World War II caused labor shortages across the United States due to the number of men drafted into the military, which left the labor market without workers. During this time, the women of America stepped out of the kitchen and into the work force, which led to the acceptance of professional women baseball players.
Uniforms and Equipment
Women's baseball uniforms were originally designed by Mrs. Wrigley, Otis Shepard and Ann Harnett. The uniform consisted of a one-piece, short-skirted flared tunic, satin shorts, knee-high baseball socks, spiked cleats and a baseball cap. Bats, baseball gloves and a catcher's mask were standard items of equipment used by the women players. The first women's baseball was thrown underhanded for a distance of 40 feet. The base paths were originally 65 feet but were extended to 68 feet when a smaller baseball was introduced to the league during midseason, extending the pitch to 42 feet.
All-American Girls Baseball League
Due to the shortage of men to play baseball during World War II, many baseball parks across the country were in danger of collapsing. Philip K. Wrigley, owner of the Chicago Cubs baseball franchise, feared this collapse and came up with a solution to player shortages. In spring 1943, the All-American Girls Baseball League, or AAGBL, was formed. Each team consisted of 15 players, one coach, a manager and a woman chaperone. Players were paid well, with salaries ranging from $45 to $85 or more per week. Many players' salaries were higher than those of their parents who worked in skilled occupations.
Charm School
Women were required to attend charm school immediately after daily practice. The purpose of the charm school was to develop the women into bright stars by focusing on a healthy mind and body. The women were taught the arts of walking, sitting, speaking, applying makeup, fixing hair and social skills. Upon arrival, they were also given a beauty kit that included specific items, such as cleansing cream, lipstick, rouge medium, cream deodorant, mild astringent, face powder, hand lotion and hair remover. The idea behind the charm school was to maintain the women's femininity and help them to live up to the image of athletic, all-American girls-next-door.
Women's World Series
The first AAGBL World Series was held in 1943. In all, 108 games were played throughout the regular season; the two teams that won the most games, the Racine Belles and the Comets, became the pennant champions. The Racine Belles took the best of five games and became the first team to win the AAGBL World Series.
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