History was made for baseball in the National Capital Region as a local athlete was selected in a landmark draft. Ela Day-Bédard from Ottawa-Gatineau was chosen by the San Francisco franchise in the third round of the inaugural Women's Professional Baseball League draft on December 7, 2025. This moment marks a significant step forward for professional women's sports in North America.
A Pioneering Draft for Women's Baseball
The creation of the Women's Professional Baseball League represents a new chapter for the sport, providing a long-awaited elite platform for female athletes. The draft, held on Sunday, December 7, saw teams across the league building their foundational rosters. Day-Bédard's selection in the third round highlights her standing as one of Canada's top talents, earning a spot in this historic first cohort of professional players.
The league's establishment answers decades of calls for a dedicated professional women's baseball circuit, separate from softball. For athletes like Day-Bédard, it transforms a dream into a tangible career path. Her journey from Ottawa-Gatineau to a professional contract with San Francisco will inspire a new generation of young girls to pick up a bat and glove.
Local Talent on a National Stage
Ela Day-Bédard's drafting places Ottawa-Gatineau firmly on the map of this emerging sports league. Her success is a testament to the growing development programs and competitive opportunities for women in baseball across Canada. While details of her contract and the league's inaugural season schedule are still forthcoming, her selection is a point of immense pride for the local community.
This achievement underscores the depth of athletic talent emerging from Canadian cities outside traditional sports hubs. Day-Bédard's path demonstrates that with the creation of proper professional structures, athletes from across the country can reach the highest levels of their sport.
What This Means for the Future of Sports
The launch of the Women's Professional Baseball League and the drafting of players like Ela Day-Bédard signals a broadening landscape for professional athletics. It offers more visibility, career opportunities, and economic avenues for women in sports. For fans, it introduces a new, high-level product to follow and support.
As San Francisco and other teams begin preparations for their first season, all eyes will be on pioneers like Day-Bédard. Her performance will not only contribute to her team's success but will also play a crucial role in shaping the early identity and popularity of the league itself. This is more than a personal milestone; it's a foundational moment for the sport's ecosystem.
The story of Ela Day-Bédard is just beginning, but her draft day has already secured her place in the history books of Canadian and women's baseball.
