AAGPBL Interview - Marie Zeigler

Marie Zeigler was a part of the league during its twilight years. Read her interview.

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

In 1951 and 1952 I played for the womens team in Greenville, Michigan. I was 13-14-15 years of age. I saw about the AAGPBL in the paper and my uncle lived in Grand Rapids. I went to watch the girls play. I was invited for a tryout, I was 15 years old. After my tryout I was invited to spring training. I stayed with the team in 1953 and 1954.

2) Describe your signing.

I signed at 16, the first summer I was there. I should have played in 1954, but got rheumatic fever. I was still with the team that year, but somebody else got my position.

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

Outfield, Grand Rapids Chicks

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

Being there.

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

Getting sick.

5) 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?)

After the movie we have become quite popular!

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

The Detroit Tigers. Williams, Mantle, Mays.

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

Yes I do. Today it's all about money. I got to see Game One of the 2001 World Series. It was awesome. Really hard to describe.

8) 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?)

Men's league. Women's league will never fly. No financial support. Too many things today for your entertainment dollars. In Phoenix, we can hardly keep the Mercury afloat. Attendance has really dropped to under 7000. The Dbacks are around 30 a game, even with Randy.

9) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

Never saw them.

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

Played a lot of softball in Michigan. Watched a lot fo sports since moving to Arizona 15 years ago.

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

Play whenever you can play - be the best you can be.

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