Helen Filarski facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Helen Filarski |
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| All-American Girls Professional Baseball League | |||
| Third base / Second base / Outfield | |||
| Born: May 11, 1924 Detroit, Michigan |
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| Died: September 13, 2014 (aged 90) Harper Woods, Michigan |
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| Career highlights and awards | |||
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Helen Filarski (later Steffes; May 11, 1924 – September 13, 2014) was an American baseball player. She played as an infielder and outfielder from 1945 to 1950. Helen was part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. She was 5 feet 2 inches tall and weighed 125 pounds. Helen batted and threw with her right hand.
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Helen Filarski's Amazing Baseball Journey
Helen Filarski, nicknamed "Fil," was a talented baseball player. She played for six years in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. During her time, she helped her team win a championship. She was also known as the best defensive player at third base in 1946. Helen was good at hitting the ball and was patient at the plate. This helped her get on base often. After her playing days, she spent over 40 years coaching many young girls.
Early Life and Dreams
Helen was born in Detroit, Michigan. She always dreamed of becoming a professional athlete. Her mother strongly supported her. Helen's mother never had the chance to play sports herself. Back then, girls were not expected to be very active in sports.
After finishing high school, Helen worked at the Briggs Manufacturing Company. She helped build parts for B-29 airplanes. In her free time, she played amateur baseball. She played on playgrounds around Detroit. She started as a shortstop, then moved to second base. Finally, she found her best position at third base.
Joining the League
One day, during a local baseball tournament, Helen got a special invitation. She was asked to try out for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. The tryouts were held in Chicago, Illinois. Helen traveled there and was offered a contract. She quickly accepted because the pay was much better than her factory job.
Helen joined the league in 1945. Her first team was the Rockford Peaches. She played with them for two years. Later, she played for other teams. These included the Peoria Redwings (1947), the Kenosha Comets (1947), and the South Bend Blue Sox (1948–1950).
Playing for the Peaches
In her first year with the Rockford Peaches, Helen helped them win the Championship Title. This was a huge achievement for the team. During the final series, she made a big impact. The Peaches played against the Fort Wayne Daisies in a best-of-seven series. Helen scored two important runs. She also led her team with three runs batted in. However, during one game, she had a scary collision with another player. She was knocked out and lost her two front teeth.
In 1946, Helen was recognized as the best defensive player at third base. Her fielding average was an impressive .932. Her best year for hitting came in her last season. She had her highest batting average of .209. She also hit 12 extra-base hits and had a .314 on-base percentage. Helen even traveled to San Juan, Puerto Rico, to play in a baseball tournament.
Life After Baseball
Helen Filarski did not return to the league after 1950. She married Donald Steffes in 1951. They had six children together, four boys and two girls. Helen stayed very active in sports. She coached her children's teams. She also coached a softball team in Mount Clemens, Michigan, for 30 years. She continued coaching until the early 2000s. Besides sports, Helen enjoyed photography, playing basketball, and bowling.
In 1988, Helen became part of a special display. It is called Women in Baseball. This permanent display is located at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. It was created to honor all the players of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.
Helen Filarski passed away on September 13, 2014. She died in Harper Woods, Michigan, at the age of 90.
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