Baseball: Sato's pro exploits in Canada 'opening up world' for women
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Ayami Sato, one of the world's best female baseball players, has smashed through the glass ceiling to make history in her new home of Canada.
The 35-year-old Japanese right-hander became the first woman to play in a professional men's league in Canada when she pitched two scoreless innings as the Toronto Maple Leafs' Opening Day starter on May 11 against the Kitchener Panthers.
"The very first pitch was the most nerve-wracking," Sato said. She kept hitters off-balance by mixing her fastball with her breaking pitches.
On June 1, Sato made a relief appearance and picked up her first win in the Intercounty Baseball League, the top independent baseball league in Canada.
The three-time Women's Baseball World Cup MVP has received wide media coverage in Canada. Fans hunt for her autograph even when her team is on the road.
But Sato has tried to remain grounded, saying, "I'm not playing to prove that I can compete with men. I'm here to improve myself."
Sato did not hesitate when she received a contract offer from the Maple Leafs.
"If you take a step forward, it is opening up the world. I hope to send some kind of message through my play," Sato said.
Her trailblazing in Canada comes at an exciting time for women's baseball in North America, with a new U.S. women's pro league set to be launched in 2026.
"I also feel lucky to be here at this time," she said, referring to her role as a special advisor to the new league.
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