In the world of sports, there are countless stories of individuals who have defied the odds and broken barriers. Among these trailblazers is Toni Stone, a woman who not only shattered the glass ceiling in baseball but also challenged the deeply ingrained stereotypes of her time.
Born Marcenia Lyle Stone, Toni’s love for baseball was evident from a young age. At just 15, she began playing with the St. Paul Giants, a men’s semiprofessional team. Despite the constant taunts and discrimination she faced, Toni remained undeterred. Her passion for the game and her unwavering determination propelled her forward, even in the face of adversity. When Coach Gabby Street, an admitted racist and KKK member, tried to turn her away from his baseball drills, Toni persisted until he relented and allowed her to show her skills. She outshone all the white boys at the camp, and Street had no choice but to let her join.
In 1953, Toni made history by becoming the first woman to play professional baseball as a regular in a major men’s professional league. She took over Hank Aaron’s second baseman position in the Negro American League’s Indianapolis Clowns, showcasing her incredible talent and skill. With the ability to run 100 yards in 11 seconds and a batting average of .243, Toni proved that gender had no bearing on one’s ability to excel in sports.
Throughout her career, Toni faced numerous obstacles and challenges. She was often taunted by teammates, with one even telling her, “Go home and fix your husband some biscuits.” However, Toni remained focused on her goals and continued to break barriers. During an exhibition game in 1953, she hit a single off a fastball pitch delivered by the legendary player Satchel Paige, cementing her place in baseball history.
Toni’s journey was not without personal sacrifices. She married Aurelious Alberga, a man forty years her senior who did not want her playing baseball. Despite the pressure to conform to societal expectations, Toni refused to give up her highest goals. “A woman has her dreams, too,” she once said. “When you finish high school, they tell a boy to go out and see the world. What do they tell a girl? They tell her to go next door and marry the boy that their families picked for her. It wasn’t right. A woman can do many things.”
Toni’s career spanned decades, a testament to her unwavering passion and determination. Even after retiring from professional baseball in 1955, she continued to play on multiple recreational teams in the Bay Area well into her 60s. Toni’s love for the game was so strong that even when her husband asked her to give up “sandlot ball” at the age of 65, she reluctantly hung up her cleats for good.
Toni’s legacy extends far beyond the baseball diamond. She challenged the notion that women could not compete alongside men and paved the way for future generations of female athletes. In 1993, Toni was inducted into the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame, a testament to her groundbreaking achievements and the impact she had on the world of sports.
Today, Toni’s story continues to inspire and empower women everywhere. Her inclusion in the video game ‘MLB: The Show ’24’ serves as a reminder of her incredible journey and the barriers she broke. As we celebrate Toni Stone’s life and legacy, let us remember the words she once spoke: “I’m out there to play the game and I’m sure I can take the knocks as well as anyone else.” May we all have the courage to pursue our dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem, and may we have the strength to stand up for ourselves and our passions, just as Toni did throughout her remarkable life.
Mandy Nachampassack-Maloney 