Saskatchewan baseball stars remembered in Heritage Minute
CBC
A small town in south-central Saskatchewan was transformed into the American Midwest for production this week on a new Heritage Minute featuring two of the province's baseball stars.
The film, produced in Ogema, Sask., features Regina's Mary "Bonnie" Baker, an all-star back catcher in the All American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). She is well-known for being the inspiration for Geena Davis' character Dottie Hinson in the 1992 film A League of their Own.
The film also features Ogema native and Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame inductee Arleene Johnson Noga.
More than 100 Ogema locals are featured as extras in the film.
"It's definitely great to have this film production happening in town here. We're really excited to see our town portrayed in this light," said Kyle Leonard, chair of the Ogema Regional Park Authority.
He said a lot of work goes into preserving historical facilities like the grandstand at the Ogema ball diamond, which was built in the '20s.
"Just to see it showcased and, you know, portrayed in this way goes to say a lot to the people who spent the time to keep it."
During the Second World War, female baseball leagues were formed to maintain interest in the sport after the men's teams were dismantled.
In 1943, when the AAGPBL was formed, Baker started as a back catcher for the South Bend Blue Sox and in 1950, when she joined the Kalamazoo Lassies, she became the only player to ever hold the position of both player and manager.
"It's iconic," said director Anita Ayres, adding that Baker's legacy will inspire future generations.
"It really was a big breakthrough moment when this woman showed up on the scene," Ayres said.
"Really it was the beginning of professional sports for women. So I think that's the legacy … I think it was a breakthrough moment for women."
Production talks began in November. Ayres said it took a while to decide which moments in Baker's life to select for only a 60-second short film.
"She was in the league for 10 years." said Ayres. "So we're just trying to find the right moments to show that career. "
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