Rose (Noll) Baker 1922 - 2015
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Inducted 1999 Baseball, Fastball

Rose began playing ball at school and with the Estlin girls team from 1936 to 1939.  Some of her teammates were Betty Meyers, Etta Black, Marnie Runkel, Mona Black, Ila Wellever, Irene and Anne McCrystal. This group played sports days and won their share of games and tournaments at Estlin, Gray, Riceton, Kronau, Milestone, Wilcox and area. Rose played many positions but excelled at pitching.  She had decided she definitely did not want to play catcher! Being a pitcher, she knew how dangerous it was to be behind the plate trying to block those wild fastballs!
 
In 1940 Rose moved into Regina. She played for the CYC (Catholic Youth Council) Team and then the Eiler Vics (coached by her brother, Peter). These teams played in the “Girls Intercity Fastball League” which was made up of teams from Regina and Moose Jaw. They won numerous league, city and provincial championships.
 
In 1947 Rose signed a contract to pitch with the “Chicago Chicks” in the National Girls Softball League. The league consisted of six teams from the area, each having their home park in the greater Chicago area. Rose posted a win percentage of 55.6% in the 18 games she pitched. Contrary to popular belief that pitchers are not good batters, Rose also maintained a respectable batting average. Rose’s contract was $90/week, plus room and board. Rose and her roommate, Louella McLean from Lloydminster SK, were given the apartment that belonged to the team owners, Mr. and Mr. J. Johnson.
 
Following her first season, Rose returned to Regina and in October of that year, married Norman Baker (originally from Gray). The following spring (1948), Rose received a call from Mr. Johnson, the owner of the Chicago Chicks, asking Rose to renew her contract as well as offering her husband a job in Chicago. Rose and Norm chose to remain in Regina.  They were planning a family and made the decision to stay close to home.  This was the end of Rose’s professional career but not the end of her enjoyment of baseball. Rose stayed active in the sport as a supporter and fan for her children and grandchildren. Her love of the game never diminished.