A League of Their Own, IRL

Shirley Burkovich

Photo courtesy of the AAGPBL Players Association

About her: A native of Swissvale, Pa., Shirley Burkovich was a utility player in the AAGPBL for three seasons. Following her time in the league, she spent 30 years working at Pacific Bell (now SBC), starting as an operator and working her way up to assistant engineer. Since retiring at age 50, Shirley has enjoyed traveling and doing baseball clinics for kids through the organizations Kids in Sports and Sports Educators of America. She is one of the few AAGPBL players who had a speaking part in the film “A League of Their Own” (as “Older Alice”). Shirley served as a member of the board of directors of the AAGPBL Players Association, the organization as Treasurer for many years. Shirley enjoyed her time in the league and best remembers her game-ending single to center field to drive in the winning run — and end a 12-inning game.

Best advice: My best piece of advice came from my dad. He told me, in baseball as well as life, you will have highs and lows. You have to learn to cope with both. I have carried that advice all through my life.