STATEN ISLAND, New York. - The former 2021 Big West Field Player of the Year and Titan softball alumnus Kelsie Whitmore signed with the Staten Island Ferryhawks of the Independent Atlantic League to play professional baseball.
Whitmore, a 5-year member (2017-2021) of the Titans softball team, was also an accomplished baseball player before and after her stint with Cal State Fullerton.
Last season, Kelsie Whitmore was the 14th Titan to be named Big West Field Player of the Year and she had one of the best offensive seasons in school history. Whitmore reached base safely in 29 straight games during the season and had a 18-game hitting streak, tied for the second-longest streak in program history. She finished the season with a slash line of .395/.507/.824 overall. Her slugging percentage of .824 is the second-best mark in school history for a single season while her on-base percentage of .507 is fifth. She led the league in doubles (13), runs (45) and was second in total bases (98). Her 12 home runs, second in the Big West, are tied for the 10th-most in program history for a season. She also had a 1.000 fielding percentage and 10 assists as a right fielder.
"Kelsie Whitmore never wavered from her dream and was even more courageous to put it out there for the world to know. We are so honored to have been a part of her journey at Cal State Fullerton. Kelsie has only just begun breaking through glass ceilings." said head coach Kelly Ford.
Whitmore signing with a team in the Atlantic League is the highest level of professional baseball attained by a woman since 2000 when Ila Borders played for three different independent league teams. However, this is the first time in history a woman has signed to play professional baseball in a league that is associated with Major League Baseball.
Whitmore has played professional baseball before with the Sonoma Stompers in 2016 and last summer played with the Portland Pickles. Whitmore in fact already has items at the Cooperstown Baseball Hall of Fame. Her batting helmet and bat used during her first hit with the Sonoma Stompers from 2016 is already enshrined with the rest of baseball's most precious history.
"My experience as a Titan was a journey. I came there unsure of who I was and left as a person I knew I wanted to be. My coaches and teammates played a big role in my growth as a player, a teammate, and as a friend. I am beyond thankful for the ups and downs that being a Titan came with as it led me to where I am today. Coach Jorge always said I won't remember the plays, or the games, but the people who left an impact. He was right about that. Each person throughout my career at Fullerton left an impact on me that continues to inspire, motivate, and teach me more about myself everyday. I am proud to have been a part of the Cal State Fullerton softball family and I am forever thankful for that time in my life." said Kelsie Whitmore.
Whitmore and the FerryHawks will open their 2022 Spring Training camp on April 11 and begin their regular season on April 22 vs. the Charleston Dirty Birds.