AAGPBL Interview - Josephine D'Angelo

Josephine D'Angelo played in the AAGPBL in 1943 and 1944, the first two years of the league. She took the time to answer a few of our questions.

1) How did you get interested in playing baseball and where did you play before you turned pro?

I played on playgrounds and in parks. Also on neighborhood clubs with sponsors for our uniforms.

2) Describe your signing.

I made the tryouts at Wrigley Field in 1942 I believe. I lived in Chicago, so it was accessible to attend the tryouts sponsored by they Wrigley Gum Company.

3) What position(s) did you play? Which teams did you play for?

I played outfield. I also played for the Raab Tailors, Deyoung Florals and the Hydrox baseball teams in Chicago.

4) What was the best thing about playing pro ball?

Meeting all the players, and traveling by train to various cities and states in the USA.

5) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

Getting fined because my haircut was too short.

6) What was the highlight of your career?

Being selected from all the other contestants.

7) Who were the best players you played with or faced? Comments?

Dorothy Schroeder and Betsy Jochum.

8) Do you think the fans and press accepted you more as the years wore on? (Describe how it was when you started. Did increased exposure change some minds?)

Your question seems dubious.

9) Who were your favorite big league ballplayers during the era you played in?

Joe Dimaggio and Ted Williams.

10) Do you follow big league ball now? If so, how do you think it compares with your day?

Too much money paid to the players. I don't follow the teams - the game as is seems much too slow.

11) Should women have their own pro league, should they play in the majors, or should we have both (a women's league and the chance for the best women players to play in the majors?)

There should be a pro women's league.

12) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

I wasn't familiar with them.

13) Briefly describe your life since your pro career ended.

I taught school for 34 years.

14) What advice do you have for young women who want to become pro ballplayers?

Play with boy players early in life.

15) Any other memories or comments?

I had a good time and used the money for my college tuition.

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