AAGPBL Interview - Barbara Sowers

Barbara played for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League for the last two years 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?

Both my father and grandfather were baseball players. I played fast-pitch softball in Detroit.

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

I played outfield for the Battle Creek Belles and Grand Rapids Chicks.

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

Meeting people from all walks of life.

4) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

Poor managers - one drank to excess and the other did not understand good management skills and did not know baseball that well.

5) What was the highlight of your career?

Hitting the ball and knowing it was over the fence for a home run.

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

The Weaver sisters - they were total ballplayers!

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

Bob Feller and Hal Newhouser.

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

The skill level is much better. The players are bigger and stronger.

9) 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 a very exceptional woman to be able to compete with today's major league players. There should be a woman's pro baseball league.

10) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

I saw them play and practice in Florida. They were very good and were professional quality, but competing against men's teams that were semi-pro was difficult.

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

I earned a BS and MA from Eastern Michigan University. I was a high school counselor until I retired.

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

Devote yourself to being the best skilled and knowledgeable player possible. Continue your education.

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