Janet Wiley

Who is Janet Wiley?

Janet M. Wiley [Sears] was an infielder and pitcher who played from 1950 through 1953 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5 ft 4 in, 112 lb, she batted and threw right-handed.

A member of a champion team, Janet Wiley saw his career shortened due to a severe injury and a polemic suspension.

Born in South Bend, Indiana, Janet was one of six children born to Adam and Lucy Wiley. She was called ״Pee Wee״, a nickname that she acquired at an early age while playing sandlot ball with her three brothers and the boys of her neighborhood. She grew up watching her hometown South Bend Blue Sox play at Playland Park. Then she had an inside track on the league when she became a bat girl for her home team in the 1945 season. Her duties varied from collecting the bats to keeping ice water ready for the players during games. She alternated with her fellow bat girl in working for the visiting teams as well.

Wiley also participated in summer training camps sponsored by the Blue Sox. The team developed these camps to encourage South Bend girls who wished to play baseball but had no opportunities at their schools.