Dorothy Ferguson facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Dorothy Ferguson Key
Second base / Third base / Center field
Born: (1923-02-17)February 17, 1923 Virden, Manitoba, Canada
Died: May 8, 2003(2003-05-08) (aged 80) Rockford, Illinois
Batted: Right Threw: Right
debut
1945, for the Rockford Peaches
Last appearance
1954, for the Rockford Peaches
Teams
Rockford Peaches (1945–1946[end], 1947–1954) Peoria Redwings (1946[start])
Career highlights and awards
Four-time Championship team (1945, 1948–1950) Holds the all-time record for the most hits during the postseason Women in Baseball – AAGPBL Permanent Display at Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (1988) Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (1998) Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame (1998)
Baseball Hall of Fame
Induction	2003

Dorothy B. "Dottie" Ferguson Key (born February 17, 1923 – died May 8, 2003) was a talented baseball player. She played as an infielder and outfielder in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). This league was active from 1945 to 1954. Dottie was known for her speed and skill on the field.

Early Life and Sports Beginnings

Dottie Ferguson was born in Virden, Manitoba, Canada. She was one of 57 Canadian girls who played in the AAGPBL. From a young age, Dottie loved sports. She started with skating and soon became involved in softball.

In 1939, Dottie became the North American women's speed skating champion. She hoped to compete for Canada in the Olympics. However, World War II caused the 1940 Olympic Games to be canceled.

Playing Professional Baseball

Dottie joined the AAGPBL in 1945. She played for the Rockford Peaches for 10 years. She stayed with them until the league ended in 1954. Dottie was a very fast player. She stole over 46 bases each season on average. In 1951, she stole a personal best of 91 bases.

Dottie was mostly a singles hitter. But she was very good at getting on base. She made 645 hits and walked 455 times. She played many positions in the infield, like second base and third base. Later, she became a respected center fielder.

Success with the Rockford Peaches

The Rockford Peaches were a very successful team. They won the league championship four times. Their first win was in 1945. They also won three championships in a row from 1948 to 1950.

In her first year (1945), Dottie played mostly at third base. She didn't play much, but she was learning. In 1946, she briefly played for the Peoria Redwings. She then returned to the Peaches.

In 1947, Dottie became a key player for the team. She stole 71 bases, tying for fifth in the league. Her speed helped the team a lot.

Championship Years

In 1948, Dottie became the regular center fielder. She stole 73 bases and scored 73 runs. The Peaches won the AAGPBL title that year. Dottie played a big part in the playoffs. She stole seven bases and had nine hits. In one game, she hit three times and brought in two runs.

In 1949, Dottie married Donald Key. He was an Olympic track and field athlete from Canada. After that, she played as Dottie Key. The Peaches won another championship that year. Dottie hit the winning run in a key game. This helped the Peaches win their third title.

In 1950, Dottie's hitting improved. She helped the Peaches win their third championship in a row. This was their fourth title overall.

Later Seasons

In 1951, Dottie had an amazing season. She stole 91 bases and scored 91 runs. She also hit her first career home run. She was second in the league for runs and stolen bases. The Peaches reached the finals but lost that year.

In 1952, Dottie continued to play well. She stole 46 bases and scored 54 runs. She also played great in the playoffs. The Peaches made it to the finals again but lost a close series.

In 1953, Dottie hit .208 during the regular season. In 1954, her hitting average was a career-high .253. However, the Peaches finished last in the league. This was the final season for the AAGPBL.

Dottie played 950 games in her career. She scored 520 runs and stole 461 bases. She holds the AAGPBL record for the most hits in the postseason, with 46.

Honors and Awards

Dottie Ferguson Key received many honors for her baseball career.

• Since 1988, Dottie and other Canadian AAGPBL players have been part of a special display. This display is at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. It honors the entire league.
• She was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in 1998.
• She also joined the Manitoba Softball Hall of Fame in 1998.
• In 2003, she was inducted into the National Women's Baseball Hall of Fame.
• She received the YWCA Janet Lynn Sports Award in 1993.
• Her road uniform with the number 12 is part of the "Women in Baseball" exhibit in Cooperstown.

Dottie lived in Rockford, Illinois for a long time. She passed away there at age 80.

Career Statistics

Batting

Fielding