Born: 1935 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Died: 1996 (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
Biography:
Constance Enola Morgan, born on October 17, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was a trailblazer in the world of professional baseball. She became the third woman to play in the Negro league, leaving an indelible mark on the history of women’s sports. Known for her prowess on the field, Morgan’s career spanned from 1954 to 1955.
Morgan’s love for baseball was ignited during her formative years in Philadelphia. She attended John Bartram High School, where she honed her skills and developed a deep passion for the game. After graduating in 1953, she furthered her education at the William Penn Business Institute, all the while nurturing her dream of becoming a professional athlete.
In 1954, Morgan’s aspirations became a reality when she joined the Indianapolis Clowns, a team in the Negro American League. Under the guidance of renowned Baseball Hall of Fame skipper Oscar Charleston, she showcased her talent as a second baseman. Morgan’s signing with the Clowns, estimated at a contract worth $10,000 per season, was a significant achievement, coming at the same time as the legendary female pitcher, Mamie Peanut Johnson.
Morgan’s entry into the Negro league marked a significant moment in women’s history. She took over the position previously held by Toni Stone, making her the second woman to compete in the league. Stone had been traded to the Kansas City Monarchs prior to the 1954 season. Morgan, described as standing at 5 feet 4 inches (1.63 meters) tall and weighing 140 pounds (64 kilos), was poised to become a regular player in the starting lineup.
On May 23, 1954, Morgan’s talent was on full display during the opening day of the season. Making a sensational stop far to her right, she executed a lightning-fast double play against the Birmingham Barons, impressing spectators and solidifying her place in the team. In July of the same year, as the Clowns played in Philadelphia, Morgan’s hometown, she led her team to victory in a doubleheader against the powerhouse Kansas City Monarchs.
Before her groundbreaking tenure with the Indianapolis Clowns, Morgan showcased her skills as a catcher for the North Philadelphia Honey Drippers, an all-women baseball team. Over the course of five seasons, she boasted an impressive batting average of .338, demonstrating her talents and adding to her baseball resume.
Following the conclusion of the Clowns’ championship season, Morgan decided to shift her focus from the baseball field to the business world. She returned to her studies at the William Penn Business Institute, pursuing a degree in accounting. Her goal was to become a top-flight worker in a business office, highlighting her determination and passion for personal growth.
In 1955, Morgan completed her program at the institute, embarking on a new chapter in her life. She found employment with the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO), where she dedicated her talents and skills until her retirement in 1974. Morgan’s contributions to the labor movement further solidified her place as a trailblazer, not only in the world of sports but also in the professional realm.
Morgan’s impact on women’s sports and her exceptional career were recognized in 1995 when she was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame. Sadly, she passed away in Philadelphia on October 14, 1996, just three days before her 61st birthday. Her legacy lives on as a testament to her courage, skill, and dedication, inspiring future generations of female athletes to break barriers and shatter stereotypes.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame (1995)