Rockford Public Library to host book launch party with celebrated women’s baseball player Maybelle Blair

By Kevin Haas
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — All-American Girls Professional Baseball League legend Maybelle Blair will return to the city Friday for a Rockford Public Library event celebrating the release of a new biography about the 98-year-old sports trailblazer.

“All the Way: The Life of Baseball Trailblazer Maybelle Blair” is a new book detailing the former Peoria Redwings pitcher’s life. It’s authored by Kat Williams, who is the CEO of the International Women’s Baseball Center, which is bringing its museum to Rockford. Blair is a California native who played in the Redwings’ 1948 season, including competing at Beyer Stadium against the Rockford Peaches.

The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the library’s Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St.

The event begins with a conversation between Williams and Blair about her experiences in the league and the 1992 classic film “A League of Their Own.” She’ll also discuss her time playing at Beyer Stadium. Following the discussion is a reception and book signing.

“We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome both Kat Williams and Maybelle Blair to Rockford for this special event,” said Lynn Stainbrook, Director of Rockford Public Library. “Maybelle’s connection to our city’s baseball heritage makes this launch particularly meaningful to our community.”

Blair is a frequent guest in Rockford, including her appearance in 2022 for the debut at the Coronado Theatre of the “A League of Their Own” series on Prime Video. She was also invited to make the first ceremonial pull of the slots on opening day at Hard Rock Casino Rockford, and has been a part of other events centered on women’s baseball.

Entrance into Friday’s event is free, and books are available for purchase.

This article is by Kevin Haas. Email him at khaas@rockrivercurrent.com or follow him on X at @KevinMHaas or Instagram @thekevinhaas and Threads @thekevinhaas