Little League World Series 2014: First female player happy for Emma, Mo’Ne

SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — More than six decades after Kathryn “Tubby” Johnston Massar cut off her braids, tucked her hair under her cap and became the first girl to play Little League baseball, she’s delighted to see two girls in the Little League World Series.

“It’s truly amazing. I’m very happy to see girls playing,” said Massar, 78, of Yuba City, California.

Canada’s Emma March and Philadelphia’s Mo’Ne Davis became the 17th and 18th girls to play in the tournament Friday. It is only the third time in the event’s 68-year history that two girls are playing in the same series.

Davis threw a two-hitter to help Philadelphia beat Nashville 4-0. She had eight strikeouts and didn’t walk a batter.

Davis, who received a noticeably louder reception than any other player during introductions, said she noticed plenty of girls younger than her in the audience. The applause heightened significantly when Davis struck out the final batter, becoming the first girl to throw a shutout in Little League World Series history.

“It’s very unreal. I never thought at the age of 13 I would be a role model,” Davis said. “Hopefully, more girls play Little League.”

March did not fare as well.