There’s nothing more American than baseball (cards), right? That’s the idea behind sports authentication platform The Realest’s new partnership with the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL). Together, they will launch and develop the first officially licensed trading card program for an active pro women’s baseball league in the U.S..

ICYMI, The GIST launched our official MLB partnership this week with a striking data point: It’s the most-attended sports league by women fans. Women are feeling increasingly welcomed by America’s pastime — partially because stadiums across MLB are more inclusive than ever, thanks to additional accommodations and partnerships with companies like Aunt Flow. This week, we spoke with Aunt Flow founder and CEO Claire Coder about the company’s partnership with MLB teams and how the league is considering women fans and their families with improved infrastructure, including access to free period care. About damn time.

A season that spans 162 games from March to September provides plenty of opportunity for pondering. The introduction of the Automated Ball-Strike Challenge System (ABS, more on that below) is undoubtedly the biggest shakeup of the season, but first, here are the other major storylines we’re following before first pitch.

Nothing united Canada quite like the Blue Jays’ 2025 World Series run, and the impacts are still being felt long after the final out. Youth registration is skyrocketing, the talent pool is deepening, and the power of friendship is alive and well in the blue birds’ clubhouse.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) came to a close as Venezuela beat Team USA 3–2 in last night’s championship game. The final out is in the books, but this year’s exhilarating and record-setting tourney is only the beginning as the sport surges in Canada.

The 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) came to a close as Venezuela upset Team USA 3–2 in last night’s championship game to earn the nation’s first-ever WBC crown. The final out is in the books, with the Americans stunned for a second straight tourney, but there’s plenty more baseball to come. Red, white…no need to feel blue.

Missing high-stakes international competition? Have no fear. The World Baseball Classic (WBC) — the quadrennial tourney featuring baseball’s best competing for their countries — officially begins tonight at 10 p.m. ET. From how it works to the superstars taking the diamond, here’s everything you need to know ahead of first pitch. Play ball, baby.

The first-ever draft of the Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) isn’t until tomorrow, but the emerging league is already making headlines after announcing its surprising location for the inaugural season.

The heartbreak of the Toronto Blue Jays’ 5–4 extra-innings loss to the LA Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series may never fade, but neither will the magic of the blue birds’ postseason run. From the power of friendship to the nationwide vivacity, let’s be romantic about baseball one more time.