All-American Girls Professional Baseball League ®
| Team | Position | Uniform # |
|---|---|---|
| 1943 Kenosha Comets | Third Base | 20 |
| 1944 Kenosha Comets | Third base, Catcher & Outfield | 13 |
| 1945 Kenosha Comets | Catcher | 13 |
| 1946 Kenosha Comets | Catcher | 13 |
| 1947 Peoria Redwings | Outfield | 14 |
Ann was the first player to sign a contract to play in the new girls' professional League and then helped in getting other players to sign. She also helped in designing the tunic style uniform adopted by the League. Ann began her professional career as a third baseman. In 1945 and '46, she played primarily as a catcher. In 1947 she moved to the outfield. She played in the Chicago League in 1949. Ann was also quite a whiz at badminton and basketball. After her playing days, Ann became a Nun.
Mass for Sister Mary Ann Harnett, 55, a former professional athlete, was offered at our Lady Help of Christians Church in Chicago, IL. Sister Mary Ann was the daughter of the late Daniel and Mary Jane Harnett (nee Dignan.)
Sister Harnett, of Our Lady Help of Christians Convent, 851 N. Leamington, Chicago died in St. Anne’s Hospital September 10, 1974. Her birth date was not given, but if she was 55 in 1974, she would have been born sometime in 1919.
A professional athlete since she was 16, she was the first player signed to, and she helped organize the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in 1943. She also played on various other softball and basketball teams.
Sister Mary Ann became a nun in 1954 and taught at various Catholic schools, including Our Lady Help of Christians School, which was her most recent teaching assignment.
Survivors included two brothers and a sister.
Sister Mary Ann’s funeral was held September 14, 1974 and interment was at Mt. Carmel Catholic Cemetery in Hillside, IL. Attendance at Mass was preferred to contributions of flowers.
Author: Unknown
Contributed By: Merrie Fidler
Copyright: Adapted from Chicago Daily News, 9/12/1974 p. 65 & 9/13/1974 p. 10, via newspapers.com.