AAGPBL Interview - Patricia Roy

Patricia Roy joined the league at the age of 15. Sadly, the league collapsed the following year. 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 came from a small town. Nothing else to do so I started playing with the boys since there was no girls team. Played in the park. Joined the Jr Girls Baseball League in Ft. Wayne when I was 12 years old. This was a feeder system for the Ft. Wayne Daisies which was the AAGPBL team I played for.

2) Describe your signing.

I was only 15 years old when I signed. Since I was a minor, my mother had to co-sign my contract.

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

First base - Ft. Wayne Daisies.

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

Getting out and away from home and meeting new people. Certain honor and pride.

5) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

Being away from home at a very young age. Lots of pressure when playing for money.

6) What was the highlight of your career?

Making the team and playing pro at the age of 15.

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

Betty Foss
Dottie Schroeder
Wilma Briggs
Jean Weaver

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?)

No. Once the war ended and men's leagues and professional baseball was started again, fan support diminished and financial support dried up, thus the league folded in 1954 - the first year I played.

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

Ernie Banks

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

No, I do not follow it. I think in its present form it is boring. Too many "fat cats" and too much money.

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 league.

12) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

Never heard of them.

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

Went to college, became a teacher for 12 years and then went into administration organizing and directing the high school girls athletic program in the state of Indiana. Worked at this job for 27 years. Presently retired.

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

Go for it!

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