Guide to the Margaret “Marge” Russo Collection, c. 1950-1954

This collection contains items relating to Margaret Russo. Materials include letters, telegrams, and photographs; three scrapbooks containing league contracts, newspaper clippings, letters, cards, and photographs; two baseballs belonging to the 1952 Battle Creek Belles, one signed by team players. The biographical sketch of Russo is largely derived from her player profile on the AAGPBL database. Margaret “Marge” Russo Jones was a third baseman and shortstop for the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) from 1950-1954. In the AAGPBL online database, and on her player card, she is referred to as Maggie Russo. Born in September 1931 to James and Mary Russo, Russo Jones grew up in Milton, New York. She went on to work as a teacher for the Marlboro, NY School District. She married Fred Jones of Salisbury Center, NY. She played for the Peoria Redwings of Peoria, Illinois (1950-51), the Battle Creek Belles of Battle Creek, Michigan (1952), the Muskegon Belles of Muskegon, Michigan (1953), and the Rockford Peaches of Rockford, Illinois (1954). 1954 was Russo Jones’ best season at bat with ten home runs, including a record three in one game, and a career-high batting average of .313. In that same year she was selected for the league’s All-Star team. She died at home at age 74 on June 27, 2006