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Bloomer Girls
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Bloomer Girls

American sports teams
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Quick Summary

The term "Bloomer Girls" refers to barnstorming baseball teams formed in the United States in the early 20th century. These teams often played against amateur and semiprofessional squads that included both men and women.12

Women have been involved in organized baseball since the 1860s, with early teams forming at Vassar College in 1866. The Bloomer Girls teams were initially seen as a novelty to generate profit. Alta Weiss pitched for an all-male team in 1907, and Jackie Mitchell famously struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in an exhibition game in 1931.12

In 1952, organized baseball officially banned women from signing professional contracts with men's teams, a rule that remains in effect. During World War II, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) was established, drawing large crowds due to the players' skills. The league operated from 1943 to 1954, but declining interest led to its folding.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. baseball - Women in baseball
  2. history of baseball - Women in baseball

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