TDA - Mamie Redman Interview

Mamie Redman played several years in the AAGPBL. She recently took some time to answer our survey:

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

From watching my dad plus schoolground activity. Played in back yard, park, school recess - nothing organized. Barred from Little League.

2) Describe your signing.

No big deal. They sent a tentative contract and invitation to spring training in the mail. I remember being told that I had made the final cut - I don't remember anything further about a contract.

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

In my rookie year I played every position except pitcher. After that, mainly infield. I wanted to play third base. Became a catcher for the most part. I played for the Kenosha Comets in 1948-9, Grand Rapids Chicks 1950-4 and on the touring team in 1956.

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

Playing ball, learning the game.

5) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

It ended.

6) What was the highlight of your career?

Making the cut in spring training, getting to play, compete against the best, and knowing your teammates.

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

Dottie Schroeder, Jean Faut, Doris Sams, Dottie Kamenshek.

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 fans were great - enthusiastic, aprreciative, encouraging. Some of the press was OK. Too many had no real interest in, no knowledge of, the game. Not open minded. Only wanted data to fill preconceived ideas.

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

Al Dark, Minnie Minoso, Del Crandall, Warren Spahn.

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

Yes. Today's athletes are better physically. Too many do not know fundamentals. Too many and too easy to get homeruns - detracts from real skills and mental aspects of the game itself.

11) Should women have their own pro league, should they play in the majors, or should we have both?

Women should have their own league. Women can make every play, display every talent and do it gracefully. Competition versus males is generally ridiculous because of natural difference in speed, strength and size.

12) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

Forget it, put the effort into other outlets.

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

Both work and life were much enriched by the experience of being a professional ballplayer. I taught high school mathematics for 26 years. I've done travelling in the US, Canada and Europe. I've taught adult bible studies. Lots of golf. Club championships, etc. I carried an 8 or 9 handicap most of the time.

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

Practice, hope, dream!

15) Any other comments or memories

The people I was priviledged to play with - lasting valuable friendships.