Women’s Baseball League Star Dies At 84

Family and friends are mourning the loss of a valley woman who was in a league of her own. Dorothy Kamenshek has died at the age of 84.

Dorothy was the face of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League from its inception in 1943 til her retirement in 1953. The league was established during World War II so interest wouldn’t wane in the game while the men were off to war.

Dorothy or Kammie as she was known by her friends was so skilled at the plate and first base, a minor league men’s team wanted to sign her away from the Rockford Peaches. But she graciously declined the offer. “The most amazing first baseman I’ve ever seen.” Said Ruth Davis who was a bat girl on the South Bend Blue Sox. “There’s a video of her practicing, it’s a blur of graceful movements.” Said Davis. Mary Lou Hamilton was a pitcher on the South Bend Blue Sox. She says Kamenshek had no rivals when she had a bat in her hands. “She could lay down a bunt, she could spot where they were in the infield or for that matter the outfield. She could lay down a hit before you could blink an eye lash.” Said Hamilton.

Kamenshek was the all time batting leader for the women’s pro baseball league. A private funeral service is scheduled for Tuesday.