"An interesting & informative look at the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League that operated from 1945-1954.... A significant title." -School Library Journal, starred review Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Macy offers an excellent introduction to one of the least explored areas of baseball history (recently popularized in the film A League of Their Own ). Established by Chicago Cubs owner and chewing-gum magnate Phil Wrigley in 1943 as an entertainment alternative to the war-depleted major leagues, the AAGPBL lasted until 1954--and until very recently was all but forgotten. Macy has wisely chosen to focus not on the trivia of games past (although the appendix offers enough statistics to satisfy the most rabid baseball addict) but on the social history that produced the league and on the experiences of its players. She writes frankly about such problems as alcoholism and unwanted sexual advances from team officials, fans and sportswriters. The book is particularly astute in its observations on the league as a forum for female bonding, something that few women of the time had at their disposal. Perhaps the most affecting passages concern the reluctance of AAGPBL veterans to discuss their experiences until the rise of the women's movement gave them a renewed sense of self-worth. These tough and funny women emerge as heroic figures worthy of admiration and emulation. Archival photographs add to the book's historical value and its sense of fun. A worthy addition to the library of any baseball fan. Ages 12-up. (Apr.) From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr 5 Up‘As much a social history of the postwar era as a chronicle of women in baseball, this lively, informative title‘supported by interesting photos and appendixes‘is in a league all its own. (May 1993) From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information

Gr. 6-10. Anyone who's seen the movie A League of Their Own will be familiar with the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League started by P. K. Wrigley to keep fan attention on baseball when most male ball players were fighting in World War II. The attention garnered by the movie can only help sell Macy's solidly researched book, which not only tells the story of the league, but also celebrates the women who played in it. Using anecdotes and interviews, Macy brings the league to life for today's readers as she captures both the on-field action and the off-field high jinks. Yet, Macy's greatest contribution is placing the league in a historical and sociological context. The league's time frame parallels an era when women's place in society came full circle. Before the war, married women were not even allowed to work in some places, so that heads of households could have what few jobs there were during the Depression. But when the men went to war, women went into the factories--and into baseball. By the 1950s, women were encouraged to get back into the kitchen, and the league eventually folded. Macy also discusses the exclusion of African American women from the league, another consequence of society's prejudices. Despite the league's ignominious end, this book is still a celebration. Through their own efforts and perseverance, the ball players and their league are now remembered in the Baseball Hall of Fame. To be illustrated with black-and-white photographs, including historical memorabilia such as baseball cards. ~--Ilene Cooper From: Syndetics Solutions, Inc. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.