Born: 1894 (Warren, Rhode Island)
Biography:
Mary Elizabeth Murphy, known as The Queen of Baseball, was a trailblazing athlete who made history as the first woman to play professional baseball alongside male athletes. Born on April 13, 1894, in Warren, Rhode Island, Lizzie Murphy’s athleticism was evident from a young age. She excelled in various sports, including running, skating, swimming, and most notably, baseball. Her passion for the game would shape her life and leave an indelible mark on the history of women in sports.
Raised by her parents, Mary and John Murphy, Lizzie’s father was a mill hand and a semi-professional baseball player. With her father’s influence and her own innate talent, Lizzie quickly developed her baseball skills. By the age of 12, she had already left school to work at the Parker Woolen Mill as a ring spinner. In her spare time, she played baseball for local teams such as the Warren Silk Hats and the Warren Baseball Club.
Lizzie’s talent on the field caught the attention of local amateur league teams, and by the age of 15, she was playing alongside men in business leagues like the Warren Shoe Company team. She demonstrated exceptional skills as a pitcher and hitter, catching the eye of professional teams.
At 17, Lizzie Murphy began her professional baseball career and insisted on being paid for her performances. She first signed with the Providence Independents and later joined Ed Carr’s Traveling All-Stars, a semi-professional team based in Boston. The Traveling All-Stars played an extensive schedule, often traveling throughout Canada and New England, participating in up to 100 games each year. Alongside her professional career, Lizzie also played in women’s leagues, notably for the Bloomer Girls for an impressive 30 years.
While initially known for her prowess as a pitcher, Lizzie also showcased her hitting ability. Her career batting average upon retirement stood at an impressive .300. Murphy understood the importance of self-promotion and took on the moniker, Queen of Baseball, often selling photographs of herself between innings. The media recognized her talent, and instead of referring to her as the woman player on the team, she was identified by name, becoming a headline draw.
In 1922, Lizzie Murphy made history as the first female player to compete against major league players. The game, a charity exhibition at Fenway Park, featured all-star players from the New England and American Leagues facing off against the Boston Red Sox. Organized to raise funds for the family of the late Tommy McCarthy, a Baseball Hall of Fame inductee, Murphy joined the game in the fourth inning and even managed to score.
Throughout her seventeen-year professional career, Lizzie Murphy shattered stereotypes and earned respect for her exceptional talent on the baseball field. Her dedication and determination paved the way for future generations of women athletes, proving that gender should never limit one’s abilities or dreams.