AAGPBL Interview - Eunice Taylor

Eunice played on one of the League's touring teams in her rookie year, and then spent a year in Wisconsin. Here's here interview:

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

My father loved baseball. My brother and I did not stand a chance. We were taught how to play ball.

2) Describe your signing.

I tried out for the league two years. The second year I made the cut.

3) What position(s) did you play?

Catcher - 1950 Chicago Colleens, 1951 Kenosha Comets.

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

Growing up and seeing the north east of our country.

5) What was the worst thing about playing ball?

I was young and homesick for my family. This feeling passed as I matured.

6) What was the highlight of your career?

Playing in Yankee Stadium. Meeting Connie Mack, Yogi Berra and playing a three-inning game for the people of New York.

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

My group was all equal. We all enjoyed playing ball and looked after each other.

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 the people who were able to see us play ball in 1950, from Georgia to Canada, were surprised to see how well our group played baseball.

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

No favorites, they were all good.

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

Not really. I only follow the end of the season and the World Series.

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. They will never be able to compete against men.

12) How do you feel about the Silver Bullets?

They were great, but I felt they should not compete against men's teams.

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

I played amateur softball. I managed softball teams. Today I am still active in a retail pet supply business.

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

Do not get discouraged. Keep trying, these is always a position in sports for you to enjoy. Go for it!

What an opportunity I was given. It could only happen in the United States.

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