Jacquelyn Kelley

Who was Jacquelyn Kelley?

Jacquelyn Kelley [née Savage] was a utility infielder/outfielder and pitcher who played from 1947 through 1953 in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Listed at 5 ft 7 in, 140 lb., she batted and threw right-handed.

Born in Lansing, Michigan, Jackie Kelley grew up in a household devoted to athletic activity. Notably, all four of her brothers were athletes and her mother was a star basketball player, while Jackie was a talented swimmer in pursuit of a professional career. On one occasion, her swimming skills led to saving two people from drowning. She also enjoyed all sports, particularly baseball, and had a strong interest in flying and photography.

Kelley was a versatile and dependable performer during her seven years in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, being able to play infield, outfield, and pitch with a strong level of consistency.

″Scrounge,″ or ″Babe,″ as Kelley was usually called, was spotted by a AAGPBL scout while she was playing in her hometown. She attended the 1947 AAGPBL spring training held in Havana, Cuba, and made the trip along with her fellow neighbor and long-time friend Alice Pollitt.