A League of Their Own: Actresses and Actual Players

In the 1992 film A League of Their Own, the characters' older versions are portrayed by well-established actresses. This article takes a closer look into whether these actresses were really members of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) as depicted in the film, exploring the differences and similarities between the actors and the actual players.

The Role of Established Actresses

The 1992 film A League of Their Own focuses on the lives of players in the AAGPBL during World War II. However, the movie's present-day segments featuring the older versions of the characters are acted out by accomplished actresses. Notable among these is Geena Davis as Dottie Hinson, Lori Petty as Kit Keller, Madonna as Mae Mordabito, and Rosie O’Donnell as Doris Murphy. These actresses bring their characters to life in the current-day scenes of the film, but they are not actual former members of the AAGPBL.

The Real Alice

Interestingly, in the past version of the film, the character Alice was played by Shirley Burkovich. Shirley was a real player, having played for the Rockford Peaches, Chicago Colleens, and Springfield Sallies.

Look-Alike Actresses vs. Real Athletes

The "older versions" of the players in the film were indeed portrayed by actresses, but the players seen on the field next to them were actual baseball players from the AAGPBL. This creates a stark contrast between the characters' lives and the realities of the sport during that period.

Behind the Scenes

For Lynn Cartwright, who played "Older Dottie," this was a significant career milestone. She began her acting career in 1959 in an episode of "The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin," but her role in A League of Their Own was her last. Similarly, Kathleen Butler, who played "Older Kit," was offered the role due to her resemblance to Lori Petty. This practice of casting based on physical appearance is not uncommon in film and television.

The Full Story

It's important to note that all the cast members, including the regular cast and supporting roles, were actresses and actors. The film features a blend of both fictional characters and real-life stories to provide a comprehensive and heartfelt portrayal of the women's contributions to baseball during World War II. Moreover, the ending of the film includes photos of actual AAGPBL players to emphasize the historical context and authenticity of the story.

The stars of A League of Their Own include Tom Hanks, Lisa Kudrow, and Jean Carrie Fisher, who are perfectly cast to bring the characters to life. The full cast and the complete story can be easily found by searching for A League of Their Own on Google.