Betsy Jochum's South Bend Blue Sox Baseball Dress

Original member of All-American Girls Professional Baseball League

Betsy Jochum was one of the original 60 members of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, founded in 1943 by Chicago Cubs owner Philip Wrigley. Jochum played the entirety of her six-year career (1943–1948) with the South Bend Blue Sox. During her career, she amassed 354 stolen bases, including seven in one game, and led the league in hits twice.

South Bend Blue Sox Baseball Dress, worn by Betsy Jochum

Object Details

date made
1943 - 1948
wearer
Jochum, Betsy
Description (Brief)
Betsy Jochum (b. 1921) was one of the original sixty members of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, founded in 1943. Jochum played the entirety of her six year career (1943-1948) with the South Bend (Indiana) Blue Sox.
Jochum began as a speedy outfielder with the ability to put the bat on the ball. Often leading off for the Blue Sox, she amassed 354 stolen bases, including seven in one game, and led the league in hits twice (1943 and 1944.)
Jochum retired in 1948, staying in South Bend to become a teacher. The AAGPBL ceased operations in 1954.
Location
Currently on loan
used
United States: Indiana, South Bend
level of sport
Professional
All American Girls Baseball League
web subject
Women
name of sport or game
Baseball
web subject
Sports
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Sport and Leisure
Highlights from the Culture and the Arts Collection
Credit Line
Gift of Betsy Jochum
Data Source
National Museum of American History
ID Number
1983.0183.01
accession number
1983.0183
catalog number
1983.0183.01
Object Name
dress, baseball
Physical Description
fabric, cotton (overall material)
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 34 1/2 in x 26 1/2 in; 87.63 cm x 67.31 cm
GUID
https://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a4-e148-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa
Record ID
nmah_667528