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On Tuesday, Councilmember Wells introduced the “Mamie “Peanut” Johnson Field Designation Act of 2010” which will name the multipurpose field at the Rosedale Recreation Center after Mamie “Peanut” Johnson. Ms. Johnson was one of three women, and the first female pitcher, to play professional men’s baseball. In 1953, Bish Tyson, a former player with the Negro League, observed Ms. Johnson practicing at our own Rosedale Recreation Center. Mr. Tyson was overwhelmed by her athletic abilities and introduced her to Bunny Downs, Manager of the Indianapolis Clowns. After one tryout, Mamie Johnson made the team. Mamie Johnson had a 38-6 lifetime record and beat some of the best players in baseball history. She pitched at legendary stadiums such as Yankee Stadium, Comiskey Park and Griffith Stadium and her name appears on the Negro Leagues Wall of Fame, the only thing preserved from the old County Stadium in Milwaukee. While playing for the Clowns, Ms. Johnson became good friends with the legendary Satchel Paige -- who no doubt helped with her curve ball. Despite the history, even some of the best baseball fans have never heard of her. Naming the field in honor of Ms. Johnson will be a significant way to acknowledge and praise her accomplishments and career that began at the Rosedale Recreation Center. You can read more about Ms. Johnson in her biography A Strong Right Arm. ANC 6A heard from community members several months ago about the effort to name the field in honor of Ms. Johnson and have supported the initiative.
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2010-01-08 10:59:42 What a Great thing to do to Honor One of our African American Female Baseball Player. One Day the Major Leagues Baseball will permit Females to play with the Men Teams as the Negro Basball League did! I may not see this is my life time, but I Truly believed this will happen one day! I, Thank Council Member Tommy Wells Ward 6 for introducing the Mamie “Peanut” Johnson Field Designation Act of 2010” |
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