RIP Sophie Kurys

I found out that former AAGPBL player, Sophie Kurys, passed away yesterday at the age of 87.  She was one of the greatest female players to ever play the game of baseball.  She stole 201 bases in 1946 as a member of the Racine Belles.

More and more players from the AAGPBL, and Negro Leagues as well, are leaving us.  It is greatly important that we remember these folks and their contributions to the game because, soon, they will only live on in our stories and photos, etc.

I got a signed ball TTM from Ms. Kurys back in June and I sure am glad that I took the time to write her a letter and request that I have my ball signed.  I remember being really excited when I got the ball back and it still stands as one of my top 5 TTM successes.

Rest in peace, Ms. Kurys.  You will definitely be missed!

AAGPBL Signed Baseball - Dolly Niemiec Konwinski

One of the unexpected highlights of the National Card Show was meeting former AAGPBL (All American Girls Professional Baseball League for those of you who HAVEN'T Seen A League of Their Own) player Dolly Niemiec Konwinski.  She was in the AAGPBL booth with two other ladies who had played in their minor leagues.  I stood at their booth and listened as she greeted fans and signed autographs.  Finally, I asked her what she charged for a signed ball and she said 5 bucks.  I had to do it, so I got one of the balls I had in my backpack that was leftover from the Montgomery Biscuits game and had her sign it.

She also offered to pose for a picture, which I happily accepted.  She was just a gem of a lady, very sweet and friendly.  My wife went to their booth later and paid for a signed photo of Mrs. Konwinski.  We both left that booth really happy that we were able to meet and speak to someone who contributed to the history of the game.

Mrs. Konwinski (b. 1931) played in the AAGPBL (minor and major leagues) from 1948 to 1952 before her career was cut short due to an auto accident.  After her career ended, she went on to become a professional bowler and also coached her sons' little league teams.

TTM Success - Sophie Kurys

You've most likely never heard of her.  I hadn't until I did a Google search for TTM successes from former members of the AAGPBL (All American Girls Professional Baseball League).  Yeah, I had no idea who Sophie Kurys was, until the Google search brought up her name.  Then, I did a Wikipedia search and was astonished at the accolades that Kurys had received during her 10-season career, all with the Racine/Battle Creek Belles.

Among all professional baseball levels (minor leagues, MLB, Negro Leagues, Japan, AAGPBL), Kurys has the second most stolen bases of all time, second only to Rickey Henderson, with 1,114, which stood as a World Record until Rickey Henderson broke it in 1994.  Kurys was also a 4-time all star, 2-time league and playoff champion and she was the AAGPBL MVP in 1946.

She led the league in stolen bases seven times, once stealing 201 bases in a single season, which still stands as a record today.  To put that in perspective, Rickey Henderson has the MLB record of 130 that he set in 1984 and that record is 71 stolen bases fewer than Kurys' mark.

Kurys (b. 1925) is my 58th TTM success, and my first from the AAGPBL.  Many of you know of the AAGPBL from the 1992 film A League of Their Own (which is one of my favorite baseball movies, behind Bull Durham).  I still don't believe enough is said and written about the Womens' league.  Kurys would be a lock for the Hall of Fame if she had played in MLB.  Maybe someday soon, she might get actual consideration based on her career numbers.

In all, this is one TTM Success that I am really excited about.  The ball looks great and carries inscriptions showing her 1946 MVP and a message of luck to me.  Thanks Ms. Kurys!