The 2014 Little League World Series broadcast reached an all-time viewership high for ESPN when Mo'ne Davis stepped onto the mound. As a 13-year-old pitcher for the Taney Dragons, she achieved a historic shutout against Nashville, becoming the first girl in the tournament's history to earn a winning game and record a complete game shutout.
Early Athletic Development
Born in 2001 in Philadelphia, Davis grew up displaying versatility across football, soccer, and basketball. In 2008, Steve Bandura, program director for the Marian Anderson Recreation Center, identified her talent while watching her play football with older children. After joining his basketball team, she quickly transitioned into baseball. With the support of sponsors, she transferred to Springside Chestnut Hill Academy, where she continued to excel as a pitcher and shortstop while maintaining basketball as her primary focus.
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At age 13, Davis utilized precise pitching mechanics rather than raw strength to deliver fastballs at 70 miles per hour. Analysis by ESPN's John Brenkus indicated her release point varied by no more than 3 degrees, with her arm reaching a peak angular velocity of 2500 degrees per second. These mechanics allowed her to compete effectively despite having an arm 15% shorter than those of typical major league pitchers.
College Athletics and Education
Davis enrolled at Hampton University in 2019 to play softball. During her debut season in 2020, she recorded a .333 batting average and participated in 49 games as an infielder. By the conclusion of her time with the Lady Pirates, she had successfully stolen 8 bases on 8 attempts. Following her athletic career at Hampton, she began graduate studies at Columbia University in 2023.
Professional Baseball Career
Davis currently plays as a center fielder for the Los Angeles Queens in the Women's Professional Baseball League. Her career path has moved from Little League prominence to professional participation, following a period where she balanced softball and collegiate academics.
Fast facts
- Born: 2001, Philadelphia
- 2014 Little League World Series shutout pitcher
- Associated Press Athlete of the Year: 2014
- Hampton University attendee: 2019
- Columbia University graduate student: 2023
- Position: Center fielder, Los Angeles Queens
Questions readers ask
Was Mo'ne Davis the first girl to play in the Little League World Series?
No, she was the 18th girl overall to play in the tournament since its inception.
Did Mo'ne Davis play softball in college?
Yes, she played for the Hampton University Lady Pirates beginning in 2020.
Achievements
- First girl to pitch a shutout in the Little League World Series (2014)
- First Little Leaguer on the cover of Sports Illustrated
- National youth-sports role model
- Went on to play college sports
