IWPS Association

The International Women’s Professional Softball Association (IWPSA) was founded in 1976 by former LPGA Tour member Janie Blaylock, softball legend Joan Joyce and tennis icon Billie Jean King. The original league featured 10 teams from cities across the nation, including the Connecticut Falcons, Buffalo Breskis, Chicago Ravens, Michigan Travelers and Pennsylvania Liberties in the Eastern Division. The Western Division consisted of the San Diego Sandpipers, San Jose Sunbirds, Santa Ana Lionettes, Southern California Gems and the Phoenix/Arizona Bird. The Bird started out as the Phoenix Bird then changed their name to the Arizona Bird midway through the season. The St. Louis Hummers joined the league in 1977 along with the Bakersfield Aggies. The other two expansion teams were the Edmonton Snowbirds and the New York Golden Apples. In the IWPSA’s first season, each team played a 120 game schedule that featured 60 double headers. Player contracts ranged from $1,000 to $5,000 per year. The fledgling association survived four seasons before lack of funds, high travel costs and inadequate facilities ultimately led to its demise.

More information about the league, see below.

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