Hall of Famer Sheldon visits South Bend History Museum Wednesday

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- On Wednesday, the South Bend History Museum hosted National Women's Baseball Hall of Famer Carol Sheldon, who was inducted into the National Women's Baseball Hall of Fame in 2003.

"I love this city. I think it's a really cool city. I wish I lived a little closer. I'd be here more often," Sheldon said.

"You know, it's a neat college town that's got such history in that. So I love anything history. So, yeah, no, I love coming back to South Bend."

During her speech, Sheldon discussed the history of women in baseball including her own time playing baseball for teams such as the Lansing Stars, Detroit Danger, Motown Magic, and the South Bend Blue Sox.

"A lot of people talk about following your dreams, but you've got to work hard," said Sheldon.

"You can't just dream it to happen. You've got to put the work in, the sweat in, in order to make things happen."

She also told a few stories about South Bend Blue Sox player Betsy "Sockum" Jochum and reflected on her life and legacy.

After the speech, attendees were able to browse the exhibit on the All American Girls Professional Baseball League and light refreshments were provided.

"For a long time, it was forgotten, and it's something that needs to be told. Penny Marshall felt that it needed to be told well enough that she produced a movie about it," Sheldon said in reference to A League of Their Own.

"But history is important to us, and we need to keep it real on the history and not let any of our history die, whether it's a positive point of history or a negative part of history. We learn from our mistakes as a country and as a person."

Sheldon said she still plays ball to this day.