Women in Baseball (& Their Cards)

Women in baseball have long defied expectations, breaking barriers both on and off the field. From early pioneers in the Negro Leagues, to modern trailblazers like in the front office, their impact has been undeniable. Whether as players, coaches, executives, or even umpires, women have continually fought for their place in a sport that has historically shut them out. Despite their contributions, baseball cards featuring women remain scarce, with only a handful of notable examples throughout the hobby’s history.

The limited number of women in baseball card sets reflects the challenges they’ve faced in gaining recognition. While some stars have appeared in special releases, mainstream sets have rarely acknowledged the influence of female players and figures. However, the landscape is improving. Topps has recently included women in baseball in their Allen & Ginter sets. The 2024 Topps set included a special five-card insert set called “Women in Baseball,” featuring modern influences.

Today, as more women enter coaching roles, front offices, and even the professional playing ranks, their presence is growing. However, their representation in collectibles still lags behind. As the sport continues to evolve, so too may the way women in baseball are honored within the hobby.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, here are 13 amazing women (and their baseball cards) who have broken down barriers as women in baseball:

13. Olivia Pichardo

Olivia Pichardo made history as the first woman to play Division I NCAA baseball for a major university. She joined the Brown University baseball team in 2022, earning her spot in a tryout. She became the first woman to make a Division I roster, an accomplishment that had eluded female athletes for decades. Prior to this, she had already established herself as an exceptional baseball player, competing with boys in various leagues. She showcased her talent in both pitching and outfield roles.

Pichardo’s journey to this historic milestone was marked by hard work, determination, and a commitment to breaking barriers. By becoming part of a Division I team, Pichardo has inspired countless young women to pursue their own dreams in baseball. She is proving that gender is no barrier to success in the sport. Her achievement is a crucial step in increasing female representation in baseball. Thus, her continued efforts are likely to inspire even more women to follow in her footsteps.

12. Ila Borders

Ila Borders (born 1975) made history as one of the first women to pitch in professional men’s baseball during the modern era. In 1997, she signed with the St. Paul Saints, an independent league team. In doing so, she became the first woman to play professional baseball in a men’s league since the Negro Leagues. Borders pitched for the Saints from 1997 to 1999.

Before her time with the Saints, Borders had a successful college career at California State University, Chico, where she was the first woman to pitch in the California Collegiate Athletic Association. Her success in both college and independent league baseball made her a trailblazer for women in the sport. Although her career was marked by challenges, including skepticism from some of her male peers, Ila Borders’ persistence and skill broke new ground for women in baseball. Her legacy lives on as a symbol of perseverance and the continued fight for equality and opportunity in professional sports.

11. Mo’ne Davis

Mo’ne Davis (born 2001) became a sensation in 2014 when, at 13, she pitched a shutout in the Little League World Series. She was the first girl to achieve this milestone, playing for the Philadelphia Taney Dragons. Davis struck out six batters, showing her impressive pitching skills and poise under pressure. Her performance made headlines and challenged gender expectations in baseball. She became an inspiration for young girls who dreamed of playing the sport.

Davis’s impact extended far beyond Little League. She became a symbol of determination and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. She was the first girl to throw a pitch in the Little League World Series on national television. Davis also became the first Little Leaguer ever featured on the magazine’s cover.

Beyond sports, Davis shared her story in Mo’ne Davis: Remember My Name (2014), a memoir about her baseball journey. The book explores overcoming challenges, handling fame, and balancing sports with everyday life.

10. Dottie Kamenshek

Dottie Kamenshek (1925–2010) was one of the greatest players in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). The league was founded during World War II to keep baseball alive while male players served in the military. Kamenshek played for the Rockford Peaches from 1943 to 1951 and became a star. She was known for her outstanding skills at first base and was a key part of the Peaches’ success. Her smooth fielding, quick reflexes, and consistent hitting made her one of the league’s best all-around players.

Kamenshek’s influence on women’s baseball extended beyond her playing days. She is widely believed to have inspired Dottie Hinson, played by Geena Davis in A League of Their Own (1992). The film dramatized the AAGPBL’s story and drew from Kamenshek’s career. Her athleticism, leadership, and role as a star player shaped the fictional Dottie. The film introduced Kamenshek and her peers to new generations, ensuring their legacy endures. Her impact continues to inspire women to break barriers in sports.

9. Babe Didrikson

Babe Didrikson Zaharias (1911–1956) is considered one of the greatest female athletes of all time. She excelled in multiple sports, including baseball, basketball, track and field, and golf. In the late 1930s, she played shortstop and pitcher for the House of David, a semi-professional men’s baseball team. Her skills on the field were impressive, but her overall athleticism set her apart.

Didrikson’s career reached new heights after she transitioned to golf. She won two Olympic gold medals in track and field and six major golf championships. She helped popularize women’s professional golf and became one of the first women to compete in men’s tournaments. Her legacy goes beyond baseball, as she shattered barriers in multiple sports. She remains a symbol of perseverance and excellence for women in athletics.

8. Alyssa Nakken

Alyssa Nakken (born 1990) made history in 2020 as the first female coach in Major League Baseball. The San Francisco Giants hired her as an assistant coach, breaking new ground for women in the sport. Her journey began as a standout softball player at Sacramento State, where she excelled on the field. After her collegiate career, she transitioned into coaching, first joining the Giants as an intern before earning a full-time coaching role.

Nakken’s role with the Giants is a major milestone for women in baseball. She became the first woman on a Major League coaching staff, opening doors for others in the profession. She works with outfielders and contributes to player development, proving her value in a male-dominated field. Her presence in the dugout challenges long-standing norms and highlights the growing recognition of women in baseball.

Her success continues to inspire future generations of female coaches. Nakken’s achievements show that talent and determination can break barriers at the highest levels of the sport.

7. Jackie Mitchell

Jackie Mitchell (1913–1987) made history as one of the first women to play professional baseball in the United States. In 1931, at just 17, she signed with the Chattanooga Lookouts, a minor league team. That same year, she famously struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig during an exhibition game. Some speculated the moment was staged, but her achievement remains one of baseball’s most memorable events.

Mitchell’s career was brief but significant. She played for the Lookouts in 1931 before the team released her shortly after her legendary performance. While some praised her talent, others believed women had no place in professional baseball. Despite the skepticism, her moment in the spotlight proved that women could compete at a high level.

Her legacy as a pioneer endures, inspiring future generations of female athletes. Mitchell’s story remains a powerful reminder of the barriers women have faced in sports and the progress they continue to make.

6. Mamie “Peanut” Johnson

Mamie “Peanut” Johnson (1935–2017) broke barriers as the first woman to pitch in the Negro Leagues. From 1953 to 1955, she played for the Indianapolis Clowns, facing top male players. This is despite standing just 5’3” and weighing 120 pounds. Her small size earned her the nickname “Peanut,” but her powerful arm and competitive spirit made her a force on the mound. Johnson reportedly held a 33-8 record and even struck out future baseball stars.

Her achievements were especially significant given the social climate of the time. Women had few opportunities in professional sports, and racial segregation was deeply rooted. Johnson faced skepticism from teammates and fans, but her success proved her talent and determination.

Her legacy endures as a symbol of perseverance and equality in sports. By excelling in a male-dominated league, she paved the way for future generations of women in baseball.

5. Sarah Langs

Sarah Langs is one of the most respected voices in baseball analytics, known for her deep knowledge of the game and her ability to translate complex statistics into compelling stories. A researcher and writer for MLB.com, Langs has made a significant impact in a field traditionally dominated by men. Her passion for baseball began at a young age, and she turned that enthusiasm into a career, working for ESPN before joining Major League Baseball. She specializes in uncovering historical trends, unique statistical feats, and milestone moments that deepen fans’ appreciation of the sport.

Beyond her work in analytics, Langs has become a source of inspiration for women in baseball media. Her presence in broadcasts and on social media showcases the growing role of women in baseball storytelling. Even as she battles ALS, she remains dedicated to her work, continuing to share her love for the game with infectious enthusiasm. Her resilience and commitment to baseball ensure that her influence will be felt for years to come.

4. Rachel Balkovec

Rachel Balkovec (born 1987) made history in 2022 as the first woman to manage a full-season affiliate in Major League Baseball, taking the reins of the New York Yankees‘ Low-A affiliate, the Tampa Tarpons. Balkovec’s journey to this position was paved through years of hard work and perseverance in a male-dominated industry, where she faced challenges and doubts at every turn. Before becoming a manager, she worked as a strength and conditioning coach in various professional baseball organizations, including the St. Louis Cardinals and the Houston Astros, where she became the first woman to hold a full-time coaching role in a major league organization.

Balkovec’s leadership with the Tarpons is a groundbreaking achievement in a sport that has been slow to embrace women in coaching roles, particularly at the professional level. Her expertise in sports science, player development, and her passion for improving the game has earned her the respect of her players and colleagues. As one of the few women in professional baseball with a managerial role, Balkovec is not only opening doors for future generations of women in baseball but is also proving that women can lead at the highest levels of the sport. Her success continues to inspire aspiring female coaches and demonstrates that the future of baseball is inclusive, diverse, and full of possibility.

3. Kim Ng

Kim Ng (born 1968) made history in 2020 as the first female general manager in Major League Baseball, breaking one of the sport’s most significant gender barriers when she was hired by the Miami Marlins. Ng’s journey to the top of MLB’s executive ranks spanned nearly three decades, including stints with the Chicago White Sox, New York Yankees, and Los Angeles Dodgers, where she gained a reputation for sharp decision-making and a keen eye for talent. Her promotion was a milestone in a career marked by trailblazing achievements in an industry that had long been dominated by men.

Ng’s appointment was especially notable because she rose through the ranks in a field where women have been historically underrepresented, particularly in leadership positions. As a woman of Asian descent, her success challenged multiple layers of bias, proving that talent and leadership know no gender or ethnicity. Since taking the helm in Miami, she has continued to make her mark, emphasizing data-driven decisions, player development, and team-building strategies to position the Marlins for future success. Kim Ng’s groundbreaking career not only opened doors for women in baseball but also set a powerful example of perseverance and excellence.

2. Toni Stone

Toni Stone (1921–1996) made history as the first woman to play in the Negro Leagues, breaking barriers at a time when both racial and gender discrimination were deeply entrenched in American society. In 1953, she signed with the Indianapolis Clowns, taking over second base from none other than Hank Aaron. Competing against male professionals, she endured skepticism, isolation, and even hostility from teammates and opponents alike. Despite these challenges, she proved her ability on the field, recording a hit off legendary pitcher Satchel Paige and holding her own in a league filled with some of the best talent of the era.

Stone’s presence in professional baseball was more than just symbolic – it was a testament to her skill and determination. She later played briefly for the Kansas City Monarchs before retiring, but her legacy as a pioneer for women in baseball endured. At a time when women were rarely given opportunities in the sport beyond novelty acts or the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, Stone carved out a place for herself in a league where competition was fierce. Though her contributions were often overlooked during her lifetime, she paved the way for future generations of women to take the field at higher levels of the game.

1. Effa Manley

Effa Manley (1897–1981) was a groundbreaking figure in baseball. She is best known as the co-owner and business manager of the Newark Eagles. The Eagles were a Negro League team she ran alongside her husband, Abe Manley, from 1935 to 1948. In an era when women had limited rights – unable to open bank accounts without a husband’s permission or hold many leadership roles – Manley not only managed a professional baseball team but also excelled in contract negotiations, player advocacy, and business operations. She was instrumental in turning the Eagles into a powerhouse, helping them win the 1946 Negro World Series.

Beyond her team’s success, Manley fought for Negro Leagues players to receive recognition and fair treatment. She was a fierce advocate for Black baseball stars. She pushed for Major League Baseball to properly compensate Negro League teams when players were signed away. Decades later, her efforts were recognized when she became the first and only woman inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame (2006). Effa Manley’s legacy extends far beyond baseball. She was a trailblazer not just for women in baseball, but for civil rights and the economic empowerment of Black athletes.