1943 Racine Belles Baseball Team
During WWII half of all American major league baseball players were serving in the military, many overseas. These were difficult times and Americans wanted something to cheer about. To fill the void, women answered the call to play.
From 1943 to 1954 women played baseball in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). Philip Wrigley was the power behind the movement. It was his decision to start a girls' baseball league because so many male players were fighting in WWII. Fans responded to the tough and competitive women who gave their audience thrills during the war and for the decade that followed. The Racine Belles were among the most popular female teams and gained notoriety for their skills. Even famous Dodger player, Joe DiMaggio, supported the women with notes, signed gloves and favorable comments during interviews while he was fighting overseas.
The movie, A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN, starring Tom Hanks, Gina Davis, Rosie O'Donnell and Madonna popularized the true story of these feminist athletes. For both players and spectators baseball was much more than just fun and games.
Although the league did not endure, these women left their mark on sports history. Many are featured in the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. They stand as giants because they were pioneers who led the way for other female athletes to follow. Every girl or woman playing today owes them a debt of thanks.