* Lest we forget: Judge Sylvia Pressler

February 17, 2010 · 4 comments

The jurist who opened the door for girls to play Little League baseball, died Feb. 16 at the age of 75.

From the NY Times obituary by Bruce Weber (author of As They See ‘Em):

…she was best known for her decision in the Little League case, which she made before she was elevated to the bench. This was in 1973, when discrimination cases in New Jersey were heard by the Division of Civil Rights before government-appointed examiners, of which Sylvia Pressler, then a lawyer, was one.

The previous year, a 12-year-old girl, Maria Pepe, had played three games for a Hoboken Little League team before national Little League officials learned of her participation and threatened to revoke the local league’s charter if she continued to play. The National Organization for Women brought suit on behalf of the girl and all others in New Jersey. Ms. Pressler’s ruling in favor of them was upheld by the New Jersey Appellate Court, and in 1974 Little League Baseball agreed to allow girls to play on its teams and to start a softball division especially for girls.

“The institution of Little League is as American as the hot dog and apple pie,” she wrote in her ruling. “There is no reason why that part of Americana should be withheld from girls.”

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1 Joe Magennis February 18, 2010 at 5:54 pm: Thanks for posting this Ron .. I would have missed this story otherwise. She is an important person to remember for her brave decision, which touched the lives of some many people. Judge Pressler surely is responsible for expanding an appreciation of the game in those that might not otherwise have been able to play. Thanks for remembering her.
2 Joe Magennis February 18, 2010 at 12:54 pm: Thanks for posting this Ron .. I would have missed this story otherwise. She is an important person to remember for her brave decision, which touched the lives of some many people. Judge Pressler surely is responsible for expanding an appreciation of the game in those that might not otherwise have been able to play. Thanks for remembering her.
3 ronkaplan February 19, 2010 at 2:59 pm: Just giving credit where credit is due. Pressler is one of those unheralded people whose contributions to society have long-lasting implications.
4 ronkaplan February 19, 2010 at 9:59 am: Just giving credit where credit is due. Pressler is one of those unheralded people whose contributions to society have long-lasting implications.