Shirley Burkovich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Shirley Burkovich |
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| Infield/outfield utility and pitcher | |||
| Born: February 4, 1933 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
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| Died: March 31, 2022 (aged 89) Rancho Mirage, California, U.S. |
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Shirley Burkovich (born February 4, 1933 – died March 31, 2022) was an American baseball player. She played as an infielder, outfielder, and pitcher. Shirley was part of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) from 1949 to 1951. She was 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighed about 150 pounds. Shirley batted and threw with her right hand.
Shirley was one of many players from Pennsylvania in the AAGPBL. People called her "Hustle" because she played with so much energy. During her three seasons, she played almost every position on the field. The only position she did not play was catcher.
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Shirley's Early Life and Baseball Career
Shirley Burkovich was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She grew up in Swissvale. As a young girl, Shirley loved playing baseball with the boys in her neighborhood. She had never played organized softball before joining the league.
High School Sports
Shirley went to three different high schools. In all of them, she played basketball and field hockey. She also played basketball in the Westinghouse Girls Basketball League.
Joining the AAGPBL
When Shirley was 16, she tried out for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. She was signed to a contract after her tryout in Pittsburgh. Since she was still in high school, she needed special permission. Her parents and the school district had to agree for her to leave school. This allowed her to attend spring training in March.
Playing in the League
Shirley played for three different teams in the AAGPBL. She played for the Chicago Colleens in 1949. Then she joined the Springfield Sallies in 1950. Finally, she played for the Rockford Peaches in 1951.
During her time in the league, she played in 37 games. She had a batting average of .229. This means she got a hit almost 23% of the times she batted. She also made three appearances as a relief pitcher.
Life After Baseball
After her baseball career, Shirley Burkovich worked for Pacific Bell Telephone. She worked there for 30 years and retired in 1983.
The AAGPBL Players Association
Shirley was very active with the AAGPBL Players Association. This group was started in 1982. The association worked hard to share the stories of the league's players. They helped create a special display.
Women in Baseball Display
The association was a big reason for the "Women in Baseball" display. This is a permanent exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. It opened in 1988. This display honors the entire All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. It celebrates all the players, not just one person.
A League of Their Own Movie
Shirley Burkovich also appeared in a movie. She played older Alice "Skeeter" Gaspers in the 1992 film A League of Their Own. This movie was a fictional story about the AAGPBL. The film was directed by Penny Marshall. It helped many former AAGPBL players become famous again.
Shirley's Personal Life
After her baseball days, Shirley lived in Cathedral City, California. She continued to be a part of the AAGPBL Players Association. She served on their Board of Directors.
Shirley Burkovich passed away at her home in Rancho Mirage, California. She was 89 years old when she died on March 31, 2022. She is buried at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Cathedral City.
