AAGPBL Interview - Sue Kidd

Sue Kidd pitched and played first base in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League in the late '40s and early '50s. Here she takes the time to answer some of our questions.

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

My family has told me I played with a ball as a crawling baby. My father played for and managed a small town team and my three brothers played. I began playing in some of the games at 13.

2) Describe your signing.

I tried out in Little Rock in June 1949 at 15 for the tour traveling teams. I signed a contract and left with the group after the second night game. It was very exciting.

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

I played pitcher and first base. I played for the Springfield Sallies in 1949, Peoria Redwings and South Bend Blue Sox in 1950 and South Bend from 1950 to 1954, except for being on loan to Battle Creek for two weeks.

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

Doing something you loved and being paid to play. Meeting many people, making friends and traveling.

5) What was the worst thing?

End of each season. A lof of running between pitching turns, when not playing other positions.

6) What was the highlight of your career?

Playing on two championship teams, pitching and winning a double header, and pitching a no-hitter.

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

1B Dottie Kamenshek
2B Sophie Kurys
3B Catherine Horstman
SS Dottie Schroeder
OF Jo Weaver
OF Doris Sams
OF Jo Lenard
C Ruth Richard
P Jean Faut

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?)

The years I played I thought we were well accepted by the press and fans. My family and friends were thrilled for me to have the chance to play.

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

Stan Musial, Mickey Mantle, George Kell, Bob Lemon.

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

To some extent. Most players today are money crazy. There is excellent talent with all the progress of today. They have the advantages to be better.

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 should have their own pro league.

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

Lack of sponsors and interest.

13. How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

Do not know enough about them to comment.

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

Played basketball a few more years, some softball. Went to college and became a physical ed. teacher and coach.

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

Stay in shape, work hard, practice, practice, practice. Leave drugs, alcohol alone. And be a lady, and have faith.

16. Any other memories or comments?

Playing pro baseball for six years in my young life was a great experience. It opened other doors for me and gave me confidence, and a lifetime of memories and good friends.

Learn More About the AAGPBL!

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