Former South Bend Blue Sox player Betsy Jochum turns 103

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Former South Bend Blue Sox player Betsy Jochum turned 103 Thursday as her friends threw a party for her at Southfield Village.

Jochum was an original player for the South Bend Blue Sox, one of four teams that started the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in 1943, founded by Philip K. Wrigley.

The AAGPBL was immortalized in the 1992 film, A League of Their Own.

When asked how it felt to find out she would play professional, Jochum confidently stated, "Nice. Real nice." However, she was not shocked.

The marketing director for The History Museum, Marilyn Thompson, has worked with Jochum and maintained a friendship for many years.

"I've known Betsy for 20 years, and since then our relationships have just continued to be wonderful. Of course, we have our exhibit on the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League at The History Museum. And Betsy has through all those years, she has always been so willing to talk to reporters, or be part of a program, talk to the guests, she was just willing to share her experience. And she was a teacher in the South Bend school system for many years," shared Thompson.

"She was my seventh-grade gym teacher, but we started going to breakfast about 10 years ago. It's amazing how talented she is. She was a real good teacher. Rather strict, but she played golf, has always been active," added Jochum's friend, Diane Gram.

"I remember when The History Museum worked to achieve a historical marker by Playland Park where the South Bend Blue Sox played for a number of years and Betsy was there of course when we dedicated the plaque. And just the proud moment when she was able to say I stood right here and pitched that season or that game," added Thompson.

The party was not complete without Jochum's favorite, chocolate, chocolate cake.

You can learn more about Betsy Jochum and the All-American Girls Professional Baseball league at The History Museum in their exhibit titled, First in Their Field: The Story of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.

The History Museum is the national repository for the AAGPBL. Learn more here.