AAGPBL Interview - Virginia Tezak

Virginia Tezak played in the All American Girl's Professional Baseball League.

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

I played baseball all my life, starting age five. I played on the local team in the CYO Church league.

2) Describe your signing.

It was a simple signing.

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

I was a utility player; first base and outfield.

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

I loved baseball - traveling - seeing places I never would have been able to see otherwise. I met a lot of nice girls from all over the US, Canada and Cuba.

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

I would have liked to play in more games. As a utility player and a rookie, it was hard to play because our team had its premium players.

6) What was the highlight of your career?

Playing in the Orange Bowl in Florida.

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

All of them were good.

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 won our fame with the movie "A League of Their Own". We were asked for autographs after our game. Today kids seem to accept our courage to play professionally.

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

Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Nellie Fox and many others.

10. Do you follow the big leagues now? If so, how do you think it compares with your day?

Yes, I'm a big Cubs fan. I think the ballplayers today aren't as tough as the ones in my day. No one wore gloves to bat or had protection pads on their arms or legs. Or helments - although I think that helmets are very safe for all players, and a must.

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 be seperate from men's sports totally. It would be nice, but I think if there were pro women teams attendance might not be that great as there are many men pro teams that people would rather watch.

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

I played fast-pitch softball then married. I taught PE at our Catholic grade school. Had a family and have been married for 51 years.

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

Try it - like to travel and get used to living out of a suitcase. Keep your body in good physical condition.

14) Any other comments?

We had lots of fun - played a good game of baseball - our hearts were also in it. We weren't crybabies if we got hurt or lost! Oh yes, was didn't do any spitting or chewing!

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