AAGPBL Interview - Elizabeth Mahon

Elizabeth Mahon was born in Greenville, South Carolina and joined the AAGPBL in 1944. She played both in the outfield and at second. She lead the league in RBI's in both 1946 and 1949.

Elizabeth Mahon passed in September of 2001. The thoughts and best wishes of The Diamond Angle go out to her family and friends

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

I played in boys games when I was young. I was playing with amateur softball teams in South Carolina before I turned pro.

2) Describe your signing.

When I was offered an opportunity to play ball for $60 a week I was delighted!

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

I played second base, but after a knee injury I played outfield for eight years. I played in Kenosha in 1944 and in South Bend from 1945 to 1952.

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

Playing pro ball got me in contact with players from the U.S. and Canada. Also going places I would not probably have gone on my own like spring training in Cuba in 1947.

5) What was the worst thing?

Having a disagreement with my manager which caused me to quit in 1952.

6) What was the highlight of your career?

Making the All-Star team in 1946 and 1949, and winning the championship in 1952.

7) How about listing an All-Star team from the League?

Dottie Kamenshek
Sophie Kurys
Ruth Richard
Jean Faut
Betsy Jochum
Jane Stoll
Dottie Schroeder
Mary Baker

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 adored us. They treated us like we were their kids.

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

Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, Stan Musial...

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

I watch some pro ball, mainly the Cubs.

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?)

Women (in my opinion) cannot compete with men.

12) With all the progress women have made in recent years, why do you think there is no pro women's league?

No one knows the answer to that, I think.

13) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

Outstanding!

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

Taught school before and since. 1947-81 in South Bend. Retired in 1981.

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

Keep at the game to improve your skills.

16. Any other memories or comments?

Meeting women from this country and Canada are memories I'll never forget.

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