#ngbl

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.

Today is Betty Chapman Day!

On this day 74 years ago — July 18, 1951 — Betty made her debut for the Music Maids in the National Girls Baseball League, becoming the first African-American player in a professional women’s softball league.

While her time on the field was brief, her impact was lasting. Betty Chapman didn’t just play ball — she broke barriers, opened doors, and made history.

Chapman’s debut marked a powerful step forward for inclusion in women’s sports — one worth remembering and honoring every year.

We’re honored to have been guests on WBEZ’s Curious City to talk about the National Girls Baseball League. In this episode, we explore how the league came to be, what made it unique, and why its legacy deserves more recognition today.

We’ve updated the NGBL Legacy Map! Take a look and tell us if there are any locations we should add:

New updates to the National Girls Baseball League Ballpark Map!

We just added spring exhibition sites in Arizona—and we’re always adding more as new info turns up.

🔗 Check out the map here