Jean Faut, a pioneer in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, passed away on Tuesday.
Faut was a four-time All-Star, two-time Player of the Year and the only professional pitcher to toss two perfect games in her career.
The AAFPBL announced her passing on Tuesday.
It is with a heavy heart to report that #AAGPBL star pitcher Jean Faut, passed away this morning. She was 98 years old. Jean was a 2x Player of the Year, 4x All-Star, and the only pro pitcher (either male or female) to toss two perfect games in a career. pic.twitter.com/A8W6iGJbZq
— AAGPBL Official (@AAGPBL) March 1, 2023
The early days of throwing stones in the streets of her East Greenville, Pa., town turned her into a pitcher who had a curveball that was feared by many. The rocks she threw at the telephone poles helped her learn to master the control of her pitches.
Faut was invited to AAGPBL’s Spring Training in 1946 and would start her career at third base before ultimately switching to pitcher.
It obviously worked out in her favor.
She was the all-time leader with a 1.23 ERA and in addition to her two perfecto’s (only five in the history of the league), she tossed two no-hitters.
The AAGPBL was formed prior to the 1943 season during World War II to keep baseball going while men went off to serve. The popular movie, “A League of Their Own,” was depicted based on the league.
“My talent came from God and I loved the game,” Faut told Sports Illustrated back in 2015. “And I just had a tremendous team behind me.”
She was 98 years old.