April 8, 2005
Mamie “Peanut” Johnson
to Visit MHC
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Mamie “Peanut” Johnson |
Mamie “Peanut” Johnson,
the only woman ever to pitch in Negro Leagues baseball, will speak on campus
Monday, April 18. The event will take place in the Blanchard Great Room at
7:30 pm.
Johnson was one of three women to play in the Negro Leagues in the 1950s. Johnson
and her teammates, Toni Stone and Connie Morgan, have the distinction of being
the only women to play professional baseball on men's teams. They played for
the Indianapolis Clowns; later Stone also played for the Kansas City Monarchs.
Johnson, a right-handed pitcher, held a 33-8 record in her seasons with the Clowns.
She credits Satchell Paige with helping her perfect her curveball. Johnson’s
nickname, “Peanut,” was given her by Monarch’s third baseman,
Hank Bayliss. When Bayliss came to bat against Johnson, he called out to the
pitcher’s mound, “You're nothing but a peanut!” Johnson struck
him out and the name stuck.
Mamie Johnson’s visit to Mount Holyoke is co- sponsored by the women's
studies program in partnership with physical education and athletics, African-American
and African studies, history, American studies, the Student Athlete Advisory
Board, the Association of Pan African Unity, and the Office of the President.
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