In The Event That...

Diamonds Are Your Best Friend

by Amy Strauss

Women in BaseballSat., March 8, noon-3 p.m., free with museum admission of $12, National Constitution Center, 525 Arch St., 215-409-6700, constitutioncenter.org

Dottie Hinson, Kit Keller and Betty Spaghetti were more than just fictional characters. When World War II threatened to shut down major league baseball in 1942, chewing gum mogul Philip K. Wrigley recommended a girls' baseball league be established until the men returned. Over half a century later, the National Constitution Center celebrates the accomplishments of those female athletes and the All-American Girls Baseball League on International Women's Day.

While guest speakers Ruth Richard of the Rockford Peaches and Gertrude Benner of the Kalamazoo Lassies were known to bend league rules, many understood what was expected of them: play like men, but look like ladies. As stated in the league's charm school guide, which is on display at the NCC, "Each girl must be at all times presentable and attractive, whether on the playing field or at leisure." But despite the beauty kit provided to each signed player, it was a time when women, unlike their mothers, were able to earn a decent salary in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Following talks by Richard and Benner, attendees are invited to attend AAGBL etiquette classes, as well as a screening of A League of Their Own. And even though it's straight-up heartbreaking when Dottie drops the ball, you know the rules — no crying in baseball.