Making My Pitch

April 1, 2017

The story of Ila Jane Borders (b. 1975), the first woman to win a men's college baseball game and a pioneer for women in professional baseball, has faded into history. Twenty years ago, she signed a minor league contract with an independent men's baseball team, proving herself in the clubhouse as well as on the pitcher's mound. While we are still waiting for the first woman to appear on a major league roster, Borders made meaningful progress, maintaining her poise and sense of humor, despite teammates and fans who wanted to test her resolve, even enduring stalkers and death threats. A difficult childhood and struggles with her sexual orientation gave her the inner fortitude to endure the isolation of being far from home in an often hostile environment, and her personal history, as chronicled here with the help of Ardell (Breaking into Baseball), is related with painful honesty. Borders's conversational style and intriguing life story make this title a winner for both public and academic libraries. VERDICT An inspiring and important account, told with grace and self-awareness that will appeal to baseball and sports fans along with readers interested in LGBTQ memoirs.--Janet Davis, Darien P.L., CT

Copyright 2017 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from December 1, 2017

Borders made history in the 1990s when she became the first woman to pitch and win an entire college men's baseball game, and she set records again when she pitched and won a professional league game for the St. Paul Saints. Though her memorabilia is celebrated in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY, she faced adversity, intimidation, and harassment during most of her baseball career. While some of Borders's coaches and teammates were supportive, her internal struggle only increased as she hid her sexual orientation at a Christian high school and college. Even at the professional level, she tried to maintain her image as the "perfect" Christian athlete who focused only on baseball. Thoroughly readable and engaging, this inspiring autobiography deserves a spot on all sports shelves and, with Title IX in the news lately, serves as a timely memoir about gender equity in sports. VERDICT A must-purchase for all high schools.-Sarah Hill, Lake Land College, Mattoon, IL

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from March 15, 2017
Beginning in middle school, Ila Borders played on all-male teams and was the first woman to receive a baseball scholarship to college, where she continued shattering gender barriers as a left-handed pitcher. In 1988, she became the first female pitcher to win a professional men's baseball game. Her resume included playing for the St. Paul Saints, Duluth-Superior Dukes, Madison Black Wolf, and Zion Pioneerzz. Besides being a fascinating sports story, this is also a moving biography of a closeted gay athlete pursuing her dreams while struggling with her own identity. Her faith as a Christian helped her navigate the insurmountable challenges. Borders endures taunts from the stands ( Go home, you don't belong here ) that switched to requests for autographed baseballs when her prowess became obvious. Cowritten with noted baseball writer Ardell (Breaking into Baseball, 2005), this is a welcome contribution to women's sports biographies. Baseball fans will enjoy the behind-the-scenes details of life in the minors and numerous game highlights; gay athletes will connect to her struggles. A worthy companion to Jennifer Ring's A Game of Their Own (2015) and an important addition to baseball-history and LGBTQ collections.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)