Betsy “Sockum” Jochum, one of the last surviving players from the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), has died at the age of 104. Jochum’s passing highlights the dwindling number of women who participated in this pioneering league, which has fewer than 30 members still living today. She was honored on NBC’s Today show shortly before her death on May 31, 2025.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1921, Jochum showcased her talent in women’s softball before being scouted for the AAGPBL, mirroring the story depicted in the beloved 1992 film A League of Their Own. She played for the South Bend Blue Sox from 1943 to 1948, making significant contributions to the team and the league. Over her six seasons, she emerged as a formidable player, notable for her consistent performance in the outfield and strong batting skills, even winning the league’s batting crown in 1948 with a lifetime batting average of .246.
After retiring from professional baseball, Jochum dedicated her career to education as a physical education teacher in the South Bend area. She remained connected to her roots in the sport, often attending AAGPBL reunions and events to inspire future generations of female athletes.
The AAGPBL itself was established by Phillip K. Wrigley, aiming to maintain interest in professional baseball while many men were away serving in World War II. From 1943 to 1954, the league provided over 600 women athletes with the chance to play at a professional level, marking a significant chapter in American baseball history.
Betsy’s legacy lives on as she continues to serve as a role model for women in sports, embodying the spirit and determination that the AAGPBL championed. Her story, and those of her fellow players, remind us of the important role women have played in the history of baseball and sports in general.