Rep. Windhorst Honors Massac County’s Weaver Sisters, Celebrates Women’s History Month
SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Representative and House Republican Floor Leader Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) rose on a Point of Personal Privilege in the Illinois House this week to honor Massac County’s very own Weaver Sisters for their extraordinary contributions to women’s professional baseball. Windhorst’s remarks were delivered in honor and celebration of Women’s History Month.
Here is a transcript of the remarks delivered by Rep. Windhorst honoring the Weaver Sisters:
“Today, in honor of Women’s History Month, I rise to honor the remarkable contributions of the Weaver sisters of Metropolis, Illinois, my hometown in Massac County. Betty Weaver Foss, Jean Weaver, and Joanne Weaver are three trailblazing women who made their mark on the baseball diamond and also helped pave the way for generations of female athletes to follow.
Betty, Jean, and Joanne were standout players of the Fort Wayne Daisies in the All-American Girls professional baseball league. Betty, whose nickname was ‘Fossey’, was Rookie of the Year in 1950, and Player of the Year in 1952. She was the league’s all-time leader in doubles and the single-season record holder for hits, doubles, and triples.
Jean’s best season came in 1953 when she posted a 7-in-1 pitching record with a .313 batting average as a hitter.
Joanne whose nickname was ‘Joltin’ Jo’, won three consecutive batting titles. In 1954, she set the league single-season record for batting average, home runs, and stolen bases, winning the Player of the Year award.
The Weaver sisters’ incredible talent, determination, and passion for the game occurred during a time when opportunities for women in sports were few and far between. Their dedication to excellence and love for the game earned them a lasting place in the history of women’s professional baseball.
The legacy of the Weaver sisters lives on in part through the beloved movie, A League of Their Own, which drew inspiration from the pioneering women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Their story reminds us that the fight for equality is often won not just by those in the spotlight, but by the countless women whose perseverance and courage helped change the course of history.
Today during Women’s History Month, we celebrate Betty, Jean, and Joanne Weaver not only for their athletic achievements but for the doors they opened for women everywhere. The contributions made by the Weaver sisters remind us that, indeed, there is no crying in baseball.”