AAGPBL Interview - Terry Donahue

Terry Donahue was one of many Canadians in the AAGPBL. She recently took some time to answer our survey:

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

My parents were very sports minded. I played ball ever since I can remember, at home, at school and in Moose Jaw for the Moose Jaw Royals. It was a very good league.

2) Describe your signing.

I was scouted playing for the Moose Jaw Royals. I was asked if I would like to come down to spring training in 1946 and try to make the league - which I did and I made it.

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

I was a utility player - played every position but first and pitcher. Did more catching than any other position.

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

It was a dream come true to play every day and to be paid for doing something you loved.

5) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

There was no worst thing, I loved every minute of it.

6) What was the highlight of your career?

When I knew I had made the league and was a professional baseball player.

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

There were many many good players - Connie Wisniewski, Dottie Collins, Dottie Mueller, Olive Little, Jo Kebink, they were all star pitchers and there were many many more good pitchers. Sophie Kurys stole 201 bases in one year. I could go on and on...

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?)

Most fans and press accepted us from the beginning and when they saw how well we played, yes, some minds were changed.

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

Willie Mays was great.

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

Yes I do follow big league ball and I feel we played just as well. The only thing we could not do is throw as hard, or hit the ball as far. Women are not as strong as men, but we made all the same plays.

11) Should women have their own pro league, should they play in the majors, or should we have both?

I think we should have both.

12) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

I saw them play and they were excellent. Very very good - could have played in the AAGPBL.

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

I took up golf after baseball, which I played as a weekender. Worked for a very fine interior design firm in Chicago in accounting and bookkeeping for 38 years, then retired.

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

I would say go for it - it is a great experience, you play the game you love and also have the chance to form great friendships that continue over the years.

15) Any other comments or memories

I feel very honored to have played in such a wonderful league with such a great group of women.

Learn More About the AAGPBL!

What do you think of this article?
Leave feedback on our message board.