AAGPBL Interview - Audrey Deemer

Audrey Deemer was an infielder in the AAGPBL. She granted us the following interview.

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

I played with my brother and friends - we had a softball league in Steubenville, OH.

2) Describe your signing.

I went to Chicago and Max Carey signed me up. This was after a tryout in McKeesport, PA.

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

Shortstop - Fort Wayne and Grand Rapids. I was also on the barnstorming tour with the Chicago Colleens and Springfield Sallies - played 97 games in 21 states and Canada - 10,000 miles.

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

Doing something I loved (still do).

5) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

None.

6) What was the highlight of your career?

Playing in Washington and Yankee Stadiums. Meeting Joe DiMaggio, Phil Rizzuto, Connie Mack and Clark Griffith.

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

Foss, I think was one of them. Schroeder also.

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 it increased after they saw we could play.

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

Cleveland - Lou Boudreau, Larry Doby, Bob Feller. New York - Phil Rizzuto and Joe DiMaggio.

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

Yes - I follow baseball - Pittsburgh. I think they played more for the love of the game, not the money as they do now - not that I blame them.

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. No I don't think they should play in the majors - some could play just as good if not better than men.

12) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

I don't know them.

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

I worked in a supermarket for six years, then I was a police dispatcher until 1998.

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

Go for it!

15) Any other memories or comments?

It was the best time of my life.

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