AAGPBL Interview - Mary Beschorner

Mary Beschorner was an outfielder for two years in the AAGPBL. She took the time to give us the following interview.

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

When I was nine years old my mother passed away (my father had died three days before I was born) and one of my older sisters took me in to raise. She and her husband did not have any children. My brother-in-law played softball and baseball for the town team so I used to play catch with him. I played one year of softball with the DeKalb, Illinois hybrid team.

2) Describe your signing.

Several of the DeKalb team tried out for the AAGPBL in a gym in the Chicago area. I was notified to tryout for the Grand Rapids Chicks at spring training. I signed the contract and I made the team.

3) What position(s) did you play?

I played center and right field. I played for the Grand Rapids Chicks in 1949 and was traded to the Peoria Redwings for the 1950 season. I was offered a contract with Peoria for the 1951 season but I got married and stayed at home with my husband.

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

Meeting ladies from all over the country and getting paid for something I loved and having fun doing it.

5) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

Not a thing.

6) What was the highlight of your career?

As far as myself, being accepted into the league was my highlight.

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

I played with some of the greatest players when I played with the Chicks - Saddie Satterfield, Connie Wisniewski, Pepper Paire, Alma Ziegler, Lefty Voyce, Tex Lessing, the whole team was great!

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?)

No answer, I played too late in the league.

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?)

They should play in their own league.

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

Happy most of the time. Played a lot of golf - did very well - until the last couple of years. I have a degenerated back - not comfortable at all. I was married twice, both have passed away, I have one son who I am very proud of.

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

Learn all the fundamentals and give it your best.

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