Jackie Mitchell
Jackie Mitchell was one of the first female pitchers in professional baseball history and famously struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in an exhibition game in 1931.
Baseball Player
August 29, 1913
January 9, 1987
73
Born Virne Beatrice Mitchell on August 29, 1913, Jackie Mitchell was a trailblazing female pitcher in professional baseball. She rose to prominence in 1931 when she impressively struck out legendary players Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig during an exhibition match. As a member of the Chattanooga Lookouts, Mitchell later joined the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and was inducted into the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Apart from her baseball career, she served as a firefighter in New York City during World War II, becoming one of the city’s first female firefighters. Mitchell was admired for her courage and commitment to her duties. She passed away on January 7, 1987, at the age of 73.