First African American woman to play in the Negro Leagues, breaking racial and gender barriers in professional baseball. She played for the Newark Eagles in 1944.
Inez Voyce, affectionately nicknamed "Lefty," was a pioneering female baseball player who made history in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) from 1946 to 1953. As a talented first basewoman, Voyce left an indelible mark on the sport, breaking barriers and inspiring generations of women to follow in her footsteps.
Born on August 16, 1924, in Rathbun, Iowa, Voyce grew up with a passion for sports, playing sandlot ball with her brothers and listening to Chicago Cubs games on the radio. She honed her skills in high school, playing on the girls' basketball and softball teams, before attending business college at the American Institute of Commerce in Davenport from 1942 to 1943.
Voyce's baseball journey began in 1946 when she attended the AAGPBL spring training in Pascagoula, Mississippi. She made the cut and was assigned to the South Bend Blue Sox, where she hit a .210 average in 104 games. The following season, she was traded to the Grand Rapids Chicks, with whom she spent the majority of her seven-year AAGPBL career.
During her time with the Chicks, Voyce blossomed into one of the league's most dynamic hitters. In 1947, she hit .214 in 113 games, finishing third in runs batted in (45) and forming a potent one-two punch with Connie Wisniewski. The Chicks, managed by Johnny Rawlings, went on to win two league titles, with Voyce playing a pivotal role in their success.
Inez Voyce's remarkable career paved the way for future generations of women in baseball. Her trailblazing spirit, talent, and dedication to the sport inspired countless young women to pursue their own baseball dreams. Today, Voyce is remembered as a pioneering icon in the world of women's baseball, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and motivate.
Voyce's life was marked by remarkable personal milestones, including her service as a secretary to the legal officer at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco, California, during World War II, where she attained the rank of second class yeoman.
Inez Voyce's remarkable life and career serve as a testament to her unwavering dedication, perseverance, and passion for baseball. Her legacy continues to inspire and motivate, ensuring that her impact on the sport will be felt for generations to come.
Born in 1919
Trailblazing baseball player who broke the sport's color barrier in 1947, becoming a symbol of racial integration and a civil rights icon.
Born in 1906
Legendary baseball player and coach who broke racial barriers in the sport, known for his exceptional pitching skills and charismatic personality.
Born in 1911
Legendary slugger of the Negro Leagues, known for his impressive home run hitting and powerful swing, earning him the nickname "the black Babe Ruth."
Born in 1903
Legendary speedster and trailblazing manager who shattered racial barriers in baseball, earning a spot in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Born in 1901
Noted slugger and Negro Leagues legend, known for his impressive power and strong throwing arm, earning him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
