Feb 1, 2025
On the first day of Black History Month, we'd like to honor two women who deserve more recognition for their exploits on the diamond.
Yvonne "Coky" Coker was a first basewoman, shortstop, and outfielder who integrated the American Girls Softball League (based in the New York metro area) in 1945. When the AGSL switched to baseball in 1949, she became the first African-American woman to play in a major women's baseball league.
Betty Chapman soon followed, integrating the Chicago-based National Girls Baseball League (which actually played softball) in 1951. She joined the league in July of '51 and played outfield and catcher for the Music Maids.
Discover more at nationalgirlsbaseballleague.com
