Bobbed Hair & Big Swings: The Philadelphia Bobbies and Women’s Baseball in the 1920s

Before there was Title IX or the AAGPBL, there were barnstorming pioneers—and Philadelphia had some of the boldest. Meet the Philadelphia Bobbies, a team of fiercely talented young women led by the trailblazing Mary O’Gara and starring Edith Houghton, the 10-year-old shortstop who could field circles around grown men.

In this episode, we dive deep into:
💇‍♀️ How bobbed hair became a symbol of rebellion and style on the diamond
🌍 The Bobbies’ jaw-dropping 1925 tour of Japan—yes, across the Pacific!
🥎 How Philly’s women’s teams defied expectations, played with heart, and helped pave the way for generations to come

From games against the New York Bloomer Girls to grueling travel across America and beyond, this is the incredible true story of ambition, athleticism, and audacity.

Episode 4: The Kings of Darby: The Hilldale Club and the 1925 Colored World Series 👑⚾

Step back into the roaring 1920s and discover how the mighty Hilldale Club of Darby, PA, became the kings of Black baseball. From their rise under Ed Bolden’s fierce leadership to their legendary showdown with the Kansas City Monarchs in the 1925 Colored World Series—this episode unpacks the grit, glory, and game-changing legacy of one of the Negro Leagues' most dominant dynasties.

💥 Meet legends like Biz Mackey, Judy Johnson & Louis Santop
📍 Explore the roots of Hilldale Park
📰 Hear how Philly’s Black press covered every historic pitch

🎙️ Ring the Bell: A Journey Through Philadelphia Baseball History

This week, we step back into the Reconstruction Era and onto the field with the Philadelphia Pythians—one of the first all-Black baseball teams in America—and their fearless leader Octavius Catto.

⚾ From forming a pioneering team that challenged segregation…📜 To organizing games against white clubs like the Olympics…💔 To Catto’s tragic assassination on Election Day 1871…

This episode is a tribute to baseball, brotherhood, and bravery in 19th-century Philadelphia. You’ll never look at the game—or the city—the same way again.

Step into the smoke and spirit of the 1880s—a rowdy, roaring era when baseball in Philly was just finding its voice… and its punch.

🍺 Meet the Philadelphia Quakers (you’ll know them later as the Phillies!)
🏟️ Tour from Jefferson Street Grounds to the rickety charm of the Baker Bowl
🍻 Discover why the American Association was nicknamed the "Beer and Whiskey League"
📰 Hear how raucous fans and scandalized newspapers fueled the game
⚔️ Dive into the rivalry between the buttoned-up National League and its brash challenger
⚾ Relive the short, wild ride of the first Philadelphia Athletics team
🎉 And don’t miss our fun closing segment: The Bell Ringer – your fastball of Philly baseball trivia!

📸 Don’t forget to share, tag a baseball buddy, and #RingTheBellPodcast

In Episode 1 RING THE BELL we go all the way back...

We’re talking schoolyard town ball in the 1830s…

The rise of the Athletic Club in 1860 — Philly’s first powerhouse team…

The Philadelphia Pythians, who challenged baseball’s color line before it was even written…

And the Dolly Vardens, one of the earliest all-female teams —

You’ll hear how baseball spread across Philly neighborhoods — from factories to firehouses — and how stadiums like Jefferson Street Grounds brought the game into the modern era.

Plus, don't miss our first BELL RINGER!