Description
Book Synopsis“Dot Wilkinson is
the greatest female catcher ever to play softball. A bold, pioneering athlete, she refused to let others define her and instead defined herself. Her story is an inspiration to people everywhere.” —
Billie Jean King, Sports Icon and Champion for Equality It’s not simply that Dot is one of the most decorated women’s softball players, bowlers, and athletes of all time and the only living original player from the three-time-world-champion PBSW Phoenix Ramblers softball team (1933–1965). Nor is it the length of her time here on Earth—a century and counting—although any of these things by themselves would be impressive.
The magic of Dot’s story is in the details. It’s the tale of a childhood spent in poverty, an indomitable, unbreakable spirit, a determination to be the very best to play whatever sport she undertook, the independence to live her personal life on her own terms, and her tremendous success at all of it.
Over more than a decade of countless conversations and interviews, Dot has shared all of it with her dear friend, author Lynn Ames. Dot has held nothing back.
Out at the Plate, told through the lens of Dot and Lynn’s friendship, is the story of a forgotten era in women’s history and sports, and one extraordinary woman’s place at the center of it all.
Trade Review“Lynn Ames has not only penned a true story but has become part of it.
Out at the Plate is a rich tale on so many levels, but most of all, it is
the definitive love story between the great Dot Wilkinson and the game of softball.” —
Linda Wells, former Olympic & NCAA Division I softball coach and professional player “
Dot Wilkinson is an absolute treasure. As
Out at the Plate attests, she has lived and continues to live her life on her terms, crushing every challenge encountered along the way. Whether as a two-sport hall of fame athlete, life partner, or friend, Dot has supported, encouraged, and inspired generations of women, and continues to do so as she celebrates 100 years of her journey.” —
Nona Lee, former executive vice president and chief legal officer, Arizona Diamondbacks
Table of ContentsAuthor’s Note
Part One: Pre-Game Warm-Ups
1. Meeting Dot for the First Time
2. Dot & Eyes on the Stars
3. Dot & Ricki
4. Ricki Home, A League of Our Own, T-Day
5. Ricki’s Death & the Next Chapter
Part Two: Spring Training
6. Dot on Her Own for the Very First Time
7. Dot’s Parents’ Journey
8. Dot & Babe
Part Three: The Natural
9. Dot Finds a Mentor in Ford
10. The Early Years of Softball
11. The High School Years
Part Four: Hitting Her Stride
12. Coming into Her Own
13. The 1940 World Softball Championships
14. The War Years
Part Five: At the Top of Her Game
15. Keeping Her Eye on the Ball
16. We Are the Champions
17. Three and Out
Part Six: Rounding Third
18. The Winds of Change Are Blowing
19. The Pain of Loss
Part Seven: Heading for Home
20. Turning the Page
Part Eight: Extra Innings
21. Basking in the Afterglow
22. Adjusting to Life After Softball
23. Promises Kept
Acknowledgments
About the Author
