National Girls Baseball League

Last updated

National Girls Baseball League
Sport Women's baseball
Founded1944
FounderEmery Parichy & Charles Bidwill
First season1944
Ceased1954
CEO Red Grange
No. of teams 6
Country United States of America
Last
champion(s)		Wilson-Jones Bloomer Girls
Most titlesBloomer Girls (3)
Queens/Kandy Kids (3)
Related
competitions		 All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
Official website https://www.nationalgirlsbaseballleague.com/

The National Girls Baseball League (NGBL) was a professional women's baseball league which existed from 1944 to 1954, with teams based in Chicago, Illinois. The National Girls Baseball League started a year after the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), which was featured in the film A League of Their Own . The National Girls Baseball League differed from the AAGPBL in that the NGBL kept and allowed the traditional underhand softball pitching format. Football legend Red Grange served as commissioner of the National Girls Baseball League.

Contents

History

The National Girls baseball League was founded in 1944 by Forest Park, Illinois contractor Emery Parichy, Charles Bidwill, who was owner of the Chicago Cardinals football team and politician Ed Kolski. Parichy had built Parichy Stadium in Forest Park in 1934 and owned a softball league, the Metropolitan League. Parichy and Bidwell hired Red Grange to preside over the league. [1] [2] [3]

The National Girls Baseball League was formed in 1944 and played 11 seasons. It was formed as a result of scouts for the Chicago–based All–American Girls Professional Baseball League scouting and recruiting talent from the Chicago softball Metropolitan League, run by Parichy. It was decided to then turn the Metropolitan League to a professional league. [3]

The National Girls Baseball League consisted of teams from the greater Chicago, Illinois area and regularly drew over 500,000 fans annually. Unlike the All American Girls Professional Baseball League, the National Girls Baseball League kept the traditional underhand softball pitching format. [4]

"For two seasons our league outdrew the White Sox in attendance," noted player Freda Savona, in reference to the Chicago White Sox of MLB. “They packed the place,” said Al Maag, of the NGBL attendance. Maag was the founder of the Chicago 16-inch Softball Hall of Fame, which posthumously inducted and honored Charles Bidwill with the Richard J. Daley Friend of Softball Award in 2013 for his contributions to women's baseball and softball. [1] [5] [6] [3]

The National Girls Baseball League had six teams, all owned by Emery Parichy: the Bloomer Girls, Blue Birds, Chicks, Queens, Cardinals, and Music Maids. The Forest Park based Bloomer Girls were moved by Parichy to Chicago from Boston in 1937 and used the "Parichy Bloomer Girls" moniker, playing home games at Parichy Stadium. The league played at ballparks throughout Chicago, including Soldier Field and Wrigley Field. [7] [8] [9]

The National Girls Baseball League was in competition with the All–American Girls Professional Baseball League. The integrated National Girls Baseball League offered higher salaries and emphasized closer road game schedules in an attempt to secure the best players. League rosters included an African–American, Betty Chapman; a Chinese–American, Gwen Wong; and Nancy Ito, a Japanese–American. One player, Freda Savona, was rumored to earn $500 a week. Connie Wisniewski jumped to the NGBL when the AAGPBL switched to overhand throwing and Audrey Wagner was a notable AAGPBL player who switched to the NGBL. Pro Football Hall of Fame member Red Grange served as league president. Retired major league baseball players Buck Weaver (Black Sox Scandal) and Woody English were team managers. [10] [11] [1] [7]

In 1946, after two years of conflict over players, the administrators in the two leagues reached a non–raiding agreement. [3]

Red Grange served as commissioner of the National Girls Baseball League until 1949. Grange was replaced as commissioner by Arch Wolfe, who had worked for the Chicago Cardinals. Wolfe had served as president of the league, with Ed Kolski serving as secretary and Emery Piarchy as treasurer. [12] [13] [14]

In the winter of 1952–1953, players from both the AAGPL and National Girls Baseball League played together in the four–team International Girls Baseball League (IGBL) based in Miami, Florida. The league was formed by Frank Darling, the owner of the NGBL’s Music Maids. Darling served as the president, while Harry D. Wilson, also from the NGBL, served as league secretary. Darling recruited players from both leagues and created the team rosters and schedule. [3]

Connie Wisniewski, a former AAGPBL player of the year, played in the 1950 National Girls Baseball League. Wisniewski played for the 1950 Music Maids, winning 30 games as a pitcher. Wisniewski returned to the Grand Rapids Chicks of the AAGPL in 1951. [15] [3]

Freda Savona was called the “Babe Ruth” of the NGBL, setting home run records and batting over .400 in 1951. [3]

Audrey Wagner joined the Parichy Bloomer Girls and the National Girls Baseball League in 1950 from the AAGPL. Offered a higher salary, a signing bonus, with no extensive travel, Wagner valued being home every night, being closer to school and her studies. With a salary of 125 dollars a week, Wagner put herself through school at Elmhurst College and then the University of Illinois-Chicago, where Wagner earned her MD in 1955. Wagner helped her team to the Championship in 1950 and made the All–Star Team in each of her four seasons in the National Girls Baseball League. In 1952, Wagner led the league in doubles, triples, home runs and total bases, and was second in the batting, with a .364 average. [16] [17] [18]

Sophie Kurys stole 1,141 bases in her career. She joined the National Girls Baseball League in 1951, moving from the AAGPL with her teammate Joanne Winter. Together, they helped lead the Admiral Music Maids to the 1951 championship. Kurys played three seasons in the National Girls Baseball League. [19]

Lois Roberts Strenkowski played barefoot for the duration of her time in the National Girls Baseball League and throughout her career. Playing for the Cardinals team in the NGBL, she made $65 per week playing for two seasons through 1951. In June, 2010, on her 90th birthday, celebrated at Dodger Stadium, Strenkowski was given the honor to announce the Dodgers' opening words, “It’s time for Dodger baseball.” [20] [21]

After the 1952 National Girls Baseball League season, Jesse Owens was on hand to present Dolores Moore with the league's Most Valuable Player Award at a ceremony. Moore's manager Woody English, became the manager of the AAGPBL's Grand Rapids Chicks and added Moore to his roster. [22] [23]

After the 1954 season, the National Girls Baseball League folded amid declining attendance. Increased TV viewing of Major League Baseball was a factor. [24]

In 2013, in a women's professional softball league game, the Chicago Bandits of the National Pro Fastpitch Softball played tribute to the Parichy Bloomer Girls and the National Girls Baseball League by wearing replica Bloomer Girls' uniforms. [20]

Rules of play

The league allowed underhand pitching and used a 12" ball. Uniforms generally consisted of long knee socks, jerseys over long-sleeves and shorts. [25] [20]

Teams by season

Ballparks

League champions/runner-up

YEAR / CHAMPION / RUNNER-UP

Notable alumni

Media

The National Girls Baseball League was the subject of a documentary. "Their Turn at Bat: The Story of the National Girls Baseball League" is a documentary film by Adam Chu. [28]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All-American Girls Professional Baseball League</span> League for womens baseball teams in the United States

The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) was a professional women's baseball league founded by Philip K. Wrigley, which existed from 1943 to 1954. The AAGPBL is the forerunner of women's professional league sports in the United States. Over 600 women played in the league, which eventually consisted of 10 teams located in the American Midwest. In 1948, league attendance peaked at over 900,000 spectators. The most successful team, the Rockford Peaches, won a league-best four championships.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Milwaukee Chicks</span> Minor league baseball team

The Milwaukee Chicks were a women's professional baseball team which played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during the 1944 season. They were managed by Max Carey, former star player for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Brooklyn Robins and a future Hall of Famer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Betty Tucker</span> American baseball player

Eulah Elizabeth Tucker was a pitcher who played from 1946 through 1949 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5' 4", 123 lb., she batted and threw right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rose Gacioch</span> Baseball player

Rose M. Gacioch was a right fielder and pitcher who played from 1944 through 1954 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m), 160 lb, Gacioch batted and threw right-handed. She had one of the most successful careers in AAGPBL history and possibly the most well-rounded of any female player. She was of Polish descent.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joanne Winter</span> American baseball player (1924–1996)

Joanne Emily Winter[Jo] was a pitcher who played from 1943 through 1950 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m), 138 lb., she batted and threw right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Audrey Wagner</span> Baseball player

Genevieve "Audrey" Wagner was an outfielder who played from 1943 through 1949 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5 ft 7 in (1.70 m), 145 lb., she batted and threw right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doris Sams</span> Baseball player

Doris Jane Sams, nicknamed "Sammye", was an American outfielder and pitcher who played from 1946 through 1953 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m), 145 lbs., she batted and threw right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Connie Wisniewski</span> Baseball player

Constance Wisniewski (Wiśniewski) was a starting pitcher and outfielder who played from 1944 through 1952 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5' 8", 147 lb., she batted left-handed and threw right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Alma Ziegler</span> Baseball player

Alma Ziegler was an infielder and pitcher who played from 1944 through 1954 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m), 125 lb., Ziegler batted and threw right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Merle Keagle</span> Baseball player

Merle Patricia Keagle was an American center fielder who played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League between the 1944 and 1948 seasons. Listed at 5' 2", 144 lb., she batted and threw right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lucella MacLean</span> Canadian baseball player

Lucella MacLean [Ross] was a former utility who played from 1943 through 1944 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. She batted and threw right handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Doris Satterfield</span> American baseball player

Doris L. Satterfield [Sadie] was a left and center fielder who played from 1947 through 1954 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. She batted and threw right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thelma Eisen</span> American baseball player

Thelma "Tiby" Eisen was an outfielder who played from 1944 through 1952 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5' 4", 130 lb., she batted and threw right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twila Shively</span> Baseball player

Twila Shively was an American competitive baseball player. An outfielder, she played from 1945 through 1950 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m), 128 lb., she batted and threw right-handed.

Viola Thompson [Griffin] was a pitcher who played from 1944 through 1947 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). Listed at 5 feet 5 inches (165 cm), 120 pounds (54 kg), she batted and threw left-handed.

Vivian Anderson [Sheriffs] was an infielder who played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during the 1944 season. Listed at 5 ft 2 in (1.57 m), 140 lb., she batted and threw right-handed.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Toni Ann Palermo</span> American baseball player (1933–2024)

Toni Ann Palermo was an American baseball player with the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). She began playing as a child with neighborhood teams, eventually being recruited into the higher leagues. When she was twenty, she joined the School Sisters of St. Francis in Milwaukee Wisconsin. She taught in Wisconsin grade and high schools before eventually attaining a PhD in interdisciplinary studies from the University of Wisconsin Madison.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Betty Bays</span> American baseball player (1931–1992)

Betty Bays was an American outfielder and catcher who played from 1950 to 1951 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). She batted and threw right handed.

Ruth Mason was a Canadian outfielder who played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

The International Girls Baseball League (IGBL) was a professional women's baseball league based in Miami, Florida, which existed for one partial season in the winter of 1952–1953. The four–team International Girls Baseball League was a winter league composed of players from the National Girls Baseball League and its more noted rival counterpart, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), which was featured in the film A League of Their Own. The International Girls Baseball League permanently folded midway through its first season.

References

  1. 1 2 3 O'Donnell, Maureen (April 10, 2017). "National Girls Baseball League's 'Kotch' Kowell dead at 91". Chicago Sun-Times.
  2. ↑ Crimmins, Jerry. "GIRLS BASEBALL LEAGUE FOUNDER EMERY A. PARICHY". Chicago Tribune.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "The International Girls Baseball League – Society for American Baseball Research".
  4. ↑ "Softball National News - National Girls Baseball League". sites.google.com.
  5. ↑ "Charles Bidwill Tapped For Softball Hall Of Fame". www.azcardinals.com.
  6. ↑ "Charles Bidwill". 16" Softball Hall of Fame.
  7. 1 2 "Bloomer Girls". The Historical Society of Forest Park.
  8. ↑ "Baseball Historian - Part of the Sports Historian Network". www.baseballhistorian.com.
  9. 1 2 "STADIUMS". THEIR TURN AT BAT.
  10. 1 2 "LEAGUE". THEIR TURN AT BAT.
  11. ↑ "PEOPLE". THEIR TURN AT BAT.
  12. ↑ "Wolfe Heads National Girls Baseball League". Chicago Tribune. March 4, 1949. p. 32 – via newspapers.com.
  13. ↑ "Red Grange Gets Softball Position". The Salt Lake Tribune. April 27, 1947. p. 20 – via newspapers.com.
  14. ↑ "Maybe This Isn't Such a Good Job". The Tribune. March 12, 1948. p. 23 – via newspapers.com.
  15. ↑ "Connie Wisniewski AAGPBL Profile". www.aagpbl.org.
  16. ↑ The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Record Book
  17. ↑ No Girls in the Clubhouse: The Exclusion of Women from Baseball – Marilyn Cohen. Publisher: McFarland & Company, 2009. Format: Paperback, 229pp. Language: English. ISBN   978-0-7864-4018-4
  18. ↑ "#Shortstops: An Athlete and a Scholar". Baseball Hall of Fame.
  19. ↑ "Sophie Kurys – Society for American Baseball Research".
  20. 1 2 3 "Women's pro softball team to pay tribute to Forest Park Bloomer Girls". www.forestparkreview.com.
  21. ↑ "Barefoot ball player". September 9, 2010.
  22. ↑ The Women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League
  23. ↑ "Chicago Sun Times – Dolores Moore obituary". Archived from the original on November 5, 2012.
  24. ↑ Goldsborough, Bob (May 3, 2017). "Katharine Kowell, star of women's softball teams, dies at 91". chicagotribune.com.
  25. ↑ "National Girls Baseball League (NGBL) Documentary Film". THEIR TURN AT BAT.
  26. ↑ "TEAMS". THEIR TURN AT BAT.
  27. ↑ "124th Field Artillery Armory Photo Scrapbook". www.kalracing.com.
  28. ↑ "Their Turn at Bat: The Story of the National Girls Baseball League". THEIR TURN AT BAT.
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