Irene Kerwin

Helen Irene Kerwin (November 3, 1925 – November 29, 2023) was an All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player. Listed at 5' 7", 130 lb., she batted and threw right handed. She was dubbed 'Pepper' by her teammates.

Background Born in Peoria, Illinois, Irene Kerwin only played during one season in the All American League for her home team in 1949. As a result, the Pekin Lettes softball team sponsored by Caterpillar was a huge success in Peoria, as they won several Illinois State Championships over the course of many seasons and entertained crowds, while averaging over 5,000 fans per game.

All-American League When Kerwin was 24, she was approached by an All American League scout after a tournament. She signed a contract in 1949 that led her hometown team, the Peoria Redwings. She was used sparingly as a backup catcher and at first base while appearing in 27 games with the Redwings, who finished last in the eight-team league. At the field, she recorded 166 putouts with seven assists and turned six double plays, while committing six errors in 179 total chances for a combined .966 fielding average. She then rejected the offer and signed a contract to play in the National Girls Baseball League of Chicago for four years instead. She received her degree in 1953 and played a few more years of softball for the Caterpillar Pekin Lettes.