In 1934, Girls Were Players Too at the first-ever All-Australian Women’s Champs
Long before the All American Girls Professional Baseball League catapulted women’s baseball into popular culture in the 1940s, and before the first modern-era Australian National Championships began in 1999, women’s baseball leagues were building momentum down under.
So let’s wind the clock back 91 years to 1934 and to the first-ever All-Australian Women’s Baseball Association Interstate Series held in Sydney.
Newspaper clipping from 1933
Women’s Baseball Takes Off in the Great Depression
The 1930s were tough times with the Great Depression hitting Aussies hard. Sport became the go-to escape, with legends like Phar Lap and Don Bradman stealing the limelight. And it wasn’t just the blokes—women were flocking to baseball diamonds in record numbers.
NSW led the way, setting up Australia’s first women’s baseball association in 1931—one of the world’s earliest, by the way!
The 1933 Interstate Teams.
Big Brands Bring Big Buzz
Sydney’s 1931 season got a serious glow-up thanks to major backers like David Jones, Arnott’s and Nestle.
Packed crowds of 4000 turned out to cheer the women on at the Sydney Domain, and soon enough, Queensland and Victoria joined the party with their own leagues.
By 1933, interstate comps were a thing, and the newly minted All-Australian Women’s Baseball Association went full steam ahead with national tournaments featuring the best players from each state.
Women’s baseball got a lot of press in the 1930s!
Sydney Turns Up for the Inaugural Championships
The 1934 series was a proper event. Held at Sydney University Square from April 17-19, it kicked off with a fancy reception at Town Hall hosted by the Lord Mayor and Mayoress.
Over six days, players were treated like rockstars, attending dinners and dances alongside Sydney’s upper crust.
Treated like rockstars!
Drip Fit Clothing: Style in the Diamond Spotlight
Uniform game was anything but boring back in 1934. Victoria brought major schoolgirl vibes with royal blue tunics, white blouses, ties, and bare legs—no stockings for them.
Meanwhile, Queensland turned heads in crisp white shirts, visors, knickerbockers, and socks, proudly flaunting their maroon badge across the chest.
And then there was NSW, rocking the closest thing to a baseball power suit with collared jerseys boldly stitched with "NSW," paired with knicker pants, baseball socks, and baggy blue caps channeling cricket’s iconic baggy green. From maroon patches to bold blues, these teams weren't just playing—they were repping state pride with serious flair.
1934 Victorian Team
1934 Queensland Team
1934 NSW team
Results: NSW Baggy Blues Dominate the Champs
NSW not only looked the part but backed it up with their skills on the field, clinching the championship title. They bested both Victoria and Queensland with ease, led by their star flamethrower pitcher Mollie Flaherty.
A true force on the diamond, Flaherty later represented Australia in cricket, earning her place as the country’s first fast bowler. NSW’s baggy blues weren’t just uniforms—they were symbols of victory, solidifying their spot as the team to beat in the inaugural interstate series.
1934 Captains
Stars of the Diamond
At the end of the comp, selectors pulled together a dream team featuring NSW captain Kath Drennan and Mollie Flaherty as lead pitcher. Victoria’s Joan Lewis and Gwen Hornabrook dazzled with their speed on the basepaths, and Donna Kulick flew the flag for Queensland as the lone rep.
They even played a one-off exhibition match, but the Metropolis squad couldn’t handle the heat from the All-Aussie team.
Action at Sydney University.
The All-Australian Women’s Baseball Championships kept rolling until 1940, but 1934 will always have a special place in Aussie women’s baseball hearts.
Thank you
A HUGE Thank you to Tanith Harley for all the photos and historical information.
Want to hear more about the history of Australian Women’s Baseball, listen to my podcast chat with her via the link below.
