Professional baseball has traditionally been a sport only for men — and from 1887 to 1946 only for white men. Jackie Robinson breaking the color line in major league baseball in 1947 is well-celebrated, but less well known are the efforts women have made to crack the lineup or pitching rotation of America’s pastime. Leslie Heaphy is an Assistant Professor of History at Kent State University, chairs the Society of American Baseball Research Women in Baseball committee, and also sits on SABR’s Latin America and Negro Leagues Committees. She is the author of several books, including: the Encyclopedia of Women in Baseball, Black Baseball and Chicago, and a biography of Satchel Paige. Leslie Heaphy joins 8 O’Clock Buzz host Brian Standing, by phone.