The All American Girls Baseball League was started in 1943 by Chicago Cubs owner Philip K. Wrigley. With the absence of many professional male baseball players during WWII, Wrigley conceived the idea in an effort to maintain the popularity of baseball until the end of the war. Notable players in the league were photographed during their daily activities and training in Opa-locka Florida.
Image Number: C009837
Dorothy "Dottie" Schroeder was born on April 11, 1928 and became the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League's youngest player at age fifteen. Miss Schroeder was the only girl who played all 12 seasons for the AAGPBL. She passed away on December 8, 1996
Image Number: C009833
Accompanying note: "Single Slide-only one slider. Hook slide into home plate during Ft. Wayne inter-team practice game on Opalocka diamond: Marg Callaghan, 26, from Vancouver (5th year in league 4th coming up with Ft. Wayne) as second baseman, slides in on close play--umpire Norris Ward whose 4th year in league is coming up, watches play closely. Vivian Kellog, catcher from Jackson, Mich., reaches for ball coming in fast."
Image Number: C009836
Accompanying note: Umpire-Player Argument: For all the head-to-head 'ferocity' player Marie Wegman, 22, Cincinnati, Ohio, meekly asks umpire Norris Ward, 'sure you're right about that play?' Wegman is 6'2". She plays infield and 2nd base for Ft. Wayne, last year played for Rockford club."
Image Number: C009825
Accompanying note: "Hit: Its a hit and batter Dottie Schroeder, blonde pigtails and all, start[s] running for first. Catcher Mary Rountree and Umpire Norris Ward. These girls really hit...and are lightning when running."
Image Number: C009808
Accompanying note: "Bunk room session: Gene George, 20, Peoria club member from Regina Saskatchewan, Can., leans over from top bunk to point to pix of catcher sister Bonnie Baker in a Sport magazine, l-r: Daisy Junor, 27, South Bend, Ind., club from Regina, Can.; Dorice Reid, 19, Superior Wisc., Chicago club member; and Dodie Healy, 19, Stockton, Calif., Chicago club member."
Image Number: C009828
Clubs are (L-R): Fort Wayne Daisies (partially visible), Chicago Colleens, Rockford Peaches, South Bend Blue Sox, Springfield Sallies and Peoria Redwings.
Image Number: C009840
Accompanying note: "Foul fly action. Taken from high angle, picture shows Mary Rountree, catcher, in fast action after foul fly. Cap and mask flying behind head and proper stance assumed. Mary, 26, is native of Miami and in winter is pre-med student at FSCW [Florida State College for Women]. It is her 3rd year with league, 2nd with Ft. Wayne. Been playing ball since 5."
Image Number: C009839
Accompanying note "Dick Bass gives members of Fort Wayne club pointers on new 10-3/8" ball which will be used this year."
