Maybelle Blair, at the remarkable age of 95, continues to defy expectations and blaze trails in the world of baseball. A former pitcher for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, Blair’s journey from the diamond to the corporate world and beyond is a testament to resilience, courage, and unwavering determination.
In a recent interview, Blair recounted a poignant moment from her nineties when she walked into a sporting goods store with a singular mission: to try on a pair of baseball cleats. Despite the skepticism of the salesman, Blair’s insistence on donning the cleats brought back a flood of memories from her playing days, evoking the exhilarating sound of cleats clicking against the ground, a symphony of joy for Blair.
Born out of necessity during World War II, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League provided a platform for more than 600 women to showcase their talents on the baseball diamond. Blair, a proud member of this historic league, recalls the pride and fulfillment she experienced while suiting up as a Peoria Redwing, a moment she cherished deeply.
Maybelle Blair was one of many women baseball players who inspired the movie ‘A League of Their Own.’ Now, she’s inspiring others by coming out publicly for the first time at the age of 95. pic.twitter.com/SmeHEFheJ1
— NowThis Impact (@nowthisimpact) June 21, 2022
While Blair’s tenure in the league spanned just one season, her impact transcended the baseball field. Embarking on a 37-year career at Northrop Corporation, Blair shattered glass ceilings, becoming the third female manager in the company’s history. Her dedication to promoting the league’s legacy and advancing opportunities for women in baseball led her to co-found the International Women’s Baseball Center in Rockford, Ill.
In a groundbreaking moment during a press tour for the upcoming TV series “A League of Their Own,” Blair publicly shared a long-held secret: her identity as a gay woman. Embraced by cheers and applause, Blair’s courageous revelation reflects her commitment to inclusivity and empowerment in the realm of sports. Inspired by the resilience of young female baseball players, Blair seized the moment to embrace her authentic self, paving the way for others to do the same.
Blair’s journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs, from navigating the complexities of identity in a less accepting era to championing gender equality in baseball. Her unwavering dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable sports landscape serves as a beacon of hope for future generations of athletes.
As Blair continues her advocacy work through the International Women’s Baseball Center, her legacy endures, embodying the spirit of perseverance and passion that defines the heart of the game. With her sights set on reaching the age of 100 and beyond, Blair remains steadfast in her mission to create a league of their own, where every player, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive on the baseball field.
At 95, Maybelle Blair, a former pitcher for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, defies odds and inspires. In a recent interview, Blair reminisced about trying on baseball cleats, igniting memories of her playing days. Born during World War II, the league provided a platform for women like Blair to showcase their talents. Despite one season, Blair’s impact reached beyond baseball; she broke barriers at Northrop Corporation and co-founded the International Women’s Baseball Center. During a press tour for “A League of Their Own,” Blair courageously revealed her identity as a gay woman, advocating inclusivity. Her journey embodies resilience and empowerment, shaping a more equitable sports landscape. As Blair continues her advocacy, her legacy of perseverance and passion endures, inspiring future generations in baseball.