AAGPBL Interview - Grace Piskula

Grace Piskula played in her native Wisconsin in 1944. 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 softball, volleyball and basketball in the social centers in the Milwaukee area. There was a very active softball league in the West Allis in which I played for years. An audience near 1000 was not unusual during the "war years".

2) Describe your signing.

I received a telegram from Jack Kloza (former Milwaukee Brewer) on July 2, 1944 requesting that I appear in Racine. Jack was the Rockford Peaches coach. I had played against his Milwaukee Northside team and he needed a replacement player. We were playing 12 inch underhand swift pitch like the Olympics).

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

Left field, first base, short and third base in Milwaukee and West Allis. Played left field for the Rockford Peaches in 1944. Played first base for the Chicago Chicks in 1945.

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

I was able to finish college using the funds earned.

5) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

The spiking and the strawberries when sliding into bases. We had no trainers or medical attention. (We did have a coach and a chaperone on every team.)

6) What was the highlight of your career?

Being inducted into the Hall of Fame and Walls of Honor at the Brewers Ball Park. I was not an active player for more than two years.

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

Dorothy Kamenshek, Dottie Collins, Ellen Tronier and Snookie Doyle.

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?)

There was a good fan base in Rockford, Kenosha and Racine. OK in West Bend. But there was hardly interest in Milwaukee (folded after one year).

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

These were my college years and I listened to Bob Ueker and followed the Milwaukee Brewers.

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

I'm still a Milwaukee & Cubs fan, but I hear more games than I attend. It's big business now!

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'm not sure - We had fans during the war years. Women's pro basketball may not survive due to lack of fan support. I believe California is trying to get some teams going. I played because I enjoyed the sport and never guessed I would be a pro. In the right place at the right time...

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 had a great life teaching health and physical education in the Racine Public Schools for some 30+ years. Also enjoyed my year at the University of Hawaii.

I went to the Olympics in 1952 with New York University grad students. It was a memorable experience. I ran the "torch" in Racine for the 2002 Games.

I play golf in the Summer (hoping to improve) and I am planning to attend the AAGPBL reunion the Fall in California.

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

Be sure you get an education so you have some skills other than athletic to fall back on.

15) Any other memories or comments?

I'm amazed at the interest in the League since the release of "A League of Their Own". I save the letters I receive from interested fans.

Learn More About the AAGPBL!

What do you think of this article?
Leave feedback on our message board.