A League of Their Own

How many of you remember the 1992 film starring Tom Hanks and Geena Davis? It’s one of my favorite flicks, showcasing yet another way women stepped up (to the plate??) to do their bit in support of WWII.

The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was founded seventy-five years ago this month by chewing gum mogul and Major League Baseball executive, Philip K. Wrigley as a way to keep baseball in the minds of fans. Combining rules and regulations of softball and baseball, teams were mostly located in the Midwest. Similarities to softball included the ball size and the underhanded windmill-style pitch. The use of a pitcher’s mound and nine-player teams were the equivalent of baseball.

Uniforms were tunic-type dresses that were to be no more than six inches above the knee. (Trying running the bases in that!). Underneath were satin shorts. Belted with the team logo sewn on the bodice, the skirt was flared. Ball caps completed the outfit. Salaries ranged from $45-$85 per week, considered quite high for the time period.

Even though women were once again taking men’s place, expectations were that the gals would maintain their femininity. According to one source, players were expected to attend charm classes to ensure appropriate behavior. Wrigley insisted that “no pants-wearing, tough-talking female softballer will play on any of our four teams.”

Rules of conduct were published and included statements such as: “Always appear in feminine attire when not actively engaged in practice or playing ball. This regulation continues through the playoffs for all, even though your team is not playing. At no time may a player appear in the stands in her uniform, or wear shorts or slacks in public.”

Statue at Baseball Hall of Fame

Or how about: “Boyish bobs are not permissible and in general your hair should be groomed at all times with longer hair preferable to short cuts. Lipstick should always be on.”

Reasons for why the girls joined the league were varied, but to a person, they agree with player Katie Horseman who said in 2012, “Those were the best times of my life.”

Watch a moving segment about these ladies on YouTube here.

Linda Shenton Matchett is an author, journalist, blogger, and history geek. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry, Linda has lived in historical places most of her life. She is a volunteer docent at the Wright Museum of WWII and a Trustee for her local public library. Active in her church Linda serves as treasurer, usher, and choir member. Linda has written numerous historical romances and mysteries. To find out more about Linda and her books visit www.LindaShentonMatchett.com. Sign up for her newsletter for links to free ebooks, book reviews, historical tidbits, and more.