Throw like a girl.
The traditions of the Philadelphia Negro Leagues can still be seen in today’s world. Discover some recent examples of barrier breaking. Much progress has been made, but there’s plenty more to be done.
In 1972, the national little league organization tried to prevent Maria Pepe from playing for her local New Jersey team. The state’s Civil Rights Division and court system made the practice illegal, thus paving the way for girls in Little League Baseball.
Philadelphia native Connie Morgan was the third woman to play professional baseball in the Negro Leagues. She joined the Indianapolis Clowns of the Negro American League in 1954, playing second base for manager Oscar Charleston, formerly of Hilldale.
anderson monarchs
Breaking barriers today
South Philly native, Mo’ne Davis is the latest in the line of Barrier Breakers using baseball to promote social justice and equality.
Mo’ne grew up playing baseball with the Anderson Monarchs youth program. The group made an incredible run in the 2014 Little League World Series and Mo’ne became the first girl to earn a win and throw a shutout in LLWS history.
She played softball at historically Black Hampton University and is currently pursuing a career in sports media – watch for her in the broadcast booth!
Formed in 1995, the Anderson Monarchs have provided athletic and educational opportunities to thousands of underserved youth in Philadelphia.
Their teams compete on a national level and players often continue playing in college.
The Anderson Monarchs name is a combination of renowned singer Marian Anderson (who lived where their field currently stands) and the Kansas City Monarchs (Jackie Robinson’s Negro League team).
