Sports define Marion. In the early 1920s, she would rather play ball with the boys in her backyard cow pasture than with dolls. Between family duties, it is there that she hones her batting and fielding skills. In 1936, upon graduation from Malden High School, she earns a spot as first baseman for the women's professional softball team: The Boston Olympets, who, during World War II, played in the Boston Garden and other arenas against rivals throughout New England and Canada. These ladies might be considered the "dream team" of women, some of whose lives and plays at the plate were later portrayed in the movie A League of Their Own by Rosie O'Donnell, Madonna, and Geena Davis. Fate and Uncle Sam intervened for Marion, however, and she was unable to become one of those Racine Belles. Glory and fame seemed lost forever-or so it would seem. Time has passed and new opponents have come to challenge her. At war with illness-cancer, broken bones, and congestive heart failure-she has persevered, sporting her characteristic positive attitude. Now is her time; she has earned her glory, and, at 90+ years, Marion remains In A League of Her Own.
