AAGPBL Interview - Ruth Born

Ruth Born was a pitcher for the South Bend Blue Sox in their first year. She took the time to answer a few of our questions.

Copyright Larry Fritsch Cards Used with permission

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

I played ball with the boys of the neighborhood before school - after which I played all thru school and college and on teams sponsored by Moose, K of C, etc.

2) Describe your signing.

I wrote requesting a tryout and was called to South Bend where I signed after a tryout (Nothing special).

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

I pitched for the South Bend Blue Sox.

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

Being paid to do what I loved.

5) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

I enjoyed every minute!

6) What was the highlight of your career?

Being allowed to play ball and get paid.

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

Dottie Schroeder, all-star short stop.

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 think word spread when a few - and then more and more - people came to see us play.

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

The Detroit Tigers.

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

I follow the Cubs and the White Sox, neither of whom played well this year. There's no "real" women's team in my area, as there is in Florida.

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 work at expanding their own leagues.

12) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

They were fun to watch, but really couldn't compete with the men.

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

Attained a Master's degree in psychiatric social work and worked for private social agencies in child welfare and family services. Retired from the Federal Department of Health and Human Services in 1991 after 23 years.

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

Play at every opportunity to improve skille and then pursue the pro leagues or the Olympics.

Thanks for your interest.

See Ruth in this team photo.

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