Janet Anderson Perkin, Canadian baseball player and curler (b. 1921)

Janet Margaret Anderson, later known by her married name Janet Perkin, was a remarkable Canadian athlete whose life spanned from November 21, 1921, to March 30, 2012. Hailing from Canada, she left an indelible mark across multiple sports, most notably in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) as a pitcher and outfielder, and later as an accomplished curling skip, achieving national recognition.

Early Life and First Forays into Sport

Born in Montreal, Quebec, Janet was the daughter of Tom and Mary Anderson. Her early years saw her grow up in the prairies of Bethune, Saskatchewan, a province she would later call home for most of her life. Before her athletic career blossomed, Janet pursued a path in education, becoming a teacher. It was during this period that her athletic prowess caught the eye of an AAGPBL scout, leading to a pivotal moment in her life.

A Brief Stint in Professional Baseball: The AAGPBL Years

In the mid-20th century, with many male athletes serving in World War II, the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League emerged as a fascinating cultural phenomenon, offering professional opportunities for talented female baseball players. Janet Anderson was one of 57 Canadian women to join this pioneering league during its twelve-year history. After being signed by a scout, she attended spring training in Pascagoula, Mississippi, ultimately being assigned to the Kenosha Comets for the 1946 season. Playing as both a right-handed pitcher and outfielder, Janet's time in the AAGPBL, while historic, was statistically challenging. She posted a 0–6 record in 10 pitching appearances and maintained a .173 batting average across 36 games. Despite the on-field struggles, her participation cemented her place in a significant chapter of women's sports history, a fact honored decades later.

Life Beyond the Diamond and Family

Following her professional baseball career, Janet transitioned to a different professional path, working for Allied Van Lines moving company. In her personal time, she found enjoyment in bowling. She married Max Perkin, and together they raised two children, Jean and Thomas. Janet's love for team sports continued, as evidenced by her membership in the 1954 Regina Govins softball club, keeping her active in the local sporting community.

Dominance on the Ice: A Curling Legend

It was in the sport of curling, however, that Janet Perkin truly shone as a dominant force. As a long-time resident of Regina, Saskatchewan, she became a revered figure in the curling world, competing under her married name. As a skip – the strategic leader of a curling team – she consistently demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership, guiding her rink to numerous victories. Her crowning achievements include winning the first Western Canadian Ladies' curling championship in 1953, a significant milestone for women's curling in Canada. Her teams also secured three provincial champion titles in Saskatchewan in 1953, 1959, and 1964, solidifying her reputation as one of the province's most successful curlers.

Enduring Legacy and Hall of Fame Recognition

Janet Anderson Perkin's remarkable contributions to Canadian sports did not go unnoticed, earning her a place in multiple prestigious Halls of Fame and other honors. These inductions celebrate her diverse athletic talents:

• Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1998, acknowledging her role in the AAGPBL.
• Saskatchewan Curling Association Hall of Fame: Honored in 2004 for her unparalleled success on the ice.
• Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame: Recognized in 2005 specifically for her curling accomplishments.
• Regina Sports Hall of Fame: Inducted in 2008 for her contributions to softball and other local sports.

Further accolades include a life membership in the Saskatchewan Ladies Curling Association in 1992, highlighting her long-standing impact on the sport. In 2004, her groundbreaking 1953 championship team was named to the Saskatchewan Legends of Curling Honour Roll. Perhaps one of the most significant recognitions for her baseball career came in 1988 when she became part of "Women in Baseball," a permanent display at the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. This display was unveiled to collectively honor all the trailblazing athletes of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, ensuring that the legacy of players like Janet Anderson Perkin would live on.

Janet Anderson Perkin passed away in Regina, Saskatchewan, on March 30, 2012, at the age of 90, leaving behind a legacy of athleticism, leadership, and pioneering spirit across Canadian sports.

Frequently Asked Questions about Janet Anderson Perkin

Who was Janet Anderson Perkin?

Janet Anderson Perkin was a Canadian multi-sport athlete, famous for playing in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) and later becoming a celebrated curling champion and skip in Saskatchewan.

What was her role in the AAGPBL?

She played as a right-handed pitcher and outfielder for the Kenosha Comets during the 1946 season, making her one of the pioneering Canadian women in professional baseball.

What were her major achievements in curling?

As a skip, Janet Perkin led her teams to win the first Western Canadian Ladies' curling championship in 1953 and three Saskatchewan provincial champion titles in 1953, 1959, and 1964.

Which Halls of Fame is Janet Anderson Perkin a member of?

She was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame (1998), Saskatchewan Curling Association Hall of Fame (2004), Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame (2005), and the Regina Sports Hall of Fame (2008).

How is she remembered in baseball history?

Her contribution to the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League is permanently recognized in the "Women in Baseball" display at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York.