Since the 1992 release of the Penny Marshall-directed comedy/drama A League of Their Own, the visibility of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League has exploded. Star vehicles for Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, Rosie O'Donnell, Madonna, Lori Petty and more, the film has grossed more than $132 million worldwide, telling the story of the league's founding and, with some creative license, many of its players.

Of course the success of the film shed light on the real players, many of whom were still with us and have become visible celebrities in their own right. After leaving their AAGBPL days behind them, many of its players appeared at card shows and reunions, signing autographs and telling stories of their time together. Collectors eagerly picked up signed cards, memorabilia, and even props from the film, signed by one, two, five, or sometimes a dozen different players.

Presented here is what we feel is the ultimate AAGBPL-related memorabilia item: a Rockford Peaches jersey with the Columbia Pictures "Official Cast and Crew Merchandise" tag for A League of Their Own - signed by an incredible 126 members of the league. Signatures include Dottie Kamenshek (the inspiration for Geena Davis' "Dottie Hinson" character), Alice "Lefty" Hohlmayer (a member of the Women's Hall of Fame and part of the Women in Baseball display at the Baseball Hall of Fame), Pepper Davis (co-writer of the official AAGBPL song popularized in the film), Jayne Bittner (first woman inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and part of the Baseball Hall of Fame exhibit), Ruth Richard (also featured in the Hall of Fame exhibit), Dottie Ferguson Key (member of the National Women's Baseball Hall of Fame), Marge Wenzell (featured in the Hall of Fame exhibit), and Joyce Hill Westerman (in the segment at the end of the film, also part of the Hall of Fame exhibit). All these women are gone now, but their legacies, like the legacy of the AAGBPL, will not be forgotten, as they blazed a path in women's sports and inspired thousands.

The jersey appears in outstanding condition but has been stitched to a backing board and matted, as it appears in the image in our auction and catalog. Previously framed, the entire piece measures approximately 43" x 39". While the matte and backing board have taken some wear, the jersey itself appears new. Unbuttoning the front buttons reveals the logo for A League of Their Own has been embroidered on the reverse, likely also in outstanding shape. The size of this piece will require an extra shipping charge, though it is not particularly heavy or fragile. The stitching that affixes the piece to the backing board is simple, clear thread, affixed only in spots around the edges and on the back, and could be removed without damaging the jersey with a steady hand and some patience. Full LOA from James Spence Authentication.