Mishawaka in St. Joseph County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
South Bend Blue Sox
Photographed By Lou Donkle, September 30, 2022
1. South Bend Blue Sox Marker, Side One
The South Bend Blue Sox was one of four original teams in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League (1943-1954). Founded during WWII, the AAGPBL contributed to the war effort by boosting morale through family entertainment. Scouted from across North America, the players constantly balanced their outstanding athleticism with league standards of femininity.
The Blue Sox played in all twelve AAGPBL seasons. Their move in 1946 from Bendix Field to the more centrally located and better-equipped Playland Park, near here, increased attendance. They won Playoff Championships in 1951 and 1952. The AAGPBL garnered public recognition from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988 and the 1992 film A League of Their Own.
Erected 2021 by Indiana Historical Bureau, The History Museum, And Indiana University South Bend. (Marker Number 71.2021.1.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Sports • War, World II • Women. In addition, it is included in the Indiana Historical Bureau Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1943.
Location. 41° 39.61′ N, 86° 12.941′ W. Marker is in Mishawaka, Indiana, in St. Joseph County. Marker
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Indiana University South Bend (approx. half a mile away); Kamm & Schellinger Brewery (approx. 1.4 miles away); Mishawaka Wars of the Nation Memorial (approx. 1.4 miles away); Battell Park (approx. 1˝ miles away); Mishawaka Civil War Soldiers Monument (approx. 1.6 miles away); COVID-19 Pandemic Memorial (approx. 1.6 miles away); 9/11 Memorial (approx. 1.6 miles away); St. Joseph County Vietnam Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Mishawaka.
Photographed By Lou Donkle, September 30, 2022
2. South Bend Blue Sox Marker, Side Two
Photographed By Lou Donkle, September 30, 2022
3. Marker on west side of Ironwood Drive just south of the St. Joe River
Credits. This page was last revised on January 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2023, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. This page has been viewed 64 times since then and 29 times this year. Last updated on January 1, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 25, 2023, by Lou Donkle of Valparaiso, Indiana. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
