A Means of Escape
During World War II, Americans had to make numerous sacrifices to support the war effort, and these sacrifices often left them disillusioned with the war. Meager rations, grueling factory work, and the fear of losing loved ones overseas left many Americans seeking entertainment to escape their daily worries. Women's professional baseball was exactly what the country needed: it was something new and exciting that allowed crowds to take their minds off wartime struggles, and it also boosted morale through its patriotic emphasis. The AAGPBL "provided a means of escape from war worries and concerns," a break for which many Americans were grateful (1).
Supporting the Troops The AAGPBL was more than just a baseball league: it was also an organization dedicated to supporting the war to the fullest extent possible. The players frequently played exhibition games for soldiers at training camps, visited injured soldiers at military hospitals, and played exhibition games for multiple charities (2). The league also encouraged the sale of war bonds, and players ran camps that taught young children how to play baseball (3).
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Sports During the War Americans had diverse opinions about sports during World War II. Some wholeheartedly supported continuing athletics during wartime, but others were not as eager. Baseball in particular was not always a favorite for the public. "Baseball was at risk because as citizens saw generously paid athletes 'swatting balls while their loved ones were dying on foreign shores,' interest declined and criticism went up" (6). However, when the war ended in 1945, baseball soon regained its popularity as men returned home.
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Boosting Morale As World War II raged on, Americans became even prouder of their country, and the AAGPBL "capitalized on the patriotic mood of the country" (4). In addition to the feminine image of the players, Wrigley also "promoted the image that the players were symbols of the 'girl next door' in spikes" (5).
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V for Victory Formation (7)
One of the most visible ways the AAGPBL supported the war effort was by lining up in their signature "V Formation". Before every game, the players would form a V for victory on the field to acknowledge troops abroad and show their undying support.
1. The Illinois State Library, "Women's Baseball during World War II," http://www.lib.niu.edu/1995/ihy950452.html, (May 17, 2016).
2. All American Girls Professional Baseball League Players Association, Inc., "League History," http://www.aagpbl.org/index.cfm/pages/league/12/league-history (May 17, 2015).
3. The Illinois State Library, "Women's Baseball during World War II," http://www.lib.niu.edu/1995/ihy950452.html, (May 17, 2016).
4. All American Girls Professional Baseball League Players Association, Inc., "League History," http://www.aagpbl.org/index.cfm/pages/league/12/league-history (May 17, 2015).
5. Ibid.
6. The Illinois State Library, "Women's Baseball during World War II," http://www.lib.niu.edu/1995/ihy950452.html, (May 17, 2016).
7. All American Girls Professional Baseball League Players Association, Inc., "The Official All American Girls Professional Baseball League," http://www.aagpbl.org/, (May 17, 2016).
2. All American Girls Professional Baseball League Players Association, Inc., "League History," http://www.aagpbl.org/index.cfm/pages/league/12/league-history (May 17, 2015).
3. The Illinois State Library, "Women's Baseball during World War II," http://www.lib.niu.edu/1995/ihy950452.html, (May 17, 2016).
4. All American Girls Professional Baseball League Players Association, Inc., "League History," http://www.aagpbl.org/index.cfm/pages/league/12/league-history (May 17, 2015).
5. Ibid.
6. The Illinois State Library, "Women's Baseball during World War II," http://www.lib.niu.edu/1995/ihy950452.html, (May 17, 2016).
7. All American Girls Professional Baseball League Players Association, Inc., "The Official All American Girls Professional Baseball League," http://www.aagpbl.org/, (May 17, 2016).