Ladies Champion Base Ball Club, c. 1911

1911. turn of the century Championship Women's Baseball Team Photo Postcard. "The Western Bloomer Girls-Ladies Champion Base Ball Club-Watervliet, Mich." Vintage photo-illustrated postcard of the girls baseball team. No date, c. 1911. Eleven uniformed girls pose for a team photograph. 3.5 x 5.5 inches. The Western Bloomer Girls were founded in 1911 by Maud Nelson, a renowned pitcher in her own right. "Bloomer Girl" baseball teams of women were formed starting in the 1890s, taking their name from Amelia Bloomer who designed loose fitting trousers that women wore while playing sports. Bloomer Girls teams rarely played each other, but traveled across America, challenging local, amateur, and minor league men's teams. Bloomer Girls were disciplined sportswomen and frequently won games, with their solid skills and competitive spirits. Interestingly, these "Boomer Girl" teams were integrated when it came to gender; while most of the players were women, each roster had at least one male player. In this image, two male players pose in the second row. Verso is blank, with space for message and address. Light crease to bottom left corner. In very good condition.