More than 50 years later, former team members still credit their time playing for the BPW Hoosiers with lifelong lessons and lasting friendships. Under the leadership of Letty Walter and the Business and Professional Women’s Club, the team developed important life skills and broke gender and racial barriers. Former players still gather regularly to share memories and honor their team's legacy.
“The experiences I had as a member of the team were some of the most important lessons of my life…The teamwork we learned, the skills we developed, how to be good winners and how to accept and learn from occasional defeat were all useful life skills.” -Sarah Riley, in a 2007 letter to Letty Walter
Mary is in the middle row, fifth from the left
Breaking Racial Barriers
Mary Taylor Alexander joined the BPW Hoosiers in the 1960s. Described as a woman of many talents, she was a pitcher, a catcher, and a great hitter. She was also the only Black player in the league during a time when most sports were still segregated.
When the BPW Hoosiers traveled to Cincinnati for a tournament, a hotel manager refused Mary service because of her race. Letty threatened to cancel the team's rooms unless Mary could stay. Another team waiting to check in threatened to cancel their rooms as well. The hotel manager gave in. Mary and the teams stayed while learning a valuable lesson in what it means to stand up for equality.
