STATEN ISLAND, NY – The Staten Island FerryHawks are excited to announce the return of pitcher/outfielder Kelsie Whitmore to the team. Whitmore, made history last season with the FerryHawks as the first female to play in an MLB affiliated partner league. Kelsie is the top female baseball player in the nation and is a two-way player -- a right-handed pitcher who can also play multiple outfield positions. Kelsie, a longtime veteran of the USA Women’s National Team, was also named 2022 USA Baseball’s Sportswoman of the Year.

Whitmore played baseball at Temecula Valley High School and college softball at California State University, Fullerton. She pitched and played in the outfield for the U.S. women's baseball team from 2014-19 and spent parts of two seasons with the Sonoma Stompers of the independent Pacific Association. Whitmore signed with the FerryHawks in 2022 and was on the roster the entire season.

“I had a great experience last year, developing, growing as a person, and gaining knowledge from the coaching staff and my teammates. We have one of the most supportive and loyal fan base on any ball club I’ve played for. This team established a hard-working, determined, and supportive culture their first season in the league and I am grateful for another opportunity to compete this season with the FerryHawks.” said Kelsie Whitmore.

“I really enjoyed watching and meeting Kelsie last season and am really glad she is back. She is an inspiration to girls everywhere. Moms and dads across New York City should bring their daughters to watch the FerryHawks and see America’s best professional female baseball player. said Staten Island Entertainment Chairman John Catsimatidis

“Kelsie has worked hard and excelled at every level of her career and last year was no exception. Kelsie proved that she has what it takes to compete here in the Atlantic League and we are proud to have the opportunity to bring her back for another exciting season of FerryHawk baseball,” said FerryHawk President Eric Shuffler.

“We are very excited to have Kelsie back here in Staten Island for another season. She’s a fan favorite who shows up every day and works hard. She brings a winning attitude to our clubhouse, adds quality and depth to our pitching staff and gives us multiple options in the outfield” said FerryHawks Manager Homer Bush.

FerryHawks ticket packages are on sale now, so make sure to lock in your spot for the 2023 season.

FerryHawks Motto: The Staten Island FerryHawks are a Major League Baseball partnered franchise that plays in the high-quality Atlantic League. Our mission is to create a home for everyone in the Staten Island community and solidify a fun and exciting family experience that fans will never forget. The FerryHawks will play their home games at the newly improved Staten Island University Hospital, Community Park. We are excited to have you and become part of our FerryHawk Family. #hawkCity

About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) Celebrating its 25th Anniversary season, the Atlantic League is Major League Baseball’s first Professional Partner League, a player gateway to the major leagues, and a leader in baseball innovation. ALPB has sent over 1,200 players to MLB organizations while drawing over 45 million fans to its family-fri