Constance “Connie” Enola Morgan (1935-1995) was an American professional baseball player who played in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) from 1954 to 1958. She was one of the few African American players in the league and played as a shortstop and outfielder.
Morgan was born on November 29, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She grew up playing baseball and softball, and in 1954, she was scouted by the AAGPBL. The AAGPBL was a women’s professional baseball league that was founded during World War II, and it operated from 1943 to 1954. The league was known for its high level of play, and many of the players were recruited from college and amateur teams.
Morgan was signed by the South Bend Blue Sox, and she made her debut with the team in 1954. She played as a shortstop and outfielder and was known for her speed and athleticism. Morgan played for the Blue Sox for four seasons, and she was a key player on the team. She helped lead the Blue Sox to the league championship in 1954 and was named an All-Star in 1955 and 1957.
Morgan faced discrimination and racism during her time in the league. She was one of the few African American players in the AAGPBL, and she was often subjected to racist taunts and slurs from fans and opposing players. Despite these challenges, Morgan remained focused on her game and was a respected player among her teammates and coaches.
After retiring from baseball, Morgan worked as a nurse for many years. She was also active in her community and worked to promote equality and justice for African Americans. She passed away on March 20, 1995.
Morgan’s legacy as a pioneer in women’s baseball has been recognized in recent years. In 2021, she was posthumously inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame as part of the AAGPBL Players Association. Her story has also been featured in books and documentaries about the AAGPBL, and she is remembered as a trailblazer who broke down barriers for women and African American athletes.