Mitchell, Jackie (1912–1987)

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Mitchell, Jackie (1912–1987)

American baseball player. Name variations: Virne Gilbert. Born Virne Beatrice Mitchell, Aug 29, 1912; died Jan 1987 in Fort Oglethorpe, GA; daughter of Joe Mitchell (physician); m. Eugene Gilbert.

Was the 2nd woman ever to sign a men's minor-league baseball contract (Lizzie Arlington being the 1st); became a minor-league pitcher for Chattanooga Lookouts (Mar 1931), then struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig back-to-back in a controversial exhibition game between the Lookouts and New York Yankees (April 2, 1931); saw her contract rescinded one month later.

See also Women in World History.

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