AAGPBL Interview - Marilyn Jones

Marilyn Jones was a member of the AAGPBL from 1948 through the end of 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?

In 1947 I learned a couple of girls from a Somerset, MA team that our RI team played were playing in the AAGPBL. We played softball in RI.

2) Describe your signing.

We had tryouts in Elizabeth, NJ. Three out of six of us were picked to go to tryouts in Opa Locka, FL. We were all assigned to teams. We signed contracts for either $55 or $65 a week. A lot of money in 1948.

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

Went in as an infielder, then was a second-string catcher. Ended up pitching my last three years.

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

Meeting all the women from all over! Canada and Cuba. Getting paid to do something I loved.

5) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

Being away from family.

6) What was the highlight of your career?

Two highlights. Caught the 1950 playoffs and championship for Rockford. Pitched a no-hit no-run game against Rockford in 1952.

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

There were many "best" players in our league. Jean Faut Winsch was the best pitcher, I thought.

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?)

I didn't play until 1948 and by then women playing baseball was accepted. There were many ardent fans in all cities.

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

Ted Williams and all the Red Sox players.

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

I follow it and some of the players are so pampered! They can't play if they have a hang-nail. Not all, some are die-hard!

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?)

It would be great if women had their own league.

12) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

Only saw one game in Battle Creek. The women were no match for the men they were playing. Batteries were switched also, which tells you something.

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

Got married, worked for Michigan Bell Telephone for almost 32 years. Have two step-sons. My husband died in 1999 Live in Florida where I play golf two or three times a week. Spend time in the summer at South Haven, MI.

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

Get hooked up with some of the women's teams trying to start leagues. One team played in Canada and Japan last year.

I've been having some health problems.

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