1943 some 280 of them were invited to Wrigley Field in Chicago for the final selection process. In Chicago officials looked on as players were put through a series of tests and in the end 64 women were chosen to be the first members of the AAGPBL. At the start of the league there were notable differences in rules and regulations of the game in relation to men‘s baseball. The circumference of the ball went from 12 inches in 1943 to 9-9 1/4 inches in 1954, which equals that of a major league baseball. Also over the course of the league the length of the base paths and the pitching distance increased by 20 feet each, leaving both a matter of inches in difference of men’s baseball. Regulation pitching style began underhanded and progressed to overhand and sidearm, also the same as the major leagues. Another major difference was in the appearance of the players. It was thought by Wrigley and his staff to be very important that the appearance and behavior of the players project femininity, and that every player display ladylike conduct. In their efforts to control this, there were several guidelines and rules set forth by the league. As a means to design a more “feminine” uniform a committee designed a one-piece dress with a three-quarter length flared skirt and satin briefs underneath. These uniforms were praised as “dainty, pastel frocks,” but the players found them less than practical. Pitchers had to pin their skirts down to avoid hitting them when they took their windmill windups, and base runners collected huge assortments of bruises and “strawberries” from sliding with bare legs. The women were also directed to be poised and “feminine” at all times. To assist players with this, strict rules of conduct were set, and team chaperones were on hand to enforce them with a watchful eye. Each girl attended regular classes at charm school, that is of course, after ...
