Motown icon Martha Reeves is making headlines after her performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at the inaugural Women’s Pro Baseball League (WPBL) game quickly went viral across social media.
The 85-year-old singer, best known as the legendary lead vocalist of Martha and the Vandellas, performed the national anthem alongside two backup singers before the first pitch of the league’s historic opening game between the Los Angeles Queens and the New York Heights in Springfield, Illinois.
While the launch of the first professional women’s baseball league in decades marked a significant milestone for the sport, much of the online conversation shifted to Reeves’ rendition of the anthem.
Within hours, clips of the performance spread rapidly across X, TikTok, and other social media platforms, generating millions of views. Reactions were mixed, with some viewers criticizing the performance as off-key, while others defended Reeves, pointing to her age and legendary status in music history.
TMZ reported that the anthem became one of the biggest talking points surrounding the league’s debut, drawing widespread attention to both the performance and the new women’s baseball league.
Despite the viral criticism, Reeves’ place in music history remains firmly intact. As the voice behind timeless classics including “Dancing in the Street,” “Heat Wave,” and “Nowhere to Run,” she has enjoyed a career spanning more than six decades and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Martha and the Vandellas.
Some fans on social media also noted that while the performance sparked debate, the increased attention may have introduced many viewers to the newly launched WPBL, which hopes to grow the visibility of women’s professional baseball.
As the online discussion continues, one thing is certain: Martha Reeves’ performance became an unforgettable part of the Women’s Pro Baseball League’s opening day, ensuring that both the singer and the historic event remain part of the national conversation.
