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Today marks the first ever night game at Wrigley field—an exhibition played in 1943 by the All-American Girls Baseball League. Story in thread. Today also marks the 1992 release of Penny Marshall’s classic film, #aleagueoftheirown inspired by the @AAGPBL! (Art from my book!)
#otd in 1943, Wrigley Field hosted its first ever night game. ‘But how can that be?’ You might be thinking, ‘The Cubs didn’t play a home night game until 1988!’
And you would be right, mon frères! Indeed, Wrigley Field was the last Major League ballpark to have permanent
And you would be right, mon frères! Indeed, Wrigley Field was the last Major League ballpark to have permanent
lighting installed, but the Cubs did not play its first night game. With temporary lighting set up behind the diamond, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League played the first night game in the friendly confines—and the second in 1944! The exhibition game attracted
over 7K spectators as part of a WW2 Women’s Army Corps recruiting rally.
Prior to every game during the war, players would line up along the first and third baselines to form a “V” for Victory. I highly encourage you to look up information about the “Double V” campaign for
Prior to every game during the war, players would line up along the first and third baselines to form a “V” for Victory. I highly encourage you to look up information about the “Double V” campaign for
African American soldiers seeking victory at war AND victory at home. You may have heard about the valiant work of the Tuskegee Airmen, for example. But have you heard of Isaac Woodard or Bessie Coleman? I’m working on a project involving the above mentioned, but in the
meantime, look it up!
This illustration from The Incredible Women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
This illustration from The Incredible Women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
