Little League World Series Star Mo’ne Davis Throws Out Historic First Pitch to Only Girl in This Year’s Tournament

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A post shared by Ella Bruning (@ellabruning8)

Back in 2014, former Little League Baseball pitcher Mo'ne Davis made history by becoming the first girl to pitch a shutout in Little League World Series history. She was just 13 years old at the time, but the now-20-year-old recently made another legendary sling. Earlier this week, she threw out a symbolic first pitch to 12-year-old Texas catcher Ella Bruning in honor of their connection as two of the only female baseball players on all-male teams.

Bruning is the 20th female to play in the Little League World Series and the only girl to compete in this year’s tournament. The young player is also the first female to take position behind the plate since 2001. Bruning and Davis’ special moment during this year’s game was captured on camera, revealing their sweet admiration for each other. After the pitch, they’re captured coming together to sign the baseball.

Davis, who is now a role model for many young girls interested in baseball, was delighted to see Bruning in action. “Watching for years leading up to before I played, I wouldn't see any girls,” she says. “I think I played against only two girls growing up on all-boys teams. Now I’m constantly seeing more girls play, I feel like it's becoming more normal, and they're going out, and they're holding their own.”

Although Bruning is just 12 years old, she’s already impressing fans with her ability to hit, field, and steal bases. In Texas’s 6-0 win against Washington on Friday, she became just the third girl ever to record multiple hits in a single LLWS game. “It's cool to see [Bruning] doing such great things,” Davis says. “I'm cheering for her and hoping that she makes it a fun tournament and really hoping that she enjoys it because it's such a fun experience.”

Watch Bruning and Davis’ first pitch below. Girl power!