Marcenia “Toni” Lyle Stone was born in 1921 in West Virginia. She grew up to be the first woman to play professional baseball full-time for the Indianapolis Clowns, in the previously all-male Negro Leagues.
The cast of Toni Stone photo by Michael Brosilow.
As a youngster, Stone loved baseball. Softball was just too slow for the skilled athlete. Stone was also reported to be good at football, basketball, track and swimming, which earned her the “tomboy” nickname. Through her teens Stone played baseball wherever she could, including on barnstorming teams.
The cast of Toni Stone photo by Michael Brosilow.
In the spring of 1946 Stone signed with the San Francisco Sea Lions of the West Coast Negro Baseball Association. Although she made history as the first woman in the Negro Leagues, it was a rough situation. She wasn’t welcomed by all, and the travel was hard. After discovering she was paid less than her male teammates, she moved to the New Orleans Creoles. She also played for the Indianapolis Clowns and Kansas City Monarchs before retiring after the 1954 season.
The cast of Toni Stone photo by Michael Brosilow.
Called “one of the best players you have never heard of,” Stone was included in two exhibits at the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990. She is also in the Women’s Sports Hall of Fame and the International Women’s Sports Hall of Fame. Her latest tribute is Toni Stone, a fantastic production at Milwaukee Repertory Theater.
Kedren Spencer and Sekou Laidlow photo by Michael Brosilow.
This is a story of love, equality, history and baseball. Kedren Spencer is fantastic as Stone. She captures Stone’s spirit, passion and frustrations. Also, because of an athletic background, Spencer is completely believable as a baseball player.
Kedren Spencer photo by Michael Brosilow.
Toni Stone, by Lydia R. Diamond and directed by Tinashe Kajese-Bolden, runs through Jan. 30 at Quadracci Powerhouse. Because of all Stone represents, the audience included men, women, all races and baseball fans, cheering and tearing at the performance. I hope the run gets extended or maybe even comes to Chicago. A lot of my baseball friends here would love Toni Stone.
— John Wroblewski, online writer
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jan 3, 2025Taste of Thompson Chef Series Debuts at Thompson Denver
Part of Hyatt, Thompson Hotels rolled out a delicious way to discover the star chefs at their properties: A Taste of Thompson Chef Series, a brand-new content franchise celebrating the personal culinary journey of each featured chef.
Sponsored Content
Sailing the Ionian Sea: Explore Greece’s Nautical Gems
Sailing the Ionian Sea is an enchanting way to experience Greece's breathtaking islands and pristine waters. Known for its favorable winds, calm seas and stunning landscapes, the Ionian Sea offers a paradise for both experienced sailors and those looking to explore for the first time. From lively beaches to secluded bays, these waters have something for every traveler seeking adventure and relaxation.
Daily
Jan 3, 2025AmaWaterways Celebrates Wave Season with Complimentary Land Promotions
AmaWaterways celebrates wave season with an exciting opportunity for guests. Guests booking a new reservation through March 31 on select European sailings may extend their itinerary with a complimentary two-, three- or four-night land offer, available for pre- or post-cruise.
Daily
Jan 3, 2025What’s New in Scotland in 2025
New attractions, hotels, events and celebrations are in store this year throughout Scotland, making 2025 the best year to visit this beautiful country.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands
Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.
Daily
Jan 2, 2025Paul Cezanne’s Family Home, Studio to Open in Aix-en-Provence, France
The presence of painter Paul Cezanne in his hometown of Aix-en-Provence, France, is expressed through a network of exceptional sites where he lived. It is a unique journey offering visitors a full perspective on his life and his art.
Romantic Getaway Destinations in Tenerife
Daily
Jan 2, 2025Corinthia Brussels Opens in Belgium
Daily
Jan 1, 2025Daily
Dec 31, 2024New Attractions and Openings in California for 2025
California invites travelers to visit in 2025 and experience exciting new attractions, openings and events taking place throughout the state.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.
December 2024
Dec 31, 2024Food Lovers Flock to Nashville for Creative Cuisine
Nashville’s reputation as a top-flight music destination is well-deserved: Not only can you find live music somewhere in the city 365 days a year, but honky-tonks that line Broadway in downtown Nashville launched the careers of Dierks Bentley, Gretchen Wilson, Blake Shelton, and even Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.
ShareThis