The Rockford Peaches

 

Item from the collection of
Suzanne Atkins, a Rockford Peach

Usage permission granted by
Carrie Lynn Atkins Wennerdahl

 

 As a result of Word War II, the roster of male players on minor league baseball teams was being rapidly depleted. These male players were being drafted into military service. Team owners and area businessmen were concerned that attendance to stadium events would fall as a result.

Philip K. Wrigley, owner of the famous chewing-gum company and the Chicago Cubs baseball team, looked for a solution. The All American Girls Softball League was created in the spring of 1943. The name was changed during the first season of play to the All American Girl’s Baseball League (AAGBBL).

Modified rules of play were established as well as alterations to the playing field. Scouts were sent out across the country to find women players to fill the team rosters. The recruiting effort attracted hundreds of women players, but only a select few were chosen to play in the All American Girl’s Baseball League.