Impact
"It gave women a start in professional baseball at the time and today the league and the women serve as role models for other women who want to play. It is important to know there are women who have played in the past."
- Dr. Leslie Heaphy (Women in Baseball Research Commitee)
THE END OF THE AAGPBL
The AAGPBL ultimately ended in 1954. Decentralization led to a decline in attendance and therefore revenue, creating financial problems. There were no funds to advertise to find more female baseball players, and even then, there were few to be found and talented softball players needed training and experience to play. First to go were the rookie training teams, then more disbanded until there were only five remaining for the final 1954 season.
THE GENDER BARRIER
The league helped over 600 women play baseball at a professional level they hadn't been able to reach in the past. It opened the door for women to play in the future as well; the end to females in baseball didn't come after the AAGPBL disbanded. In America, there is now a Women's National Baseball Team, which gives women a chance to play against players all over the world. Also, girls now play baseball; in 2014, Mo'ne Davis played in the Little League World Series, where she became the first girl to win a game there. She may not have had this opportunity if it weren't for the AAGPBL. Overall, the league inspired females all over the world to play baseball while helping them gain respect in athletics.
Mo'ne Davis during a Little League World Series game. Source:
Garfinkel, Brian. “Mo’ne Davis.” TIME, TIME USA, https://time.com/3753562/bloomsburg-university-mone-davis/.
AAGPBL PLAYERS ASSOCIATION
The AAGPBL Players Association is a non-profit organization that researches and shares their research on the league’s history to others, while also promoting women's baseball. A lot of former players are involved in the association, helping keep their legacy alive. They also send out a newsletter three times a year to members. This organization informs people of the AAGPBL to ensure it isn't forgotten.
MODERN ENTERTAINMENT
The league no longer plays but it is still present in society as seen with the Players Association. Additionally, the Baseball Hall of Fame has an exhibit called "Diamond Dreams" that is dedicated to women in baseball. Finally, a movie called "A League of Their Own" was created in 1992 which was based off the AAGPBL. It wasn't fully historically accurate, but it had a lot of realistic aspects and told the story of the league. It helped the league get the attention that it deserves.
Clip from "A League of Their Own" depicting charm school. Source:
“A League of Their Own clip.” Youtube, uploaded by SaneelGB, 25 Dec 2012,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gmV8uu-5xaU.