2021.
Sato said it was a ‘dream come true to play at this competitive level.’
Ayami Sato helping carve the future of women’s baseball
The signing of a player of Sato’s calibre is part of owner Keith Stein’s plans to change the fortunes of not only the team but also the course of women’s baseball. Earlier this year, he announced initial plans for a new women’s professional league to begin play in 2026.
The new women’s pro league even named Sato as a special advisor. While the immediate plans are for the league’s teams to hail from the northeastern United States, the long-term goal is for it to become a North American-wide competition.
A potential Toronto-based team would see the city become one of the women’s sports capitals of the world. The city is already home to the Toronto Sceptres of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, while the Toronto Tempo’s first WNBA season will begin in 2026. AFC Toronto will compete in the new Northern Super League when it launches next year.
