Answer: The Philadelphia Bobbies

Though professional women's baseball in Philadelphia dates back to 1867 with the founding of the Dolly Vardens, the Philadelphia Bobbies were formed in 1922. Their name was derived from the popular "bob" hairstyle of the time. Among their star players was Edith Houghton (born 1912) who played shortstop and was just 10 years old when she joined the team. She and her teammates embarked on a tour across America challenging various men's teams. In 1925, the team traveled to Japan to play, a unique opportunity for a women's baseball team. The Bobbies played for about a decade.

Baseball remained a part of Houghton's life after her time with the Bobbies. She played for other teams and pitched for a navy team as part of the WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) during World War II.  In 1946, the Philadelphia Phillies hired her as the sport's first female scout. Later in life, Houghton resided in Sarasota, Florida. A devoted Phillies fan, she passed away in 2013.

HSP’s library contains several books on the history of baseball, including Proceedings from Philadelphia’s Baseball History (call number GV 863.P4 P5 1990) and Base Ball in Philadelphia: A History of the Early Game, 1831-1900 (call number UPA/Ph GV 863 .P372 S55 2006).  More images of baseball players, both men and women, can be found in the Philadelphia Record photograph morgue (Collection V07)