Okay, so maybe the new Rockford Peaches TV series is being filmed in Pennsylvania, but a world class museum honoring the long history and impact of sports on the lives of girls and women will happen right here in Rockford.

One of the many highlights of the proposed International Women's Baseball Museum and Activity Center will be devoted the Rockford Peaches and their role in the The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL)

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A Little Bit Of History

The Rockford Peaches played between 1943 and 1954 as a founding member of the AAGPBL, and one of two teams to play in every AAGBPBL season. They made their home here in Rockford at Beyer Stadium, and they won the league championship of 1945, 1948, 1949, and 1950.

AAGPBL.org:

The League began as a non-profit organization owned by Philip Wrigley. He organized the league into 4 teams in smaller industrial cities within a reasonable traveling distance from Chicago. The Rockford Peaches were one of the original four teams in the League.

Oh yeah, there was also a little movie made about the Rockford Peaches that did pretty well at the box office.

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 Rockford's Plan For International Women's Baseball Museum and Activity Center

Wednesday, The International Women’s Baseball Center announced their $10 million fund raising initiative. The current plan is to build the museum on the grounds of Beyer Stadium, the former home of the Rockford Peaches. The activity center will be just across the street.

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23 WIFR News:

Campaign co-chair Rosemary Collins said this event, which includes dinner and a raffle, is a grand slam and will make the project possible.

“We’re kicking off on November 1 here at The Standard and Taco Betty’s,” Collins said.

Former Rockford Peaches players, like Shirley Burkovitch and Maybelle Blair will be there too, signing autographs and taking pictures.

More information, including a look at the plans for the museum center can be found by clicking here.

Construction Photos And More Of Rockford MetroCentre / BMO Harris Bank Center

 

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