story from smithsonian
It was a publicity stunt.
Born Virne Beatrice Mitchell on August 29, 1913, Jackie Mitchell, was taught to pitch by family neighbor Dazzy Vance. At 17 she joined the Chattanooga Lookouts, a Class AA minor-league team.
The Lookouts scheduled two exhibition games against the Yankees as the major leaguers traveled north from spring training. A week before their arrival, Mitchell signed what’s believed to be one of the first professional baseball contracts given to a woman. After starter Clyde Barfoot, surrendered a double and a single, Mitchell was called up to pitch to Babe Ruth
The Lookouts’ new president, Joe Engel, was a showman and promoter whose many stunts included trading a player for a turkey, which was cooked and served to sportswriters.
Mitchell was called in after the starting pitcher allowed two hits
“First up was Ruth, who tipped his hat at the girl on the mound “and assumed an easy batting stance,” a reporter wrote. Mitchell went into her motion, winding her left arm “as if she were turning a coffee grinder.” She threw her trademark sinker; Ruth “swung and missed the ball by a foot.” He asked the umpire to inspect the ball after missing the next pitch. The next pitch caught the outside corner for a called strike three. Ruth threw his bat and stormed into the dugout.
Gehrig struck out
.Mitchell walked Tony Lazzeri and was pulled
.Was it all staged?
Good on you--you looked him right in the eye.