Japanese star Ayami Sato to play pro baseball in Canada, becomes first-ever women to sign contract with Intercounty Baseball League team

Japanese women's baseball star Ayami Sato has signed an historic agreement to join the Toronto Maple Leafs to compete in the Intercounty Baseball League (IBL) in Canada. She becomes the first female player to compete in the IBL. 

“I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to play with the Toronto Maple Leafs,” said Sato in a statement released by the team. “It is a dream come true for me to play at this competitive level with former major leaguers and top minor league players.”

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. She's helped her country to six straight Women's Baseball World Cup gold medals from 2010-2024 (2020 tournament was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic) and was named the tournament MVP three consecutive times in 2014, 2016 and 2018.

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. Her debut is poised to be a pivotal moment, inspiring future generations and redefining the boundaries of professional sports.

The IBL is the top independent baseball league in Canada, boasting ex-MLB, MiLB and elite NCAA college baseball players, including players from different countries. The 2025 season will mark the IBL’s 107th year in operation. The IBL, one of the longest continuously operated baseball leagues in the world, is comprised of teams from Barrie, Brantford, Chatham-Kent, Guelph, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Toronto and Welland.