Women's Baseball During Ww2

The outbreak of World War II brought changes across all lives in society. This period marked a significant time in baseball that highlighted the adaptability of the sport during such a rough time. Over 500 MLB players, including many stars, were enlisted and dramatically changed the way the game was played. World War II greatly impacted Major League Baseball as many of the sport's top athletes enlisted or were drafted into the military. Due to this it left the MLB teams uncertain of the future of their teams, women were then recruited and helped create a distraction for the war. Women's baseball then became more popular and gave entertainment back to society to keep their mind off the war. Meanwhile, women stepped up to the plate in this unexpected

The league started off with four teams: the Rockford Peaches, the Racine Belles, the Kenosha Comets and the South Bend Blue Sox. This league was a hit and kept baseball alive in the hearts of America during the tough years. The league decided to play by slightly different rules at first with a larger ball and the pitching was underhand with the bases closer. Not only did the women in this league have to put on a good show, they also needed to show charm and grace. The All American Girls Professional Baseball League had a unique set of rules for the women playing in their league during World War II. The main rule was appearance, these players were required to attend charm school and were given beauty kits. They had to maintain the appearance by wearing lipstick and having their hair done in a feminine style. They also had certain uniforms that included a skirt. The women who joined the AAGPBL league in the beginning were throwing fastballs and stealing bases and got America excited to watch them play. After many years the league grew extremely popular, even after all the former male baseball players returned after war in 1945 their league still continued to

These players were finally recognized and in the Diamond Dreams museum there was a permanent exhibit created that was dedicated to the women in baseball. By honoring these women in an exhibit, people can acknowledge their role in keeping baseball alive during World War II. A film was released in 1992, A League of Their Own. Penny Marshall puts a spotlight on the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. This film brought attention to this league across the nation. This film was inspired by the Rockford Peaches because they were the first real team in the AAGPBL that were successful and won several championships. These women paved a path for future women athletes, they also sent a powerful message that women can compete just as well as men can. World War II put the MLB in a tight spot while many players were enlisted or drafted, which caused baseball to stall. Famous baseball players like Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio traded their baseball careers for uniforms to serve their country. This is when women came into play in the AAGPBL League. Women kept the game of baseball alive and kept the minds of Americans off during this harsh