Wigiser, Margaret

Wigiser was a centerfielder in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, reenacted by the film A League of Their Own in 1992. Margaret was considered something of a slugger due to her big swing and home run record and after her playing days, she became active in New York City public school sports. The city's PSAL (Public School Athletic League) annually awards the Margaret Wigiser Award to the Outstanding Female student-athlete.

Birth and Death Dates:
unknown

Career Highlights:
Born in Brooklyn to Hungarian Jewish immigrants, Wigiser attended Seward Park High School, where she received the Underhill Certificate as an outstanding athlete. She then began to play professional baseball in the AAGPBL at the age of 20 for the Minneapolis Millerettes in 1944. The team finished dead last with a 23-36 record in the first half of the season and a 22-36 record in the second for an overall record of 45-72. That year Wigiser hit the longest home run ever hit in Rockford Park. The dinger so impressed the Rockford Peaches that they picked up her contract when the Millerettes folded at the end of the season.

In 1945, Margaret helped the Peaches to the championship as they enjoyed a 67-43 season. The hard hitting outfielder averaged .249 for the year with eight doubles, two triples and two home runs. In 1946 Wigiser played out her final year at Rockford, in which they placed fourth (60-52).

After retiring, Wigiser received a B.A. and M.A. (she began studying at Hunter College before her playing days ended) and continued to be active in athletics. A physical education teacher in New York City, she was the city's high school sports director from 1969-1982 and helped pace the way for additional funding of girls sports. Wingiser is a member of the Hunter College Hall of Fame, the Hunter College Alumni Association, and the New York City PSAL (Public School Athletic League) Athletic Association.

Career Dates:
Wigiser played for the Minneapolis Millerettes, 1944, and the Rockford Peaches, 1945-46.

Position:
Centerfielder

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