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Landis Voids 17-Year-Old Pitcher’s Contract for “Women”

8/29/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Jackie Mitchell, a 17-year-old pitcher, struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in a 1931 exhibition.
The strikeouts occurred before 4,000 spectators in Tennessee during a Yankees-Lookouts game.
Lookouts president Joe Engel staged the stunt to increase attendance amid the Great Depression.
Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis voided Mitchell’s contract, claiming baseball was too physical for women.

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Story summary

Jackie Mitchell, a 17-year-old pitcher, struck out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig in a 1931 exhibition.
The strikeouts occurred before 4,000 spectators in Tennessee during a Yankees-Lookouts game.
Lookouts president Joe Engel staged the stunt to increase attendance amid the Great Depression.
Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis voided Mitchell’s contract, claiming baseball was too physical for women.