This insightful book brings to life the incredible women athletes of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) who defied convention and took the field during a transformative era in American sports.

Through personal stories and archival research, Johnson captures the grit, humor, and determination of players who balanced wartime duty, public scrutiny, and their love of the game. These pioneering women challenged gender expectations and left a legacy that continues to inspire generations of athletes.

Paired with the exhibition Picturing America’s Pastime: A Snapshot of the Photograph Collection at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, this program celebrates the artistry and athleticism that define America’s favorite pastime.

Join us on Saturday, May 30th, for a spirited discussion of When Women Played Hardball, a closer look at baseball through the lens of photography, and an exploration of how art and sport intersect in American culture.

Copies of the book are available in the Museum Store. Guided Questions will be available soon.