History Daily: Babe Didrikson’s Hitless Inning
Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host: Lindsey Graham
Produced by: Airship | Noiser | Wondery
Episode Title: Babe Didrikson’s Hitless Inning
Introduction
On this episode of History Daily, host Lindsey Graham delves into the remarkable life and achievements of Mildred "Babe" Didrikson Zaharias, a pioneering female athlete whose versatility and prowess challenged the gender norms of her time. The episode centers around a pivotal moment on March 20, 1934, when Babe pitched a hitless inning against the Brooklyn Dodgers, marking a significant event in baseball history.
Babe Didrikson's Early Career
Babe Didrikson emerged as an extraordinary athlete during the early 1930s, excelling in multiple sports disciplines. From a young age, Babe demonstrated exceptional talent in basketball, baseball, softball, and track and field. Her nickname, "Babe," inspired by the legendary baseball player Babe Ruth, was a testament to her budding prowess in sports.
As Graham narrates, "[...] Babe dominated her school basketball and baseball teams, and after graduating, she continued winning on her employer's basketball, baseball, and softball teams" (05:34). Her dedication to track and field led her to set a world record in the baseball throw at the 1931 American Championship, reaching an impressive distance of 296 feet.
The 1932 Olympic Trials
In July 1932, at Dyke Stadium in Chicago, Babe competed in the Olympic Trials, entering eight out of ten possible events—a remarkable feat compared to her peers, who typically focused on one or two events. Her versatility and determination were evident as she excelled across various disciplines, securing her place on the United States Women's Olympic team.
Graham highlights, "Most competitors have focused on their best one or two events, but Babe has entered eight out of a possible ten" (05:32). Babe's exceptional performance not only showcased her athletic versatility but also set the stage for her future endeavors in multiple sports arenas.
Transition to Baseball: The Hitless Inning
Two years after her Olympic triumph, on March 20, 1934, Babe stepped onto the baseball field at a stadium in Fort Myers, Florida, to pitch against the Brooklyn Dodgers. This event was historically significant as Babe became only the second woman to play in a major league exhibition game.
As Graham recounts, "It's only the second time in baseball history that a woman has taken to the field in a major league exhibition game" (00:20). Despite facing skepticism and mockery from the opposing team, Babe was determined to prove her capabilities. Her performance was nothing short of extraordinary:
- First Pitch: A perfect fastball that thrilled the crowd and surprised the Dodgers (01:25).
- Second Pitch: Even faster and more precise, resulting in a strikeout (01:53).
Babe's resilience was palpable when she remarked, "She's used to being underestimated, and she's looking forward to proving this guy wrong" (01:25). Her hitless inning not only silenced the initial jeers but also left a lasting impression on both fans and players alike.
Post-Olympics and Baseball Appearances
Following her success in track and field, Babe capitalized on her fame by making guest appearances in professional baseball games. Her involvement in baseball was lucrative, allowing her to earn significantly more than the average female worker of her time. The Philadelphia A's and St. Louis Cardinals sought her participation, recognizing that Babe's presence could draw substantial crowds.
Graham notes, "Babe has recorded a hitless inning and the next morning's papers are full of praise" (14:14). However, Babe's aspirations extended beyond exhibition games; she sought to compete seriously against male athletes, striving not just for entertainment but for athletic recognition.
Despite facing challenges, including a game with the St. Louis Cardinals where she allowed four hits and three runs, Babe's commitment to excellence remained unwavering. Her performances demonstrated that female athletes could compete at high levels traditionally dominated by men.
Transition to Golf and Final Years
As Babe approached her mid-30s, she shifted her focus to golf, another field where she could leverage her competitive spirit and athletic skills. By embracing golf more seriously after losing her amateur status, Babe did not just participate but excelled, winning numerous major championships and solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest all-around sportswomen.
In July 1954, Babe achieved her tenth major golf title at the Women's U.S. Open, overcoming severe health challenges. Diagnosed with colon cancer, she defied medical advice by returning to competitive golf less than fourteen weeks post-surgery. Graham eloquently captures Babe's tenacity: "Less than 14 weeks after her operation, Babe was back competing in major tournaments" (07:50).
Despite her triumphant return and subsequent victories, Babe's battle with cancer ultimately led to her untimely death in 1956 at the age of 45. Her death was a significant loss to the sports world, but her unparalleled record across multiple sports continues to inspire future generations.
Legacy and Conclusion
Babe Didrikson Zaharias left an indelible mark on the world of sports. Her achievements spanned track and field, baseball, and golf, earning her two Olympic gold medals and ten major golf championships. Babe's hitless inning against the Brooklyn Dodgers remains a testament to her exceptional talent and determination to break gender barriers in professional sports.
Graham concludes, "Babe Didrickson Zaharias will die in 1956 at the age of just 45. But though her life is cut tragically short, she'll leave behind an unparalleled record of sporting success across multiple disciplines" (16:01). Babe's legacy as a trailblazer for female athletes endures, reminding us of the extraordinary accomplishments that can be achieved through perseverance and passion.
Notable Quotes
- Lindsey Graham [05:34]: "Most competitors have focused on their best one or two events, but Babe has entered eight out of a possible ten."
- Lindsey Graham [01:25]: "She's used to being underestimated, and she's looking forward to proving this guy wrong."
- Lindsey Graham [07:50]: "Less than 14 weeks after her operation, Babe was back competing in major tournaments."
- Lindsey Graham [16:01]: "Babe Didrickson Zaharias will die in 1956 at the age of just 45. But though her life is cut tragically short, she'll leave behind an unparalleled record of sporting success across multiple disciplines."
Next Episode Teaser:
On March 21, 1963, after holding America’s most notorious criminals for 29 years, the Federal Penitentiary on Alcatraz Island was closed. Tune in next time on History Daily to uncover the stories behind this iconic prison’s legacy.
History Daily is produced by Airship, Noiser, and Wondery. Special thanks to writers Owen Paul Nichols and Scott Reeves, managing producer Emily Byrne, and executive producers William Simpson and Pascal Hughes.