Helen Walulik, American baseball player (b. 1929)

Born Helen Walulik on May 3, 1929, in Plainfield, New Jersey, this talented athlete, later known as Helen Walulik Kiely, left an indelible mark on sports history, particularly through her time in the pioneering All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL). She was a versatile presence on the diamond, listed at 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m) and 121 lb, batting and throwing right-handed. Helen was one of seven children born to Polish immigrants, Michael and Veronica Walulik, who instilled in her a strong work ethic and spirit.

Helen’s athletic prowess was evident early on. She graduated from Plainfield High School in 1947, where she was a standout in both basketball and softball for three years, earning the prestigious title of "Best Female Athlete" for her graduating class. Beyond school, she honed her skills playing with local teams like the Plainfield Bobby Sockers and the Perth Amboy Cardinalettes, laying the groundwork for her professional career.

A Star in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League

The post-war era saw Helen Walulik step onto the professional stage, joining the celebrated AAGPBL in 1948. This league, initially formed during World War II to fill ballparks left empty by men serving overseas, became a cultural phenomenon, offering women a rare opportunity to play professional baseball and captivating the nation. Nicknamed "Hensky" by her teammates, Helen quickly demonstrated her adaptability. She began her AAGPBL journey with the Muskegon Lassies, playing briefly before a midseason move to the Fort Wayne Daisies. Here, her contributions were significant, helping the Daisies secure a spot in the 1948 playoffs.

While primarily an outfielder, Walulik was the quintessential utility player, ready to step in wherever needed. She proved her worth as a spot starter and long reliever from the pitcher's mound, and was also adept at second base. During her 1948 season with the Daisies, she posted a 2–6 record with a respectable 3.07 earned run average over 91 innings. A memorable moment from that year was her only career home run, a thrilling inside-the-park dash against the Kenosha Comets. Life as a professional athlete in those days wasn't always glamorous; during the off-season, Helen worked at the Diehl Manufacturing Company in New Jersey, as her playing salary alone was not sufficient for year-round living.

Her journey through the league continued with a stint in 1949, where she was allocated to the Chicago Colleens rookie training team. This allocation was designed to further refine her skills and enhance her professional quality. Her final season in the AAGPBL came in 1950, when she joined the Kalamazoo Lassies midway through the year.

Life Beyond the Diamond

Following her baseball career, Helen Walulik continued to embrace athletics, playing basketball for the New York Covergirls during the 1950s. In 1953, she married Edmund J. Kiely, and together they built a family, raising three children: Karen, Jill, and Robert. Her professional life took a turn into the medical field, where she dedicated 22 years to Ethicon Inc. as a quality assurance technician before retiring in 1992.

A cherished grandmother of five, Helen remained active in her later years, volunteering at the Rochester Senior Center in Massachusetts, where she had moved from Lebanon Township, New Jersey, to Rochester, Minnesota, in 2005.

Enduring Legacy and Recognition

Helen Walulik Kiely's significant contributions to women's baseball received lasting recognition in 1988. She became a part of "Women in Baseball," a permanent exhibit at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York. This esteemed display was unveiled to honor the entire All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, ensuring that the legacy of players like Helen would be remembered for generations to come. Helen Walulik Kiely passed away on March 6, 2012, in Rochester, Massachusetts, at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy of athleticism, versatility, and pioneering spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Helen Walulik Kiely

Who was Helen Walulik Kiely?

Helen Walulik Kiely was an American professional baseball player who played as a pitcher and utility player (outfield/infield) in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) during the late 1940s and early 1950s.

When did she play in the AAGPBL?

She played in the AAGPBL for two seasons, from 1948 to 1950 (with a year in a rookie training team in between).

What teams did Helen Walulik play for?

During her time in the AAGPBL, she played for the Muskegon Lassies, Fort Wayne Daisies, and Kalamazoo Lassies. She also spent time with the Chicago Colleens rookie training team.

What positions did "Hensky" play?

Helen, known as "Hensky" to her teammates, was a highly versatile utility player. She primarily played as an outfielder but also served as a pitcher (spot starter and long reliever) and second baseman.

What was her most notable achievement in the AAGPBL?

Beyond her versatile play, a highlight of her career was hitting an inside-the-park home run against the Kenosha Comets in 1948 while playing for the Fort Wayne Daisies.

How is Helen Walulik Kiely remembered today?

Her legacy is honored as part of the "Women in Baseball" permanent display at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York, which recognizes the pioneering contributions of all players in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League.