Jackie Mitchell: The Woman Who Struck Out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig
A Historical Perspective
In the annals of baseball history, one of the most intriguing stories is that of Jackie Mitchell, a 17-year-old girl who, in 1931, struck out two of the game’s greatest legends: Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig. This feat, which occurred during an exhibition game between the New York Yankees and the Chattanooga Lookouts, sent shockwaves through the baseball world and sparked a debate that continues to this day: Did Mitchell genuinely strike out Ruth and Gehrig, or was it a publicity stunt?
The Rise of Jackie Mitchell
Mitchell’s journey to the mound began in her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, where she honed her skills with the guidance of a neighbor and minor-league pitcher, Charles Arthur “Dazzy” Vance. Her exceptional talent and side-arm delivery caught the attention of Joe Engel, the president of the Chattanooga Lookouts, who signed her to a contract in 1931.
The Historic Game
On April 2, 1931, Mitchell took the mound against the mighty Yankees. With Ruth and Gehrig at the plate, she calmly wound up and delivered her signature sinker. Ruth swung and missed, then watched helplessly as his called third strike sailed past him. Gehrig suffered a similar fate, whiffing on three consecutive pitches.
Controversy and Debate
Mitchell’s strikeouts sent shockwaves through the baseball world, but they also ignited controversy. Some questioned whether Ruth and Gehrig had intentionally struck out to boost her confidence or to promote the game. Others suggested that Mitchell’s fastball lacked the necessary velocity to strike out major league batters.
Theories and Interpretations
Over the years, historians and baseball experts have weighed in on the legitimacy of Mitchell’s strikeouts. Some believe that Ruth and Gehrig may have been in on a plan to create a publicity stunt that would benefit both the Lookouts and the Yankees. Others argue that Mitchell was a genuinely talented pitcher who caught the Yankees off guard with her unusual delivery and nerves of steel.
The Impact on Women in Baseball
Mitchell’s strikeouts had a profound impact on women in baseball. She became a symbol of female athleticism and proved that women could compete with men, at least on the baseball diamond. However, her success was met with resistance from the baseball establishment, which maintained that women were not suited for the rigors of the sport.
The Legacy of Jackie Mitchell
Despite the controversy, Jackie Mitchell’s legacy endures as an inspiration to women athletes everywhere. Her story paved the way for other female pioneers in baseball, including Eleanor Engle, who played for the Harrisburg Senators in the 1950s, and Ila Borders, who joined the St. Paul Saints in the 1990s.
The Future of Women in Baseball
Today, women are still underrepresented in professional baseball, but there has been progress in recent years. Eri Yoshida, a knuckleballer from Japan, trained with the Boston Red Sox in 2010, and Justine Siegal became the first woman to throw batting practice for a major league team in 2011. While the path to the majors for female pitchers may be challenging, the legacy of Jackie Mitchell serves as a reminder that anything is possible with determination and skill.
