West Australian Women's Baseball League 1937 Golden West team
A reproduction of a black and white image (with caption) of the 1937 Golden West Women's Baseball Team. The caption identifies two of the players, indicating one with an 'X' marked on her cap.
In June 1936 the first Women's Baseball Association in Western Australia was formed, with Mrs C.P. Smith elected as president. As it was already late in the season, no competition matches were played that year. This enabled the women to spend the rest of the season in practice, to allow them to become more proficient in each facet of the game. Initially the players used the soft ball to become accustomed to catching and throwing. However, when the competition matches commenced, the hard ball was used.
Four teams comprised the competition in 1937 and 1938—Golden West, Boomerang, Blue Sox and Burley.
National Library of Australia [https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/40725914]; [/article/40730642]; [/article/210883815]; [/article/41430857]; [/article/41431867]
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[Caption to photograph] '1937 Golden West Women's Baseball Team "A League of Their Own"
For two seasons the West Australian Baseball League ran a competition for women. Four teams comprised the competition in 1937 and 1938.
The photograph is from Mrs Noreen Lethlean who was the catcher. Her older sister Phyllis with the X on her cap was the pitcher.'
This 1937 image of the Golden West women's baseball team identifies the pitcher, Phyllis Cook, and the catcher, Mrs Noreen Lethlean (nee Cook). Other members of the 1937 team were Hazel Hill (captain), Flo Levitske, Ivy Levitske, Pat Williams, Gwen Hummerston, H. Bain, Jessie Ramson, M. Christie and Betty Gilmore. The Golden West team won the grand final after defeating the Boomerang team 23 - 16.
The image was reproduced from a copy published in the December 2002 edition of the 'Claxton Shield Club Newsletter', provided by Warren Wood.
1936 was an historic year for women's sport in Western Australia. Enthusiasts were endeavouring to enter a sport, namely baseball, recently made popular by the men in this State. When the idea of a women's association was first discussed, there were many who scoffed, but the men, knowing the thrill which baseball can give, heartily supported the proposal. This is a rare image of one of those first Western Australian Women's Baseball League teams, which significantly enhances the Baseball WA Museum & Archives' collection.
Other items from Baseball WA
- 1961 West Perth 'B' Grade grand final baseball team
- 'A History of the University of Western Australia Baseball and Softball Club 1947-1998'
- Victoria Park Baseball Club Annual Report 1980/81
- Ian Ross Shield for 'A' Grade Division 1 Minor Premiers
- Nedlands Baseball Club Member Badge 1961
- West Australian Baseball League - Swan Brewery All-Star Shield
- Pratt-Solomon Shield - 'A' Grade Minor Premiers
- R.J. (Snow) McFarlane Shield - 'A' Reserve Minor Premiers
- 1991 Pepsi Cup - Australian Baseball League Champion - Perth Heat
- Baseball WA 2006-2007 Outstanding Pitching Achievement award - Liam Hendricks
- 1981 Australian Baseball Team - Intercontinental Cup - Canada
- 1973 Australian Baseball Team - Philippines
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