veterans when they retired. Finally, Cutbacks in operational costs and continued cuts in publicity were further contributors to the failure of the league. After the dissipation of the league the girls took several different paths. Some continued to play in amateur softball leagues, and even opted to take up other sports. Some married and raised families, while others went back to school. Money they had acquired from playing baseball often financed the changes in their lives. Many found it hard to return to fulfilling the ideal of the dependent, household wife and chose careers instead. Many of the players channeled their energy into “women’s jobs” such as teaching, secretarial work, factory work etc. But the league also produced at least two medical doctors, three police officers, four military officers, five professional athletes in other sports, one mechanical engineer, and several business entrepreneurs. A major accomplishment of the women of the league was their success in getting a permanent “Women in Baseball” exhibit in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The exhibit includes a lifetime roster of players, and a variety of scrapbooks, letters, photographs, and other memorabilia. The women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League were truly ahead of their time. Their experiences in the league created women who were comfortable with the world and their place in it. Suddenly they spoke with a newfound confidence. They carried themselves as if they were used to being treated with respect. The league had given the women the chance to test their physical and emotional limits, and in the process expand them. That set them apart from the women of their day. Many of them resisted the supporting role of wife and helpmate. Those who married took an active part in providing for their families. Those who didn’t struck out on their own. Playing in the...
