TDA - Joan Berger Interview
Joan Berger was a member of the Rockford Peaches. She took the time to answer a few of our questions.
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My father was a great sportsman, he used to take me to all his games and I went in the field during his practices. Then as I got older he started the first girls team in Garfield, New Jersey. But it was softball. We played against N.Y.R.A.R. - Middletown, NY. Stanford Nutmeg & Raybestos in Connecticut. We played many benefit games at home.
2) Describe your signing.
When you made the tryouts they sent you a contract, the first signing, after accepted you went to spring training and played.
3) What position(s) did you play? Which teams did you play for?
In 1950 I went to Grand Rapids. I was a junior in high school. My folks took me out there, but they had financial problems so I didn't stay. In 1951 I went to Rockford, Il. after I graduated and stayed the season. I went in as an outfielder, played in 40 games, so the next season I was still considered a rookie. But I played second base, the third season I played short stop and second, the last season I played third and second.
4) What was the best thing about playing pro ball?
The competition.
5) What was the worst thing about playing ball?
Having to put a skirt on the bus trips, especially in the middle of the night to go to the john.
6) What was the highlight of your career?
In 1952 I was the only rookie to play on the all star game.
7) Who were the best players you played with or faced? Comments?
Ruth Richard - C - Rockford : Knew her baseball
Dottie Kamenshek - 1B - Rockford : Really a great player
Jean Faut - P - South Bend : Great pitcher and all-around fielder
Bettie Foss - 1B - Ft. Wayne : Great hitter
Jo Weaver - CF - Ft. Wayne : Won batting championship three years in a row - .429 in 1954.
Dottie Schroeder - SS - Ft. Wayne : Great SS.
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 and press accepted me right from the start. But don't make any errors! You still got booed!
9. Who were your favorite big league ballplayers during the era you played in?
Pee Wee Reese, Jackie Robinson - loved the Dodgers until they moved.
10) Do you follow big league ball now? If so, how do you think it compares with your day?
No it doesn't [compare]. Today they have no regard for the fans.
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?)
I really think women should have a league of their own. But if some women can make the majors they should go for it!
12) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?
I think they were really good.
13) Briefly describe your life since your pro career ended.
Got married, raised three boys, and lived a home life!
14) What advice do you have for young women who want to become pro ballplayers?
Go for it, it is a wonderful experience.
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