Mamie on the Mound

Mamie "Peanut" Johnson had one dream: to play professional baseball. She was a talented player, but she wasn't welcome in the segregated All-American Girls Pro Baseball League due to the color of her skin. However, a greater opportunity came her way in 1953 when Johnson signed to play ball for the Negro Leagues' Indianapolis Clowns, becoming the first female pitcher to play on a men's professional team. During the three years she pitched for the Clowns, her record was an impressive 33-8. But more importantly, she broke ground for other female athletes and for women everywhere.

For ages 8-12. 

About the Author: Leah Henderson was one of only two girls on a highly competitive “all-boys” traveling soccer team when she was young, so Mamie’s desire to play ball echoed her own. Leah is the author of several books for young readers, including Children’s Africana Book Awards notable, One Shadow on the Wall. She is a mentor and avid traveler, and her volunteer work has roots in West Africa. Leah holds an MFA in writing and is on faculty in Spalding University’s MFA program. She currently calls Washington, D.C., home.

About the Illustrator: George Doutsiopoulos graduated from the School of Economics of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece in 2005, but he decided to pursue a career in illustration, his true passion. In 2006, he won a prestigious comic competition and received a three-year, full scholarship to AKTO Applied Arts College in Athens, Greece. He has created illustrations for publishing houses like Scholastic and Heinemann, gaming companies, and other companies in the United States, Europe, and Asia. He specializes in illustrations for books, children's books, board games, online games and advertising. In addition, George teaches drawing, sketching and illustration to both children and adults.