Tuesday, July 13, 2010

A League of Her Own: Erma Bergmann at Browns Fan Club Luncheon

Erma M. Bergmann (Bergie) - Amateur Softball and Professional Baseball Player is expected to attend the July 16 reunion luncheon of the St. Louis Browns Fan Club.

A St. Louis native, Bergmann grew up playing baseball with her two brothers until at age 14 she was asked to play organized amateur softball. At age 19 she was asked to try out professionally for the All American Girls Baseball League in Pascagula, Ms. Bergmann, one of the real players from the movie "A League of Their Own", made the team and was recruited to play for the Muskegon Lassies in 1946.

This was the first time in U.S. history women played professional baseball. Known for her strong throwing arm, Bergmann pitched a no hitter against the Grand Rapids Chicks...a career highlight. Bergmann pitched in this extraordinary baseball league from 1946 to 1951. After baseball ended, Bergmann returned to St. Louis and became one of the first pioneer policewomen in 1956. Bergmann retired after 25 years of honorable service in 1981.

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