MAMIE ON THE MOUND: A Woman in Baseball’s Negro Leagues written by Leah Henderson and colorfully illustrated by George Doutsiopoulos is a non- fiction picture book for middle graders about the first female pitcher in professional baseball.
Mamie “Peanut” Johnson born in 1935 dreamed of becoming a baseball player her whole life from her childhood days in South Carolina to her years in Washington D.C. As she grew-up she played a lot of sandlot baseball, developed her pitching arm and gained confidence that she could play as well as anyone. She was rarely discouraged even when she was not allowed to join the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. When she was 19 years old, however, she finally got a chance to play professional ball for the Negro League’s Indianapolis Clowns.
Life with the Clowns was exciting as well as full of hard work. The team travelled from city to city sleeping on the bus and was often confronted with signs that said “whites-only water fountains, whites-only service at restaurants and whites-only hotels.” The illustration of Mamie and two male ballplayers being turned away from a local diner is very powerful.
The final double spread illustration of Mamie, clear eyed and confident, winding up for the pitch in front of a stadium of fans at the close of her career is engaging. Her three-year record with the Clowns was 33-8!
The Afterword tells the reader how Mamie went on to receive a nursing degree from North Carolina A&T and raise a family.
MAMIE ON THE MOUND: A Woman In Baseball’s Negro Leagues written by Leah Henderson and illustrated by George Doutsiopoulos is a winning story for early middle grade readers and fans of the Great American Pastime! (Capstone Editions/ an imprint of Capstone, 2020).
Questions for Mamie On the Mound: A Woman in Baseball’s Negro Leagues
Mamie was called Mamie “Peanut” Johnson. Why did was she given this nickname? Do some research online and find other nicknames given to baseball players. Have you ever had a nickname? Why did it seem appropriate for your family and friends to call you by that nickname? Did you approve of this nickname? What would you have liked your nickname to be? Why?
The Afterword discusses the fact that President Clinton and President Obama both celebrated Mamie Johnson and her contribution to baseball and the Negro Leagues. If you were asked to design a medal for her what would it look like? Remember she was a pitcher, she never gave up, one of her heroes was Jackie Robinson, she played for the Indianapolis Clowns and she went on to become a nurse. Now use your imagination and draw your design for her medal.
Take another look at the illustrations that depict Mamie and her baseball friend Rita going to try out for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Read the picture of them getting off the bus. Are they excited or happy or cautious? How can you tell? Now look at them at the tryouts. What are they feeling? How can you tell?
