| FOREWORD When you become a player in the
All-American Girls Baseball League you have reached the highest
position that a girl can attain in this sport. The All-American
Girls Baseball League is getting great public attention because
it is pioneering a new sport for women.
You have certain responsibilities because you too are in the
limelight. Your actions and appearance both on and off the field
reflect on the whole profession. It is not only your duty to do
your best to hold up the standard of this profession but to do
your level best to keep others in line.
The girls in our League are rapidly becoming the heroines of
youngsters as well as grownups all over the world. People want
to be able to respect their heroines at all times. The
All-American Girls Baseball League is attempting to establish a
high standard that will make you proud that you are a player in
years to come.
We hand you this manual to help guide you in your personal
appearance. We ask you to follow the rules of behavior for your
own good as well as that of the future success of girls'
baseball.
In these few pages you will find many of the simple and brief
suggestions which should prove useful to you during the busy
baseball season. If you plan your days to establish an easy and
simple routine, so that your meals are regular and well
balanced, so that you have time for outside play and relaxation,
so that you sleep at least eight hours each night and so that
your normal functions are regular, you will be on the alert, do
your job well and gain the greatest joy from living. Always
remember that your mind and your body are interrelated and you
cannot neglect one without causing the other to suffer. A
healthy mind and a healthy body are the true attributes of the
All American girl.
Your
ALL AMERICAN GIRLS BASEBALL LEAGUE BEAUTY KIT
Should always contain the following:
Cleansing Cream
Lipstick
Rouge - Medium
Cream Deodorant
Mild Astringent
Face Powder for Brunette
Hand Lotion
Hair Remover
You should be the best judge of your own beauty requirements.
Keep your own kit replenished with the things you need for your
own toilette and your beauty culture and care. Remember the
skin, the hair, the teeth and the eyes. It is most desirable in
your own interests, that of your teammates and fellow players,
as well as from the standpoint of the public relations of the
league that each girl be at all times presentable and
attractive, whether on the playing field or at leisure. Study
your own beauty culture possibilities and without overdoing your
beauty treatment at the risk of attaining gaudiness, practise
[sic] the little measure that will reflect well on your
appearance and personality as a real All American girl.
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SUGGESTED BEAUTY ROUTINE
"After the Game"
Remember, the All American girl is subjected to greater
exposure through her activities on the diamond, through exertion
in greater body warmth and perspiration, through exposure to
dirt, grime and dust and through vigorous play to scratches,
cuts, abrasions and sprains. This means extra precaution to
assure all the niceties of toilette and personality. Especially
"after the game," the All American girl should take time to
observe the necessary beauty ritual, to protect both her health
and appearance. Here are a few simple rules that should prove
helpful and healthful "after the game."
1. Shower well and soap the skin.
2. Dry thoroughly to avoid chapping or chafing.
3. Apply cleansing cream to face - remove with tissue.
4. Wash face with soap and water.
5. Apply skin astringent.
6. Apply rouge moderately but carefully.
7. Apply lipstick with moderate taste.
8. Apply eye make-up if considered desirable.
9. Apply powder.
10. Check all cuts, abrasions or minor injuries.
If you suffer any skin abrasion or injury, or if you discern
any aches or pains that do not appear to be normal, report them
at once to your coach-chaperon or the person responsible for
treatment and first aid. Don't laugh off slight ailments as
trivialities because they can often develop into serious
infection or troublesome conditions that can handicap your play
and cause personal inconvenience. See that your injuries,
however slight, receive immediate attention. Guard your health
and welfare.
ADDITIONAL BEAUTY ROUTINE
"Morning and Night"
In the morning, when you have more time to attend to your
beauty needs, you will undoubtedly be enabled to perform a more
thorough job. Use your cleansing cream around your neck as well
as over the face. Remove it completely and apply a second time
to be sure that you remove all dust, grease and grime. Wipe off
thoroughly with cleansing tissue. Apply hand lotion to keep your
hands as lovely as possible. Use your manicure set to preserve
your nails in a presentable condition and in keeping with the
practical needs of your hands in playing ball.
TEETH
Not a great deal need be said about the teeth, because every
All American girl instinctively recognizes their importance to
her health, her appearance and her personality. There are many
good tooth cleansing preparations on the market and they should
be used regularly to keep the teeth and gums clean and healthy.
A regular visit to a reliable dentist is recommended and
certainly no tooth ailment should be neglected for a moment.
BODY
Unwanted or superfluous hair is often quite common and it is
no problem to cope with in these days when so many beauty
preparations are available. If you have such hair on arms or
legs, there are a number of methods by which it can be easily
removed. There is an odorless liquid cream which can be applied
in a few moments, permitted to dry and then showered off.
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DEODORANTS
There are a number of very fine deodorants on the market
which can be used freely all over the body. The most important
feature of some of these products is the fact that the fragrance
stays perspiration-proof all day long. These deodorants can be
used especially where excess perspiration occurs and can be used
safely and effectively without retarding natural perspiration.
The All American girl is naturally susceptible because of her
vigorous activities and it certainly pays dividends to be on the
safe side. Deodorant keeps you fresh and gives you assurance and
confidence in your social contacts.
EYES "The Eyes are the Windows of the Soul"
The eyes indicate your physical fitness and therefore need
your thoughtful attention and care. They bespeak your innermost
thoughts - they reflect your own joy of living - or they can
sometimes falsely bespeak the listlessness of mind and body.
Perhaps no other feature of your face has more to do with the
impression of beauty, sparkle and personality which you portray.
A simple little exercise for the eyes and one which does not
take much time can do much to strengthen your eyes and add to
their sparkle and allure. Turn your eyes to the corner of the
room for a short space of time, then change to the other corner.
Then gaze at the ceiling and at the floor alternately. Rotating
or rolling your eyes constitutes an exercise and your eyes will
repay you for the attention that you give to them. There are
also vitamins prescribed for the care of the eyes. Drink plenty
of water and eat plenty of vegetables. We all know well that the
armed forces found carrots a definite dietary aid to eyesight.
Use a good eyewash frequently and for complete relaxation at
opportune moments, lie down and apply an eye pad to your eyes
for several minutes.
HAIR "WOMAN'S CROWNING GLORY."
One of the most noticeable attributes of a girl is her hair,
woman's crowning glory. No matter the features, the clothes, the
inner charm or personality - they can all suffer beneath a
sloppy or stringy coiffure. Neither is it necessary to feature a
fancy or extravagant hair-do, because a daily program for the
hair will help to keep it in healthful and attractive condition.
Neatness is the first and greatest requirement. Arrange your
hair neatly in a manner that will best retain its natural style
despite vigorous play. Off the diamond, you can readily arrange
it in a softer and more feminine style, if you wish. But above
all, keep your hair as neat as possible, on or off the field.
Brushing the hair will help a great deal more than is
realized. It helps to stimulate the scalp which is the source of
healthful hair growth. It develops the natural beauty and lustre
of the hair, And it will not spoil the hair-do. When brushing,
bend over and let your head hang down. Then brush your hair
downward until the scalp tingles. Just a few minutes of this
treatment each day will tend to keep your scalp in fine
condition and enhance the beauty of your "crowning glory."
MOUTH
Every woman wants to have an attractive and pleasing mouth.
As you speak, people watch your mouth and you can do much, with
a few of the very simplest tools, to make your mouth invitingly
bespeak your personality. Your beauty aids should, of course,
include an appropriate type of lipstick and a brush. They should
be selected with consideration and care.
With your lipstick, apply two curves to your upper lip. Press
your lips together. Then, run your brush over the lipstick and
apply it to your lips, outlining them smoothly. This is the
artistic part of the treatment in creating a lovely mouth.
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Patient practice and care make perfect. Open your mouth and
outline your own natural curves. If your lips are too thin to
please you, shape them into fuller curves. Now, use a tissue
between your lips and press lightly to take off excess lipstick.
If you wish to have a "firmer foundation," use the lipstick a
second time and use the tissue "press" again.
Caution: Now that you have completed the job, be sure that
the lipstick has not smeared your teeth. Your mirror will tell
the tale - and it is those little final touches that really
count.
HANDS
The hands are certainly among the most expressive
accoutrements of the body - they are always prominent and
noticeable - and while feminine hands can be lovely and lily
white, as described in the ads, the All American girl has to
exercise practical good sense in preserving the hands that serve
her so faithfully and well in her activities. Cleanliness and
neatness again come to the fore. Your hands should be thoroughly
cleaned and washed as frequently as seems desirable or
necessary, and especially after games, they should be cleaned to
remove all dust and grime. Soap and water and pumice will do
this job to perfection. Then a protective cream should be
applied to keep hands soft and pliable and to avoid crack and
over-dryness. Your nails should be gone over lightly each day,
filing to prevent cracks and splits, oiling for the cuticle.
The length of your nails, of course, depends largely upon the
requirements of your play. Keep them neat and clean and your
hands will always be attractive.
FACE "ALL BEAUTY COMES FROM WITHIN"
To the All American girl, who is exposed to the elements, to
the sun, to the wind and to the dust, it is most essential that
every precaution be taken for the care of the skin. It should be
covered with a protective substance of cream or liquids
depending entirely upon whether your skin is dry or oily. If it
is dry, the cream type is recommended and if it is oily, you
should use the liquid type. A good cleansing cream can serve as
a cleanser, a powder base, a night cream and also a hand lotion.
It is a good idea to have such an all-around utility cream on
hand at all times and to use it regularly for these purposes.
FOR YOUR COLORING - again it depends on your particular
complexion and whether you have an abundance of natural color
tones or need very little coloring. You can determine this in
keeping with good taste to acquire the necessary results. People
who are naturally pale, of course, need the coloring to help
their complexion.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
A prime requisite of the All American girl is physical
fitness in the highest degree attainable. Your daily performance
depends largely on your own physical condition and you will play
better ball if you are relaxed, rested, clear of eye and mind
and functioning properly in all parts of your physical make-up.
Regular hours, plenty of sleep and good, wholesome foods at
regular hours are highly important to you and to your success.
It is necessary for every active person to consume the basic
foods like milk, meat, fruits, vegetables, potatoes and bread.
Everyone is familiar with the types of food that are not good if
eaten to excess and select a list of those things which are good
for you and eaten in good balance. If you are inclined to be
overweight or gain too much, you naturally cut down on the
butter, cream, sweets, sodas and similar fattening foods. If you
are underweight, you can eat these things in greater abundance,
drink lots of milk, take a snack between meals, get plenty of
rest and eat a little more of the "don'ts." Players who are
active in the game every day should not have too much trouble
from
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the standpoint of gaining weight. Exercise and activity helps
to burn up food and it also burns up energy. That's why you need
plenty of rest as well as wholesome, balanced meals. Invest good
sense in your body and it will pay you dividends.
To avoid stiffness from exercise and exertion, it is
advisable to take hot baths with plenty of sal soda dissolved
therein. Baths should be taken as soon as possible after
workouts. Vaseline can be used on any slight abrasion or cut.
Avoid spending too much time too often in a real hot bath, as
overdoing this has a tendency to weaken your strength and
resistance. In all things, practice moderation.
To relax at night lie flat on the back with arms down at
sides, low pillow and breathe in three sections - first
inflating the abdomen for two counts - then the diaphragm for
two counts and lastly the chest for two counts. Exhale in the
same manner; chest first, then the diaphragm and finally the
abdomen. As more control is gained four counts should be taken
for each section.
Before rising in the morning a healthy stretch will start
the circulation through the muscles. Lie flat on the back and
alternately tighten and relax the body. Point the toes toward
the foot of the bed and stretch the arms overhead, then point
the toes up and pull the heels toward the foot of the bed at the
same time lowering the arms to the sides and pushing palms of
hands toward the foot of the bed.
Roll onto L. side and stretch R. arm overhead and R. leg
straight down, bending the L. knee slightly. Reverse and repeat
several times.
FOR GENERAL LOOSENING AND CIRCULATION (Max Carey
Special)
1. Stand with weight even, heels and toes touching; raise
alternate heel from floor arching instep 8 times.
Continue the action lifting feet slightly from floor (RUNNING IN
PLACE.)
Continue lifting knees as high as possible 8 times. ( PONY TROT.
)
Continue lowering knees (running in place.)
REPEAT FROM BEGINNING.
Jump feet apart and inhale stretching upwards and outwards with
both arms; exhale lowering arms.
2. FOR SHOULDERS. Stand with feet slightly apart, one
arm behind back. Swing the free arm, from the shoulder, fist
lightly clenched, in rapid backward circle 16 times; repeat with
other arm; then reverse the swing forward with either arm.
3. FOR CHEST AND UPPER BACK. Stand erect, both arms extended
straight forward, palms down. Keeping arms taut, cross and
uncross wrists 9 times and swing arms wide open and back on
shoulder level.
4. TO RELAX NERVES IN BACK OF NECK,
Drop head forward and reach down with chin as far as possible
toward chest, then roll head slowly straight back completely
relaxed, rotate head in circle to the L. twice and a half so
that chin finishes on chest. Reverse the rotation twice to the
R. drop the head back again as far as possible, then forward
reaching to the chest with the chin again.
5. FOR ANKLES AND KNEES. With one foot advanced slightly
ahead of the other, hands on hips, bounce 4 times on balls of
feet with relaxed knees; reverse with other foot forward. Repeat
same using more elevation on the bounce.
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6. FOR ABDOMEN AND WAIST. Stand with weight on R. foot, L.
foot pointed to side, both arms raised to the R. Bending both
knees, swing arms and body downs I across and up to the L.
putting the weight on to the L. ft. The R. arm is now curved
over the head and body inclined as far as possible to the L.
Reverse. Repeat twice. Swing torso in a complete circle down to
the L. across and up to the L, back and around to the R.
Reverse.
7. FOR ELASTICITY (TENNIS JUMP)
Run 4 steps, R.L.R.L. and swing R. leg to side (making a jump
and landing on both feet simultaneously, feet together and
kneees bent) spring straight up, swing both arms overhead and
arching torso. Reverse beginning with L. foots Repeat to R. and
L. Run 8 steps backward, picking feet up in back. Then repeat
first part one to R. and once to L.
ON THE FLOOR
1. FOR MUSCLES OF ABDOMEN. Lie flat on back with hands under
the seat, palms on floor. Push down on the hands with the lower
back, contracting the muscles of the abdomen. Raise both legs
slowly to upright position and lower to ground.
2. FOR LEGS AND THIGHS. Lie flat on back, arm out at sides.
Eight straight kicks up and down with R. leg, reverse with L.
leg - Repeat 2 with R. leg and 4 with L. leg then 2 with R. leg
and 2 with L. leg.
3. FOR INSIDES OF THIGHS AND WAIST, Sit up with legs wide
apart as possible, arms extended on shoulder level. Sway body
and head over to L. leg R. arm overhead, L. arm forward,
straighten body opening arms on shoulder level; reverse; repeat
on both sides. Then with arms extended to sides, swing over
touching R. hand to L. leg, body and head forward, arms
straight. Raise body and reverse. Do this 8 times close legs
together and bend body forward over knees, arms stretched toward
feet. Slowly roll back to lying position.
4. To reduce thighs and seat. Sit erect, both legs straight
forward, feet together, toes turned up, fingertips in back of
head. Move forward, shifting weight from side to side (walking
on seat).
5. SH0ULDER STAND. (This exercise should not be used if one
is overweight.) With elbows braced on the floor, hands
supporting either side of waist, pull up, and stand on
shoulders, legs straight up. Keeping knees straight, kick down
with alternate feet, touching floor in back of head 8 times,
straighten legs and lower to floor swinging body and head
forward on to knees.
6. SPINE FLEXERS.
a. Sit erect (do not arch back) hands around knees which are
bent up to chest slowly slide feet forward keeping hand around
knees and drop head forward, completely arching back and pull
against the knees, return to original position.
b. Kneel down and sitting back on heels fold up, dropping
body forward over knees, forehead resting on ground, both arms
stretched back with backs of hands relaxed on floor. Come up
gradually straightening body (head and arms last) and raising
arms overhead, knees up straight. Lower body to original
position.
7. FOR SPINE AND CHEST. Kneel on one leg, stretch the other
leg back as straight as possible, stretch body forward, chin up
and lower torso forward, raising clasped hands in back, arms
straight.
8. FOR HIPS. Sit on side, both legs straight out, torso
raised and supported by both hands on floor, palms down
fingertips facing elbows slightly bent. Bend
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knee of uppermost leg up, so that pointed toe touches knee of
other leg. Kick leg straight up turning head towards it but
keeping torso facing front. Lower leg to original position.
Repeat 3 times, then keeping feet together and slightly off
floor swing around on seat to original position on other side.
Reverse.
9. FOR CIRCULATION. Lie on back completely relaxed, arms
overhead, palms up. Begin rolling over first from waist down
stretching the leg muscles and resisting from the waist up;
continue in one direction for several times and then reverse.
CLOTHES
Clothes, of course, have always been one of woman's great
problems and it might seem so to the All American girl. However,
with the exercising of good taste, the All American Girls
Baseball League player can solve her problem in a tasteful
manner and without great expense, without being encumbered with
too great a wardrobe for the summer months. The accent, of
course, is on neatness and feminine appeal. That is true of
appearances on the playing field, on the street or in leisure
moments. The uniforms adopted by the league have been designed
for style and appeal, and there is a trememdous [sic]
advantage to the girl and to the team which makes the best of
its equipment. From the standpoint of team morale, there is a
real "lift" noticeable in the smartly turned out and neatly
arrayed aggregation. And from the public appeal standpoint, it
is surprising how the crowd will respond to the team that
appears on the field with a neatness and "snap" in its
appearance. The smart looking teams invariably play smart ball
and you can add to your own drawing power and crowd appeal by
looking the part of a ball player on the field. Wear your cap
and keep it securely in place, Keep your uniform as clean and
neat as possible. Always secure your stockings so that they are
smooth and neat and remain in place. Keep your shoes clean and
shining. And see if you don't feel better and play better ball.
Here are some suggestions for the type of wardrobe which will
prove most useful and practical for you during the ball playing
season:
1. A dark suit made of material that is not easily crushed.
(A dark suit is suggested in preference to a light suit because
it will retain its neatness better in travelling and also in
inclement weather.)
2. Blouses that are easily laundered will add sparkle and
versatility to your suit.
3. Skirts, blouses and sweaters are worn a great deal and
will simplify your baggage problem on road trips.
4. Sports jackets and sports coats are very popular and are
worn with skirts a great deal in leisure moments at home or on
road trips.
5. It is recommended that you include a dress or two for
civic luncheons and other social functions in which you may
participate during the summer.
6. Slacks are not permitted for street wear but depending
upon your other recreation and sports activities, you might want
to include shorts or sportswear for tennis, golfing togs, swim
suit or such other items as you feel you may need.
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7. Shoes are for the most part casual. For street wear and
travel the various types of sport shoes are popular - flat
oxfords, walking shoes, saddle oxfords, etc. It is suggested
that at least one pair of dress shoes be included for wear with
frocks at more dressy affairs or social functions and luncheons.
8. Hats are seldom worn but if you wish to adorn your
tresses, you will find that the small type of sports hat is
often popular in the form of a cap or small brimmed slouch hat.
9. Bobby socks are generally acceptable but of course, you
will want two or three pairs of regular stockings for dress
wear.
10. A raincoat is a desirable item of the wardrobe and it
might be desirable to have a light-weight, compact type to
simplify your baggage problem on road trips.
11. Always carry your beauty kit with you when you go on road
trips and equip yourself with all necessary articles for your
toilette.
ETIQUETTE
Emily Post says that "charm cannot exist without good
manners." You do not have to have manners that follow particular
rules but the continued practice of kind and friendly impulses,
a kind, proper and courteous approach, cannot help but add to
your personality and give you a big advantage in dealing with
your every day contacts. Here are some simple suggestions that
will help you in your development of a pleasing personality on
and off the playing field.
1. INTRODUCTIONS. Always acknowledge and always make an
introduction in a pleasant and correct way. A man is always
presented to a lady, such as: "Miss Young, may I present Mr.
Smith," or "Miss Young, may I introduce Mr. Smith." The words
"present" and "introduce" are equally proper. You can also
present two people without the formal words of presentation
merely by pronouncing the two names, such as: "Miss Young! -
Miss Jones!" Never say: "Miss Young, shakes [sic] hands
with Mr, Smith" or "Miss Young.,, I want to make you acquainted
with Mr. Smith." Under all possible circumstances the reply to
an introduction is "How do you do?" Well bred people do not say:
"Pleased to meet you" but when it is actually true, you can say:
"I am VERY glad to meet you." When a gentleman is introduced to
a lady, she smiles, bows lightly and says: "How do you do!" It
is her place to offer her hand or not, as she chooses, but if he
puts out his hand, she of course gives him hers.
2. SPEECH. "You know she is a lady as soon as she opens
her mouth." The first requirement for charm of speech is a
pleasing voice. A low voice, instead of a high-pitched voice, is
always most pleasing. Making yourself heard is also most
desirable. Speak out clearly and enunciate properly. Be careful
with the use of slang and the slurring of words in your
contacts and conversations with the public.
3. IN PUBLIC PLACES. The All American girl should avoid
behavior that would make her conspicuous in public. One of the
cardinal rules is not to talk too loudly. She should avoid using
other people's names in a loud voice or making personal remarks
that might be overheard by others. And there is nothing more
vulgar than bragging about personal possessions, accomplishments
or achievements. Do not use a loud voice, do not stare at
people, do not knock into people and do not indulge in loud
argument [sic] in public. In short, avoid attracting
attention to yourself through poor manners.
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4. SPORTSMANSHIP. Sportsmanship on the field and off is
definitely aligned with etiquette. There is such a thing as
wanting to win and fighting to win with all your heart and this
is both commendable and desirable. It is another thing, however,
to become known as a "poor loser" who cannot accept the
inevitable defeats in good grace. When you play ball, play hard
and play for all you are worth. It is understandable, in the
heat of excitement and the intense desire to win, that you may
occasionally differ with a decision and impulse to protest
violently is hard to control. The usually accepted pattern of a
sportsman is the one who gives no expression or gesture of
either chagrin or satisfaction and this is an admirable pattern.
However, it is hard to control emotions completely and it is
expected that a player might show dissatisfaction in the face of
a bad "break" in the game and equal pleasure with a successful
maneuver, Your pleasure at accomplishing a good play or winning
a game, however, should not take on the appearance of gloating
or bragging over your opponents. Win gracefully and modestly and
lose gracefully too, if you can. Above all, avoid the show-off
attitude in front of your opponents and the public. Be courteous
and considerate in the event of unavoidable accidents or
contacts on the field. Play the game hard and fair and you will
earn the recognition and respect of teammates, opponents and
public.
5. THE BASEBALL FAN. There is an old saying that "The
customer is always right." This, in a sense, holds true of the
baseball fan, who exercises the right to talk to you without
knowing you, to shout at you from the stands and to voice his
opinion, good or bad, of the play on the field. After all, he is
your customer and he feels that you, as a player, and the team,
belong to him. For the most part, the fans encountered in the
All American Girls Baseball League are understanding and
considerate. They are loyal to their home team and its players
and it is not often that a player is subjected to even good
natured verbal abuse for any shortcomings or failures. In other
cities but your home town, you may expect the crowd to be good
naturedly hostile to your cause. It is naturally pulling for the
home town to win, Don't let this attitude bother your play. Ball
players who hear all the pointed shouts and remarks in the
stands are said to have "rabbit ears". Above all, don't let the
remarks of any fans arouse your own ire to the point where you
make a scene or display poor sportsmanship. Fans who become
seriously objectionable in language or actions are automatically
taken care of by the management and the fans at All American
Girls League games are the highest calibre [sic]
attending any sport in America.
6. DEALING WITH THE PUBLIC, Because you are a ball player and
a member of the team in your home town city, it is taken for
granted that you will be popular and well known by sight. Both
younger and older people will be interested in you and you will
soon get over being surprised when strangers approach you and
call you by your name. You may not know them and may never have
seen them before but at the ball park, especially, you will know
that they are fans who are interested in you or interested in
the team. You will be asked for autographs and you will be asked
questions about yourself and about the team. Be as friendly and
gracious as you possibly can on these occasions. Your own
personality represents your team and all of the girls in the All
American League. Don't be abrupt or rude to fans if you can
possibly avoid it. Letting them feel that they know you, giving
them a good impression through your speech and mannerisms, will
help to make them regular and steady fans and will develop more
"customers" for the league and greater success for you
personally. Autograph "hounds" and other people can sometimes
appear to be pests but these things must go with success and
exposure to an admiring public. Do what you can to make them
happy and if the situation becomes difficult at a busy time or
when your presence is requested elsewhere, avoid it gracefully
without hurting their feelings and promise that you will attend
to them later or at some other time. Away from the park, if
people approach you in a friendly manner, be polite and
agreeable. On occasion, if any person should attempt to be over
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friendly or obnoxious, extricate yourself from the situation
without being rude or abusive yourself. There is always a way in
which a lady can politely avoid unwanted company or attention.
If you conduct yourself as a lady at all times you will retain
your own self respect and that of others.
7. PUBLIC RELATIONS. Publicity is important to you as a ball
player and highly important to your team and the All American
Girls Baseball League, In the interests of publicizing you as an
individual or your team and league in general, you might be
expected to cooperate with the publicity managers in various
cities or with the newspaper and magazine writers. Don't look
upon this as too much of a chore because it usually brings
pleasing results. If the newsmen and photographers want special
pictures or interviews and articles, do what you can to help
them because in doing so you will help yourself and the future
of girls baseball. Give all the information you can that you
think will be helpful to them and try to give the time that is
necessary and desirable in order that they, in turn, may present
the facts and information in an intelligent manner.
8. Your chaperon is your friend, your counsellor and guide.
She comes into the All American Girls Baseball League with a
specific assignment and she has her job to do in keeping with
her duties and her responsibilities, just as you have your own
job to fill. Be helpful, friendly and cooperative with her and
do not take advantage of her good nature or her desire to be
your friend. She has a direct responsibility to you, to your
family, to the club which employs her and to the League which
she represents. Adhere to the rules and regulations in a manner
that will not reflect upon her. Feel free to go to her with any
of your personal problems and you will all derive a greater
enjoyment and a finer benefit from your association.
9. Accept invitations or decline them with graciousness. You
may have opportunities to attend local functions and whenever it
is in the best interests of the team and league, make every
attempt to cooperate. Choose your new found friends carefully
and well and when you participate in the social life of the
community, always act and behave in good taste. If you are
gracious, lady like, friendly and cooperative, you will have the
opportunity of choosing your own friends. Don't become over
friendly or too forward among new acquaintances or those in the
community who wish to entertain you or you can readily outwear
your welcome. Express your thanks and appreciation for the
kindnesses and hospitality that are extended to you and make
yourself welcome again.
10. In a final summing up, be neat and presentable in your
appearance and dress, be clean and wholesome in appearance, be
polite and considerate in your daily contacts, avoid noisy,
rough and raucous talk and actions and be in all respects a
truly All American girl.
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{Page 11}
There has grown up in our modern civilization, especially in
this country, a false notion of the capacity of women for
physical development. It has been assumed, not only by the
majority of the general public, but by many medical men as well,
that physical training for girls must be confined to
calesthenics, carefully planned out gymnastic movements, and
gymnastic dancing. All of the more vigorous forms of play and
exercise have been looked upon with more or less disapproval.
A careful study of the objections raised to vigorous
activities for girls will show that they are based on two quite
different assumptions, namely, (1) the unalterable physiological
make-up of women which, it is claimed, makes strenuous athletics
undesirable in that it interferes with her greatest
function--child bearing; (2) the delicacy of structure, general
motor inferiority, relative lack of strength, and frailty as
compared with man make the attempting of athletics inadvisable
if not impossible. In connection with this idea goes the fear
that the rougher sports will destroy "femininity?".
As for the physiological characteristics of women, which are
unalterable and which are said to prohibit anything of a
strenuous nature, the simple fact of the existence of these
characteristics does not, when all the evidence is considered
seem to lead to any such conclusion. If woman were
fundamentally, through sex characteristics, unfitted for
muscular exertion, it would have to be shown that in all periods
of civilization she was thus unfitted. That is to say, it would
not be sufficient proof to take as examples women living under a
given set of conditions, and to say that it is their fundamental
sex characteristics which make them unfit for strenuous
exercise. We would have to show first that it was not the living
conditions themselves that had brought about the unfitness.
In summary, we point out that vigorous play taught to girls
during their period of physical supremacy leads to a confidence
in self, a control and coordination of muscle, and a general
energizing of the whole system that can be developed in no other
way quite so well. It alone can develop and store up in the girl
a reserve strength which will stand her in good stead through
the emergencies of her life. Self-preservation may depend on her
ability to run, jump, vault, climb and swim, and the learning of
these things will of necessity develop a strong, vigorous heart
which is ever the foundation of courage and exultation.
The development of leadership, initiative, and
self-confidence in the girls who are to have the tremendously
increased responsibilities of women must carry in another
generation is surely of vast importance. If they can be
encouraged to think, judge, and act on their own responsibility
they gain an asset that should prove of great future value. In
Detroit the girl leaders are surprisingly reliable and
efficient, and with the support of the teacher and the Physical
Education Department, are getting most satisfactory results.
Quoted from "Health by Stunts" by Captain N. H. Pearl, U. S.
Army Athletic Officer, 32nd Div.A.E.F. and Captain H. E. Brown,
U. S. Army Athletic Director, War Dept. Commission of Training
Camp Activities, chapters written by Esther Sherman in charge of
Girls' Athletics.
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