Dorothy Kovalchick
Dorothy Kovalchick (later Roark; December 31, 1925 – June 10, 2020) was an American All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player. Kovalchick batted and threw right handed. She was born in Sagamore, Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, the daughter of John and Anna (née Lucas) Kovalchick.[1][2]
Dorothy Kovalchick | |||
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All-American Girls Professional Baseball League | |||
Centerfielder / Third base | |||
Born: Sagamore, Pennsylvania | December 31, 1925|||
Died: June 10, 2020 94) West Monroe, Louisiana | (aged|||
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Teams | |||
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Career highlights and awards | |||
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According to All-American Girls Professional Baseball League data, Kovalchick made appearances at center field and third base for the Fort Wayne Daisies club during its 1945 inaugural season.[1][3] After her baseball career ended, she moved to West Monroe, Louisiana, where she began a new career in real estate, opening Century 21–Dorothy Roark.[4]
Predeceased by her husband, Earl Christopher Roark, Dorothy died on June 10, 2020, aged 94. She was survived by survived by her daughter, two stepchildren, three grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, seven step-great-grandchildren, one step-great-great grandchild, and a brother.[4]
The All-American Girls Professional Baseball League folded in 1954, but there is now a permanent display at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum at Cooperstown, New York since November 5, 1988 that honors those who were part of this unique experience. Kovalchick is included at the display/exhibit.[5]
Sources
- "Dorothy Roark – Profile". All-American Girls Professional Baseball League. Retrieved 2019-05-31.
- University of Louisiana at Monroe News, 'Renowal female baseball player Dorothy Kovalchick Roark to speak on March 28 at ULM,' March 23, 2012
- Madden, W.C. All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Record Book (2000). McFarland & Company; ISBN 978-0-7864-0597-8
- "Dorothy Kovalchick Roark". kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com. Retrieved June 19, 2020.
- Before A League of Their Own. Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum; retrieved September 5, 2016.