Team featured in ‘A League of Their Own’ turns 75

The northern Illinois city that had its women’s baseball team immortalized in the film “A League of Their Own” is celebrating the team’s 75th anniversary.

The 1992 film starring Tom Hanks and Geena Davis focused on the Rockford Peaches and the launch of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League during the Second World War.

The city of Rockford is planning a series of celebratory events starting on May 30, the anniversary of the league’s first games. Events include an exhibition game and an outdoor screening of the movie.

“The celebration will remind us of that summertime family fun that we like to hark back to,” Sheryl Hall, one of the celebration co-chairs, said at the City Hall announcement. “It will give us all a chance to have fun in a familyfriendly environment.”

The events coincide with a US$7-million capital campaign to establish the International Women’s Baseball Center, the Rockford Register Star reported. The planned museum and training facility will be across the street from Beyer Stadium, the former playing field of the Rockford Peaches.

“There are a lot of people who want to see this (project) succeed,” said Kat Williams, the centre’s president.

Sponsors who contribute $5,000 will have the opportunity to team up with stars of “A League of Their Own” during the events and play against the Rockford Starfires in an exhibition game at the stadium.