The AAGPBL
Faye Dancer (Died on May 22; age 77; breast cancer): One of the top stars of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL), Dancer became the inspiration for one of the main characters in the 1992 film, A League of Their Own. Dancer, a hustling player and colorful player, became the basis for the character of "All the Way Mae," portrayed by Madonna in the hit film. Dancer played from 1944 to 1950, starring as a center fielder and pitcher for the Minneapolis Millerettes, Fort Wayne Daisies, and Peoria Red Wings. She enjoyed one of her best seasons in 1948, stealing 108 bases… Dancer is immortalized at the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, where a photograph, along with her spikes and glove, are displayed in the "Women in Baseball" exhibit.

Millie Deegan (Died on July 22; age 82; cancer): A veteran of 10 seasons in the AAGPBL, Deegan starred as a pitcher and second baseman for the Rockford Peaches, the team portrayed in A League Of Their Own.