RIP to Jean Faut, one of the greatest pitchers in the history of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, and the only professional pitcher to throw two perfect games. Faut, 98, died on February 28 in the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill, S.C. Faut played for the South Bend Blue Sox from … Continue reading Obituary: Jean Faut (1925-2023)
RIP to Katie Vonderau, who spent eight years as a catcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, and was an All-Star at the position. After her career ended, Dr. Kathryn Vondreau earned multiple degrees and taught and coached at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater for more than 20 years. She died on August 10 at … Continue reading Obituary: Kathryn Vonderau (1927-2022)
RIP to Shirley Burkovich, who took a career in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and turned it into a lifelong passion to let girls and women play baseball. She died on March 31 at the age of 89. Burkovich played for the Muskegon Lassies (1949), Chicago Colleens (1950), Springfield Sallies (1950) and Rockford Peaches … Continue reading Obituary: Shirley Burkovich (1933-2022)
RIP to Helen Nicol “Nickie” Fox, the winningest pitcher in the history of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. A Scottsdale, Arizona, resident, she died on July 25 at the age of 101. Fox, who also holds the AAGPBL record for career strikeouts, played for the Kenosha Comets (1943-47) and Rockford Peaches (1947-52). Helen … Continue reading Obituary: Helen Nicol Fox (1920-2021)
RIP to Joyce (Hill) Westerman, a member of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League from 1945 until 1952. She died on January 18 at the age of 95, with her family by her side. Westerman played for the Grand Rapids Chicks (1945), Fort Wayne Daisies (1946), South Bend Blue Sox (1946, 1952), Peoria Redwings (1947-48, … Continue reading Obituary: Joyce (Hill) Westerman (1925-2021)
Here lies Carson Bigbee, an outfielder whose clutch hit helped win the 1925 World Series for the Pirates. He was also part of a pretty notorious player mutiny that ended his big-league career. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1916 until 1926. Carson Lee Bigbee was born in Lebanon, Ore., on March 31, 1895, … Continue reading Grave Story: Carson Bigbee (1895-1964)
RIP to Dolores "Dolly" Brumfield White, who was the Joe Nuxhall of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. She started as a 15-year-old in the AAGPBL and spent seven seasons in the league. Her death was announced on May 29 -- she had just celebrated her 88th birthday three days prior. White played for the … Continue reading Obituary: Delores Brumfield White (1932-2020)
RIP to Mary Pratt, believed to be the last surviving member of the inaugural Rockford Peaches. She died on May 6 at the age of 101. The southpaw pitcher played for the Rockford Peaches (1943-44, 1946-47) and Kenosha Comets (1944-45). Thanks to one of my readers, who directed me to the Patriot Ledger, which had … Continue reading Obituary: Mary Pratt (1918-2020)
RIP to Ruth Born, a pitcher in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. She died in Valparaiso, Ind., on March 10 at the age of 94. Born was a pitcher for the South Bend Blue Sox in the team's (and the league's) inaugural season of 1943. Source: The Times (Muenster, Ind.), February 7. 2006 Ruth … Continue reading Obituary: Ruth Born (1925-2020)
Here lies Bill Wambsganss, a deadball era infielder who is best known for performing an unassisted triple play during the 1920 World Series – a feat that has never been duplicated in the postseason. Wambsganss played for the Cleveland Naps/Indians (1914-1923), Boston Red Sox (1924-25) and Philadelphia Athletics (1926). Bill Wambsganss was born on March … Continue reading Grave Story: Bill Wambsganss (1894-1985)
RIP Baseball 