In honor of Black History Month, the WPBL remembers the historic contributions of Black women to the sport and how they broke barriers in a time of shrinking opportunities for women’s pro baseball and racial segregation.
Toni Stone (Indianapolis Clowns, 1953–1954)
Toni Stone was the first Black woman to play regularly for a major‑level professional team during the segregated era. She signed with the Indianapolis Clowns, a men’s Negro League barnstorming team, and played second base, reportedly replacing Hank Aaron at the position and getting a hit off Satchel Paige in exhibition play. Her place on the Clowns challenged Jim Crow and showed a Black woman could compete alongside men.
Mamie “Peanut” Johnson (Indianapolis Clowns, 1953-1955)
Mamie Johnson started playing baseball with neighborhood boys as a child but found fewer opportunities for women as she grew up. Denied a tryout for The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) because of segregation, she joined the Indianapolis Clowns from 1953–1955. Going an amazing 33–8 over three years, Mamie proved women could be strong ballplayers and helped change public opinion during the early civil‑rights years.
Connie Morgan (Indianapolis Clowns, 1954)
Connie Morgan had completed five seasons with the all‑woman North Philadelphia Honey Drippers when scouts signed her to the Clowns in 1954. Playing 2nd base and hitting over .300, Morgan helped normalize the idea of women as a crowd‑drawing athletes in what was once thought of as male only sport.
These pioneering Black women played during a pivotal decade when organized women’s baseball was on the decline and racial segregation still limited opportunities for Black athletes. By competing, they proved Black women belonged in professional baseball and helped expand the sport’s possibilities for future generations.
During Black History Month and always, WPBL honors Toni Stone, Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, and Connie Morgan for breaking glass ceilings and paving the way for the next generation of women baseball players.