By Dr. Julie Ducharme
Hopefully, you have seen and remember the iconic movie A League of Their Own, starring Geena Davis and Tom Hanks, with the memorable line, “There is no crying in baseball.” This movie, based on a true story, depicts how the women’s baseball league came about during wartime. I was fortunate enough to meet one of these women from the iconic league. It’s not often that one gets to meet someone who played such an important role in history. I had the privilege of meeting and talking with Lil Faralla, a pioneer in women’s sports and an integral part of US history. As someone who played sports in college and at the higher level, I never truly considered the women who paved the way for athletes like myself. Lil Faralla is part of an iconic group of women who played in the first-ever women’s professional baseball league, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. I was privileged that Lil gave me some time to talk with her about her experiences in sports and more. Lil, at 92 years young when I interviewed her, is one of the last 3 surviving women who played in this league.
An Interview with Lil Faralla
Getting Into Sports
I grew up playing baseball with the boys and loved sports. This opened the door for me to play professionally. I was paid a dollar a week to drive to LA and play with professional teams.
Recruited for the Professional League
A scout came to watch me, and I was sent a telegram to come and try out for the team. So I went and tried out. I figured, why not?
Memorable Moments
My most memorable moments are when I pitched 2 no-hitters and when I was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Accuracy of “A League of Their Own”
“There’s no crying in baseball!” That was what we said, and the movie was pretty accurate. I was a consultant on the movie and worked with the actors to ensure its accuracy.
Life Beyond Baseball
After baseball, I worked with the Los Angeles Police Department as a Sheriff for 20 years. I saw many things and even worked on the Manson case.
Little-Known Fact
I joined the Coast Guard before age 17, and my mother had to sign off on my paperwork because I was not old enough.
Reflections
While America was in the middle of World War II, baseball was at risk. It was during this time that women, who were frowned upon for even wearing pants, let alone playing baseball, stepped up to help keep America’s spirits up. Becoming a beacon of hope, these women provided an escape from war worries and concerns, paving the way for women like myself to have opportunities to play sports.
Lil said,
“You know, I never looked at myself as being any different from men playing the sport. I was a woman, yes, but I just loved to play ball, and that was all I needed to be successful, is a love for the game and love for what I do. If you love what you do, you will be successful.”
Since this article, Lil has passed on, but if I could give any advice, it would be to meet with women like Lil who were out paving the way. Her insight was phenomenal, and her outlook on life was tremendous. She had no regrets. She loved that she played baseball, joined the Coast Guard, and was a sheriff. She lived life to the fullest in some of the most male-dominated worlds.
