AAGPBL Interview - Gene Travis

Gene Travis was a member of the Rockford Peaches. 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?

I was always a "tomboy". I played baseball with the neighborhood boys and playground teams. Then I played four seasons of softball with the Brooklyn Celtics and the NY Farmerettes, participating in the eastern regionals three of the four years.

2) Describe your signing.

After a tryout at a NYC Armory (due to rain) I was offered a contract to go to spring training in Opa Locka, Florida in 1948 and was then assigned to the Rockford Peaches for the season.

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

A natural righthander, I taught myself to throw, catch and field left handed in order to be a first baseman (I started at age 12 to be a "lefty"). As Rockford had a premier player at first, 95% of my playing time was in the outfield.

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

Getting paid to do something I loved and the cameraderie and friendships I made with so many wonderful gals.

5) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

Nothing - I even enjoyed the long bus rides and traipsing thru railroad yards at 3-4 AM lugging my suitcase.

6) What was the highlight of your career?

A pinch-hit home run to win the ballgame! Not getting many at bats during the course ofmy one season, I hoped that the pinch hit would elevate my status.

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

Dotty Kamenshek, Doris Sams, Dotty Schroeder. They were "awesome" in my eyes!

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?)

We played before excellent crowds and very enthusiastic fans.

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

A rabid Brooklyn Dodgers fan, the team as a whole were my idols. I followed them from 1938-1958. Dolf Camilli was instrumental in my desire to be a first baseman.

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

I am and have been a Mets fan from day one. Keith Hernandez is my all-time favorite and also Al Leiter for the wonderful pitcher and person he is.

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 believe there should be a pro women's league, but do not think that women should compete with major league men's teams. Ofcourse, exhibition games would be exciting!

12) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

Too bad they didn't flourish.

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

The death of my only brother in 1948 negated my return to the AAGPBL in 1949. Then I married in 1951 and raised six wonderful children - four sons and 2 daughters. Needless to say, I was pretty darn busy for a number of years.

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

Go for it!

15) Any other memories or comments?

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to play in the league and really enjoy our annual reunions, with the chance to be with so many wonderful and accomplished women who shared with me the lore of baseball - America's National Pastime!

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