Gertrude Ganote

Who was Gertrude Ganote?

Gertrude Ganote [Weise] was an infielder and pitcher who played from 1944 through 1945 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5 ft 2 in, 134 lb, Ganote batted and threw left-handed. She was nicknamed ״Lefty″.

During her two years in the AAGPBL, Gertrude Ganote played excellent defense at first base and led the circuit in fielding average at her position in 1944. As a batter, she displayed ability to get on base, ran the bases well, and consistently hit line drives. In addition, she served as starter and long reliever when not playing at first base.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Ganote played softball in the local Girls Athletic Association during her high school years. She learned her baseball skills from her father, who was a professional ballplayer.

After graduating from Louisville Girls High School, Ganote worked in a printing company. In 1944, she decided to drive from Louisville to Wrigley Field in Chicago to attend a tryout for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. She was joined in the trip by fellow pitcher Anna Mae Hutchison, who also played with her for the Camera Corner Louisville championship team. Both girls made the final cut. Ganote was assigned to the Kenosha Comets, while Hutchison was allocated to the Racine Belles.