In 1900, baseball was America’s national pastime. No other form of entertainment came close.
The town of Warren, Rhode Island, had several amateur teams, and Lizzie Murphy followed them all. Her father had played on one as a young man. Her brother, Henry, was on one of the best boys’ teams.
To sharpen his game, Henry played catch with Lizzie for hours. Thunk! Thunk! Thunk! Even at six years old, Lizzie threw straight to Henry’s glove.
“You’re a natural, Lizzie,” her father said.
“Don’t encourage her,” said her mother. “Baseball’s not a game for girls.”
“But she loves it,” her father said. “She can throw and catch as well as any boy.” He gave Lizzie his old ball and glove. She carried them everywhere.
Lizzie went to all of Henry’s…
