A WHOLE NEW BALL GAME

Drawing on abundant source material, Macy delivers an articulate, authoritative account of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (1943-54)—that grand and (until recently) obscure chapter in American sports. (Helmer's Belles of the Ballpark—2/93, rev. 12/15/92—covers much of the same territory but relies more on secondary sources and places less stress on feminist themes.) Using archival research, a 1982 survey, and interviews with former players, Macy paints a lucid picture, analyzing not only the reasons for the league's initial popularity and ultimate failure but also its more lasting value; conceived as an arena for a women's game played by women, rather than for women dabbling in a men's game, the league drew hundreds of able athletes to create a team spirit unique in civilian life and an individual sense of self-worth that helped many of the players buck the repressive social trends of the postwar era. Macy also discusses frankly the league's ``whites-only'' policy (paying brief tribute to a woman who did play in the Negro Leagues). Extensive back matter: team lists; rule and equipment changes; stats of an all- star lineup; chronology; bibliography; addresses; source notes; index. Illustrated with 50 recent and period photos (most not seen). Outstanding. (Nonfiction. 11+)