Born: November 17, 1881
Biography:
Maud Nelson, born Clementina Brida on November 17, 1881, was a trailblazing Italian-born American professional woman baseball pitcher, scout, manager, and team owner. She left an indelible mark on women’s baseball during a time when women’s participation in the sport was still met with resistance.
Nelson’s journey in baseball began at the age of 16 when she joined the Boston Bloomer Girls as a starting pitcher. This marked the start of her professional career, where she quickly gained recognition for her exceptional skills on the mound. Nelson eventually played for various professional baseball teams, including the American Athletic Girls.
However, it was with the Chicago Stars that Nelson truly asserted her dominance. The team was renowned as the Champions of the World, and Nelson served as their star pitcher from 1902 to 1903. The team toured across the country in a luxurious Pullman coach, showcasing their talent and captivating audiences everywhere. Alongside her pitching duties, Nelson also displayed her versatility by occasionally playing third base in later innings.
One notable aspect of the Chicago Stars team was the presence of other exceptionally skilled players, including Julie St Clair and Maggie Burke. Nelson’s teamwork with these players contributed to the team’s success.
In 1905, Nelson and her husband, John B. Joe Olsen, moved to Watervliet, Michigan, where they established a new women’s baseball team called the Cherokee Indian Base Ball Team. Part of their innovative setup was a Pullman car equipped with electric lighting facilities, a grandstand, and a 12-foot by 1200-foot fence. Despite being born in Italy, Nelson was an integral part of the team, and Olsen proudly proclaimed her as the undisputed women’s champion pitcher of the world.
Expanding her role in women’s baseball, Nelson became the owner-manager of the Western Bloomer Girls in 1911, alongside her first husband. The Bloomer Girl style of play was well-known, offering a more accessible game for women, and the team’s distinctive bloomer-style dress became synonymous with women’s baseball.
In addition to her managerial duties, Nelson also ventured into the realm of baseball scouting in 1911, recruiting both male and female players for various professional teams. Her keen eye for talent and dedication to the growth of the sport helped pave the way for future generations of players.
Tragedy struck when John Olsen passed away in 1917. Despite the loss, Nelson continued her involvement in the game, playing for the Boston team and managing a women’s team for the Chicago Athletic Club. Her unwavering passion for the sport remained unshaken.
In the early 1920s, Nelson married Costante Dellacqua, and together they formed the All Star Ranger Girls team. This unique team donned cowboy hats, skirts, shirts, and cardigans adorned with the initials A and R on the sleeve, showcasing their independent and pioneering spirit.
Even towards the end of her career, Nelson continued to contribute to the growth of women’s baseball. In 1934, she signed future star Rose Gacioch to her team, recognizing her talent and potential. However, softball gradually gained popularity, leading to the decline of the Bloomer Girls teams.
Despite her contributions and accomplishments, Nelson’s legacy faded over time, until in 2001, she received belated recognition. She was posthumously inducted into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.
Maud Nelson’s undeniable talent, determination, and resilience made her a formidable force in women’s baseball. She shattered barriers and proved that women belonged on the diamond. Her impact on the sport and her role in expanding opportunities for women athletes solidify her place in women’s history.
Awards:
– Inductee into the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame (2001)