AAGPBL Interview - Audrey Haine

Audrey Haine was a Canadian who played for six years in 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 was always interest in playing baseball as far as I can remember. I started playing in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

2) Describe your signing.

Very exciting and unbelievable!

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

Pitcher for the Minneapolis Millerettes, Fort Wayne Daisies, Grand Rapids Chicks, Peoria Redwings and Rockford Peaches.

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

Doing the thing loved to do best and making life-long friends.

5) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

Being away from home.

6) What was the highlight of your career?

Pitching two no-hitters.

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

Dottie Schroeder - SS
Sophie Kurys - SS
Dottie Kamenshek - First Base
Dottie Collins - Pitcher
and a lot of others.

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?)

Fans did accept us more as the years went on. We had the best fans in the world, very loyal and generous.

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

None.

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

Yes, the Cleveland Indians. The players do not seem to have the loyalty to their clubs, mainly because they are constantly being traded.

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?)

Yes, of course women should have their own league. Women are not as fast or strong as male players and therefore should not compete against them.

12) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

I have seen the Silver Bullets play and they were very good players. However, competing against male players did not make for a fair game and for that reason they were not successful.

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

Married, six children, completely happy, very proud of my children who turned out to be law-abiding good citizens, generous and always willing to help those in need. Have now been married 57 years.

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

Complete dedication to their chosen sport whether it is baseball or other, and a lot of hard work.

I was very lucky to be in the right place at the right time with a little bit of talent. The game of baseball opened up a whole new world to me, the wonderful opportunity to meet and make many new friends who remain so until this day.

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