Toronto Maple Leafs sign Sato, IBL's first female player

The Intercounty Baseball League’s Toronto Maple Leafs have made history by signing Ayami Sato, the first female player in league history. Photo: Toronto Maple Leafs

December 3, 2024

Official Intercounty Baseball League News Release

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made history with the signing of Ayami Sato, marking her as the first female player to compete in a Canadian professional baseball league.

Widely regarded as the best female pitcher in the world — and by some, the greatest female player of all time — Sato’s addition to the team is a groundbreaking moment for baseball.

Renowned for her skill on the mound, Sato’s pitches have earned her international acclaim. She consistently throws at speeds approaching 80 miles per hour, and her curveball boasts a spin rate higher than many Major League Baseball players.

Sato’s signing with the Maple Leafs signals a new chapter for Canadian baseball, showcasing the team’s commitment to excellence and breaking down barriers.