For twelve seasons between 1943 and 1954, teams in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League thrilled fans throughout the Midwest and East playing fast-paced, competitive baseball. This history makes it clear that the woman who played these games were, without a doubt, talented, serious athletes. From its beginnings during World War II to its demise eleven years later, the League's history is placed skillfully and deliberately in the context of the times, including acknowledgement that "Although there were outstanding African-American woman ball players in the United States, none were invited to try out for the new league." The text includes reminiscences by women who played in the league and statistics on individual players and teams, while black and white photos sprinkled throughout show life both on and off the field. Wisconsin readers will especially enjoy references to teams such as the Milwaukee Chicks, Kenosha Comets and Racine Belles. (Ages 11-14)

The story behind the hit movie A League of Their Own. Sue Macy spent 11 Years meeting the players of the All-American Girls' Professional Baseball League poring over their scrapbooks and baseball cards, to get the true story of the league. Here is the league as the players experienced it, full of fans' stats and stories. 50 photos.