Lois stated that making the League at age 27 as a rookie, was the fulfilllment of a lifelong dream.  She played in 32 games with Grand Rapids and received a contract for the 1951 season but was unable to play due to family commitments.

 Lois said her most memorable play was before she joined the league.  She was playing in a softball league in New Jersey and pulled off an unassisted  triple play, which was another experience of a lifetime.

Barker, Lois "Tommie" (4/4/1923 - 2/14/2018)
By Mary Lou Applegate
Lois "Tommie" Barker, 94, of Chester, NJ a former Professional Baseball Player died on Wednesday February 14, 2018 in Morristown Hospital, Morristown, NJ. 

She was born in Dover, NJ April 4, 1923 the daughter of the late Harry and Nora (Simons) Barker and lived in Long Valley and then Chester. 

Tommie was a graduate of Roxbury High School, class of 1941 and was a member of the National Honor Society. 

She was employed by Simmonds Precision (Co-operative Industries) for forty years retiring in 1990.

Tommie was a member of the All American Girls Professional Baseball League and played Right Field and Third Base for the 1950 Grand Rapids, Michigan "Chicks." And also played fast pitch softball for several area teams. 

She was recognized with a "Women in Baseball" exhibit in the Baseball Hall of Fame, Cooperstown, NY on November 5, 1988. 

She is survived by several nieces and nephews. 

Calling hours were held Monday, February 19, 2018 from 12:00 noon until 1:45 p.m. followed by a brief service in the Coughlin Funeral Home 15 Academy Street Califon, NJ 07830. Interment was Private. 

Memorial donations can be made to the Chester Fire Company 86 Main St, Chester, NJ.

Submitted on: 02/17/2018