AAGPBL Interview - Dolores Klosowski

Dolores Klosowski played in the AAGPBL at the end of the war. Dolores answered these questions for us.

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

I played when I was 16. I played at James Field and Mack Park. I played for Buddy Pizza, Huson Motor, Roman Cleaners and Eastside Sports during the war.

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

Right field and first base. In the old days I was a left handed shortstop.

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

Getting paid. Traveling to all states. Days off.

4) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

Playing double headers.

5) What was the highlight of your career?

When I was playing at Mack Park and a man came up to me and said, "How would you like to play Pro Ball? Come to Chicago and try out." There were 300 girls there and I made it! I played for the Milwaukee Chicks in 1944 and the South Bend Blue Sox in 1945.

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

All the girls were good.

7) 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?)

Yes, I still get letters and my picture to sign all over the states.

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

Yes, the Tigers.

9) 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?)

Women should have the chance to play, they should start the league again. The girls should have a chance to play in the same parks as the pros.

10) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

They were good also.

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

I bowl and play golf now. I retired and in good shape at 81.

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

Go for it, take a chance.

It was great! I am in the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown and we made the picture A League of Their Own.

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