Lou Gehrig, teen pitcher Jackie Mitchell, Lookouts President Joe Engel and Babe Ruth talk in this file photo.(First of two parts)
Mo’ne Davis, a 13-year-old eighth-grader, recently made national headlines – and the cover of Sports Illustrated – for her outstanding performance pitching in the 2014 Little League World Series.
Eighty-three years ago, another female pitcher created nationwide controversy when she signed a contract to play baseball with the Chattanooga Lookouts. Jackie Mitchell, 18, was the second woman in history signed to play professional baseball. If that wasn’t enough, on her first trip to the mound, she struck out two of the greatest ball players of all time, Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
Jackie was already known locally for her athletic ability, especially on the diamond. In 1930 she traveled throughout the area with the all-girls Engelettes, often playing against men. During one such outing against a semi-pro team from Copperhill, Jackie struck out nine men in seven innings.
The news that Lookouts President Joe Engel had signed Mitchell to a contract sparked a media frenzy. The media frenzy grew to a firestorm when it was learned that Mitchell’s rookie outing would take place against Babe Ruth and the New York Yankees. The Lookouts were scheduled to face the three-time World Series champions in an exhibition game at Engel Stadium on April 1.